Behind 85Focal
An architectural eye. A personal perspective.
I’m Steevenson Jean Louis, a New York–based photographer and the person behind 85Focal. Working across digital, film, and instant photography, I explore people, places, and the quiet details that give a moment its character.
My background in architecture shapes the way I see. I notice lines, light, shadows, and the relationship between a person and the space around them. Whether I’m photographing a portrait or an empty street, I’m drawn to images that carry a sense of atmosphere and leave room for a story.
How it started
Photography began with helping a friend on a photoshoot. When I took on a shoot myself, I realized how much thought and feeling could go into making a single image. That curiosity became a self-taught practice, built through experimenting, observing, and picking up the camera again.
Photography gives me a reason to slow down. From the click of the shutter to the rhythm of rewinding film, I enjoy the process as much as the photograph. It helps me notice things I might otherwise walk past.
Why 85Focal
The name comes from my connection to the 85mm lens. It lets me stay close enough to feel present while giving the person in front of my camera room to be themselves. That balance reflects how I like to work: attentive, intentional, and open to the unexpected.
What draws me in
My personal work often explores solitude, individuality, and the relationship between people and their surroundings. A lone figure, a quiet expression, or light falling across a wall can become the starting point for an image.
That same attention carries into my portraits and commissioned work. I bring a cinematic sensibility while making space for personality, movement, and moments that happen naturally.
Let’s create something together
Have a portrait session, creative concept, or collaboration in mind? I’d love to hear your ideas.
Based in New York. Available for portraits, studio and natural-light sessions, behind-the-scenes photography, and creative collaborations.