A Life of Art, Photography, and Activism

Steven Lyon’s life is a testament to creativity, transformation, and purpose. Starting his career as a top model in the 1980s and 1990s, Lyon worked with some of the biggest designers and photographers in the world. Discovered by Andy Warhol on Sunset Boulevard, Lyon quickly became the face of iconic fashion houses like Versace, Jean Paul Gaultier, Cerruti, and Trussardi to name a few. Yet, his artistic talents extended far beyond the modeling world. Today, Lyon is an acclaimed photographer, filmmaker, and activist whose work bridges the realms of art, storytelling, and social impact.

Steven Lyon’s discovery reads like a Hollywood story. While walking down Sunset Boulevard, he caught the attention of one of Andy Warhol’s associates, who invited him to meet the legendary artist. The next day, Warhol photographed Lyon by the pool—a moment that launched Lyon’s modeling career. From there, he became one of the most recognizable faces in fashion, gracing the runways and campaigns for some of the most prestigious designers in the world.

Though Lyon enjoyed a successful modeling career, he always had deeper creative aspirations. After attending a few acting school in Hollywood, he had some good success as an actor, however, after a writers strike interrupted his early Hollywood career, he made the bold decision to return to Paris—and never looked back.

His time in Paris wasn’t just about fashion; it was also a period of creative evolution. Lyon discovered his love for photography, purchasing a Nikon F4 film camera in Singapore, on a trip to Bali. He began photographing his girlfriends, many of whom were famous models, which marked the beginning of his journey behind the camera. “It started as a hobby, but I quickly realized that photography was where I could truly express myself, It gave me control over the vision and allowed me to tell my own stories.”

Lyon’s photography style is a direct reflection of his passion for storytelling and cinematic influences. He is known for his use of chiaroscuro lighting, a technique borrowed from film noir and German Expressionism, where the play of light and shadow creates dramatic, emotionally charged images. His subjects, often captured in moments of intimacy or tension, are framed with precision, evoking the feeling of a still from a classic film.

What of the many things that sets Lyon apart is his dedication to shooting on film, despite the industry’s shift to digital photography. “Film forces you to slow down. It makes you intentional with every shot. There’s a depth and richness to film that you can’t replicate digitally.” His commitment to the tactile experience of film photography is evident not only in the way he shoots but also in how he handles post-production. He personally oversees every stage of development, editing, and printing. “Nobody touches my images but me,” he states. Lyon works with master printers, including a platinum printer in the UK and a silver gelatin printer in New York, ensuring that each print meets his exacting standards. His work while bing sold to collectors is never sold as a digital print medium. He states; “Why would I … I shoot on film.” He sells only analogue hand printed masters.

His upcoming book, Artist of Light, has been years in the making and reflects his obsession with detail. The book, showcasing his mastery of lighting and film, is an homage to the analog processes that shaped his work. “I’ve spent over four years on this book, rescanning negatives, retouching prints, and making sure every image is perfect. It’s a reflection of my life’s work,”

While Lyon is celebrated for his fashion and portrait photography, his true passion lies in his advocacy for wildlife conservation. His introduction to Africa’s breathtaking wildlife marked a turning point in his career. “Going to Africa was always a dream for me, and when I finally went, I felt an instant connection,” His early experiences photographing endangered species, particularly rhinos, opened his eyes to the harsh realities of poaching and the illegal wildlife trade. This experience ignited a personal mission to use his art to raise awareness and fight for conservation.

In 2013, Lyon founded Lyonheartlove, a nonprofit organization that supports wildlife conservation and other global causes. Through this organization, he began working on his feature-length documentary, A Journey That Matters (originally titled Something That Matters). The film, which has been over a decade in the making, documents Lyon’s journey through Africa as he uncovers the devastating impact of poaching on rhino populations and explores the corruption and economic forces driving the crisis.

For Lyon, the documentary is deeply personal. A powerful encounter with a rhino in the African bush stands out as a moment of profound connection. “I was sitting six feet away from this incredible animal, and our eyes locked. It was a meeting of minds, tragically, that same rhino was killed by poachers just days later. That was a defining moment for me, It solidified why I’m making this documentary. This is more than just a film—it’s a call to action.”

Lyon logged over 1,000 kilometers on foot across Africa over 3 months while filming A Journey That Matters, capturing not only the beauty of endangered species but also the heart-wrenching devastation caused by poaching. The film highlights the complex socio-political and economic factors contributing to the crisis, emphasizing the urgency of global action.

Steven Lyon’s work is defined by his ability to move seamlessly between different creative fields. From modeling to acting, photography, directing, and activism, he embodies the spirit of a true Renaissance man. His art reflects the world’s beauty and brutality in equal measure, often confronting difficult subjects head-on, whether it’s the poaching crisis or the ravages of war. This ethos is also evident in his recent series The Freedom Drop, a collection of art pieces created to raise funds for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Despite his many creative pursuits, Lyon remains rooted in his belief that art should provoke thought and inspire change. “I create for those who embrace deep emotions and critical thinking. My work is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about connecting with people on a deeper visceral level.”

As he continues to push boundaries with his photography and film work, Steven Lyon’s artistic journey is far from over. His commitment to using his talents for a greater cause is a constant thread in everything he does. “As long as I have something to say, I’ll keep creating,”

For more information on Lyon’s documentary, A Journey that Matters and how one can help, visit: www.lyonheartlove.org.

More of his work and information on how to purchase prints. www.stevenlyon.com

IG: Steven_lyon

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