Singer-turned-photographer Steven Ramphal creates “Hollywood-style” studio experience in Guyana

Setbacks can sometimes lead to the greatest comebacks in life. For Steven Ramphal, who is widely known in Guyana as a singer, this statement strongly reflects his life journey. A major setback became a defining turning point after he left his formal job and ventured into photography, eventually establishing his brand-new state-of-the-art studio.
The space, located at SR Photography Studio in South Annandale, East Coast Demerara (ECD), offers a comfortable and immersive experience for clients. Known primarily as a singer, he revealed that his journey into photography began in 2017 after he lost his job. Faced with this setback, he decided to explore photography, drawing inspiration from his wife, who owned a camera that had been lying unused.
Today, he credits that single camera as the foundation of what would eventually become a fully developed studio. Like a child fiddling with a new toy, he explored every component of the device, gradually taking on freelance work as he developed his skills. Over time, he balanced both music and photography, eventually establishing a brand under the name Steven Ramhal Photography.
In 2018, he rebranded the business to SR Photography, marking a new phase in his professional journey. He later expanded into video production, moving from covering small events to high-end assignments, including public events and weddings. Speaking with the Guyana Times, he explained the step-by-step process of his growth which saw various transitions.

“In terms of the background, in 2017 I started photography, but last year we decided that we wanted to build a studio, so I started investing in it. Prior to that, about five years ago, I began training in studio photography concepts, learning different lighting techniques and how the camera works in a studio environment. Eventually, we moved forward and built an entire studio.” However, he noted that this studio stands apart from others in Guyana, as it is designed to offer more than just traditional photography services.
According to him, the concept moves away from the conventional use of simple backdrops and basic lighting setups and instead focuses on creating fully immersive, realistic environments that transform the entire client experience.
“The studio is not just a photography studio. It is an experience where we incorporate digital photography and AI (artificial intelligence) technology into our work. We wanted to give Guyanese people a different feel of what a studio is like. Compared to traditional studios with backdrops, stands, and printed scenes, we wanted to move away from that. Instead, we aimed to create a more realistic experience where each setup feels 100 per cent real, as though you are stepping into a fully built environment.” When asked about his decision to incorporate AI technology, he explained.
“That is exactly what I wanted to do. I wanted a totally different feel. AI setups are not something many studios are doing, so I wanted to make a difference with that. If possible, I would have shown you in a video call so you could better understand what I am trying to portray. That way, when writing the piece, you would have a clearer understanding of my vision.” He explained that everything on set is designed to appear fully realistic, from lighting and carpets to chairs and plants, ensuring an immersive experience comparable to a Hollywood movie set.
According to him, the aim is to create an environment where clients immediately feel a sense of calm and comfort upon entering. He further emphasised that customer service remains a priority, noting that the studio aims to uphold a professional standard in all client interactions, from booking to direct communication. He also highlighted that, in addition to in-house setups, clients will have the opportunity to recreate concepts they have seen online. If a client admires a particular photo or setup, the team will work to replicate it as closely and realistically as possible.
“We want to bring a sense of professionalism and high-end work at an affordable cost. We do not want to break people’s pockets just to get a shoot. Every year, and throughout the year, we will be offering mini sessions – short, 15-minute shoots with a set number of photos at an affordable rate. We want everyone, from the rich to the poor and the middle class, to have the opportunity to use the studio,” he stated.
He revealed that the studio will soon expand its services to include professional video shoots. Musicians, artists, and models will be able to use the space at a cost to create high-quality video content. He explained that the studio will be fully equipped with lighting setups, effects machines, and props, allowing videographers and photographers to focus solely on their craft.
“All they have to do is walk with a camera,” he said, adding that all necessary equipment will already be available on site. Early on in his photography career he realised a very simplistic formula was being used in the industry. By seeing this norm, he tried his utmost to swerve away, curving out an original style of photography of his own. He further noted that his vision was influenced by international standards he observed abroad.
“What I noticed in this industry is that most studios in Guyana operate in a very traditional way – backdrops, props in front, and basic lighting. There is no studio where you can get realistic Hollywood-style setups like you see in Florida, Miami, India, or England. I wanted to bring that kind of environment here, something different that gives people a true studio experience.”
Interested persons can contact Steven Ramphal for his affordable services at +592 618-8820 or Facebook at Steven Ramphal (SR Photography).