Vaughan Stevens II…Grand Rapids, MI

By Doug D. Sims

In Grand Rapids, Michigan, where grit meets creativity and culture often hides in plain sight, photographer Vaughan Stevens II of VS2 Photography is capturing more than images—he’s capturing stories, legacies, and the soul of the city. His journey began not in a classroom or studio, but at home, with his mother.

“I was just subconsciously taking photos of her,” Vaughan recalls. “Just documenting things without even realizing how much it meant. And once she gave me her blessing… then passed… it became something I had to do. First for her. Then it became for me.”

That moment of personal loss sparked a passion that’s been burning for the past five years. Yet, in a world that often overlooks Black creators, Vaughan remains grounded and driven. What keeps him inspired isn’t fame or validation—it’s community. “The cast that’s younger than me,” he says. “Being able to inspire them, help them, put them on game. Teaching them what I’ve learned from photographers like Rich P, Doug Sims—folks who poured into me.”

Vaughan doesn’t just consider himself a photographer; he sees himself as a city creator. “It’s a responsibility,” he says. “Every shot I take, I have to put my best foot forward. I know I might have to work harder to get into certain spaces, to be seen or respected. But I’m committed to learning, evolving, and pushing myself to be the best I can be.”

His work reflects a range of emotion, energy, and intention. “My personality shows through the lens,” he explains. “I might see something before it even happens, and that’s what I aim to capture. Whether it’s a birthday, a portrait, or a sports shot—I’m not just snapping a picture. I’m telling a story.”

That story is told in warm tones, bold contrast, and signature wide shots. “People call me the ‘wide shot guy,’” he laughs. “I like to give you the whole picture, not just the subject. You’ll see the context, the environment—the feeling.”

Still, Vaughan admits he’s chasing that photo—the one that gives him chills. “I haven’t taken it yet,” he says. “I’ve got a scrapbook of my work, but there’s no cover image. Nothing’s hit me like that. That’s what keeps me shooting.”

For him, black and white photography isn’t a style—it’s a feeling. “Sometimes a color photo just doesn’t sit right. But when I switch it to black and white, it clicks. I can’t explain it. It just feels right every time.”

When it comes to favorite places to shoot, Vaughan lights up. “Downtown Grand Rapids. The lines, the textures, the shadows in the alleyways. Every block is inspiration. I can walk a few steps and find five different backdrops. I could shoot there all day.”

And while gear plays its part, Vaughan values the lens of perspective more than any piece of equipment. Still, he has his go-to. “That Tamron 35–150mm f/2.0–2.8 is my workhorse. I can shoot anything with it. But that 85mm? Man, that’s my favorite. You already know.”

Photography for Vaughan isn’t just visual—it’s personal, political, and spiritual. He remembers showing up to photograph the George Floyd protest in Grand Rapids, camera in hand. But the moment overwhelmed him. “I just got caught up in the energy, the emotion. I forgot I even had my camera. That day wasn’t about a shot—it was about being present.”

When asked what people need to see about Black life in West Michigan, Vaughan doesn’t hesitate. “There’s so much art here. In people’s spirits, their creativity, their brilliance. Folks like Eugene Wilborn, Doug Sims—they’re out here showing what excellence looks like. I just want people to see us as artists. As valuable.”

Despite five years in the game, Vaughan is humble. “Yeah, I’ve been overlooked. But it’s not my job to crown myself. My job is to get better. Be consistent. Be teachable. It’s not about being better than anyone else—it’s about being better than I was last week.”

If his camera could talk, Vaughan imagines it would smile. “It’s seen a lot of joy. Especially from people who swore they didn’t like to smile. It’s taken me into rooms I never thought I’d be in. It’s given me confidence when I didn’t have it myself.”

Looking ahead, Vaughan hopes his legacy is built on belief—both in self and in others. “Believe in yourself. But also take the time to believe in someone coming behind you. Pour into them. Teach them. That’s how we grow.”

For the young Black photographers coming up in Grand Rapids, his advice is simple: “Just keep shooting. Find yourself in every frame. You don’t need the best gear. You just need heart.”

And if he could give anything back to the community that raised him?

“Experience. Wisdom. Awareness. I bought a lot of gear I didn’t need when I started out. So now, I just want to help someone else avoid that. You don’t have to have everything to create something great. You just have to begin.”

And Vaughan Stevens II is still just getting started.