Steve Haining is an internationally acclaimed visual artist, renowned for breaking the Guinness World Record for the Deepest Underwater Portrait Photo-shoot and becoming the first person in history to capture a model portrait series beyond the no-decompression limits of scuba diving. With a remarkable portfolio that spans photography, cinematography, and directing for both television and feature films, Steve has garnered numerous accolades for his groundbreaking and imaginative work.
Steve’s career began over a decade ago, quickly establishing him as a prominent figure in photography before moving into film production. His early work saw him collaborating with top rock bands and performing artists, capturing iconic album covers and promotional material while touring the world. His impressive portfolio led to partnerships with major record labels such as Universal Music and BMI, as well as influential television networks like MTV and Much Music.
By 2015, Steve had become a globally recognized name, with hundreds of his images printed in prestigious publications worldwide. This visibility sparked interest from some of the world’s most recognized brands, leading to a transition into high-profile commercial work. Steve’s creative vision resulted in major advertising campaigns for industry leaders like Toyota Fujifilm and Tim Hortons. His photography has graced the pages of GQ Magazine and the cover of Canadian Fashion Magazine and IANTD Nitrox Magazine. With a career marked by both artistic innovation and commercial success, Steve Haining continues to redefine the visual arts, leaving an indelible impact on the industry.
In his free time Steve Haining is dedicated giving back. he has been teaching photography and filmmaking as a form of self-expression and mental health support. He has led workshops in over fifty remote First Nations and Inuit communities, as well as in maximum-security youth prisons, alternative schools. These workshops have taken place in Canada, the USA, Iceland, and Barbados.
In 2015, Haining transitioned into cinematography and film production founding CreateOf inc, while quickly gaining recognition for his unique visuals in TV commercials, music videos, and ads. This success led him to pursue film making, where he has excelled as a director, producer, and cinematographer in documentaries, TV shows, and genre films. His debut documentary, The Long Ride Home, won over a dozen major awards, including “Best Feature Documentary” and “Best Director.” Both films secured distribution deals on major streaming platforms. His horror film, Lianne, premieres on Amazon Prime Video and has gained the accolades of the independent horror occult fans across the UK.
If the awards and accolades in film production and photography weren’t enough, Haining has also shown commercial success in the music industry. He has been a judge multiple times for the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences(JUNO Awards) and plays drums for the Billboard and MediaBase charting rock band Living Dead Girl. A band whos music has been in rotation on over 80 syndicated rock radio stations in the USA and in regular rotation on SiriusXM Octane. He has performed to thousands at the biggest festivals in Canada and the USA including Rockfest, Upheaval, EDBD, & NXNE.
This year, Haining and CreateOf are wrapping two feature length documentaries that already have streaming and distribution deals while simultaneously working on a television series pilot, as well he is completing his next gallery series, continuing to raise the bar in both photography and film making.
CreateOf
In 2015, after 6 years in the industry working for major ad agencies Haining launched his own company “CreateOf.” Specializing in portraiture and advertising photography The brand quickly built a strong reputation. After its first year it CreateOf was not only making strides in photography but was branching into film production in a big way. With Haining directing and doing cinematography for TV pilots, commercials and short films he decided to bring on a small production team to take on even bigger projects,
Since its first year in the industry CreateOf has racked in dozens of awards internationally for its professional and creative work including the 40 Under Forty! In 2019 Haining and his team tackled its first feature film, which itself received awards from all over the world including “Best Cinematography” “Best Film VIRGIN Cinefest” & “Best Documentary.” It is now streaming on AppleTV, AMAZON, Cineplex and more!
Giving Back
When Steve isn't working to develop creative and help his clients he is often found helping out on non profit and charity work. Mainly work that helps youth and supports an creative life for youth. Aside from outreach in some of Canadas maximum security youth prisons he works closely with inPath and the Cree School board in northern Canada Taking over arts programs in school teaching photography, story telling and video production. He also has made many trips to Cuba over the years with "Amigo Skate" helping bring sporting equipment and footwear to active youth in the northern parts of the country. Beyond that Haining is an active volunteer with the "F-Cancer" team with the media of events that help youth who have been affected by cancer both directly and indirectly. Steve also is a supporter and builder for a new project called "Meet Me In Africa" which since 2014 has been privately supporting a small orphanage in Tanzania Africa!
If you want to get to know Steve out side of his professional setting take a look at some of the behind the scenes videos below showing some of the volunteer projects and out takes from working abroad.