In our bi-weekly photographer interview series called SmugMug Corner, we have the opportunity to learn a little more about a variety of photographers, as well as browse through some of their favourite photographs. This Friday we chat with Stephen K Lee - a 26-year-old photographer from Toronto, Ontario, Canada - who specialises in people photography. Check out his great interview and enjoy browsing through the 16 photographs that accompany the interview below.

Name: Stephen K Lee
Websites: stephenklee.smugmug.com & www.stephenklee.com

Tell us a little about yourself.

My name is Stephen Lee. I'm 26 years old and I live in Toronto. I just started my photography business and am lucky enough to be able to make a living from it.

What is your background/training in photography?

None! Although I do have a degree in film production.

How long has photography been a passion for you? When, where and how did it start?

To be honest - since June 2009. I mean, cameras have always been a part of my life. I was given my first SLR from my dad back when I was 7 years old. I tried forever to get a picture out of it, only to learn many years later that he had only given it to me because it was broken. He had a good laugh, but I still had a good time with it and eventually moved on to a working camera and spent all of high school taking snapshots. After graduation, I put photography on hold and went to New York to study film production. After just one year, I made a hasty retreat to Canada after realizing the crippling cost of a 4 year American post-secondary education. For the next eight years, I didn't even so much as touch a camera, instead focusing all my energy on making movies. In 2009, after working for a few years in the film industry, I suddenly picked up a camera again. It felt different this time. I didn't want to just take snapshots. I wanted to make images. Immediately, I knew this was what I wanted to do, so I waved goodbye to my job and started my own photography business. Been doing it ever since.

What equipment is in your camera bag? What piece of equipment will be added to the collection next?

Currently, I'm shooting with a Nikon D3s, a 50mm f/1.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, and a 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II. I love using off camera strobes. I wouldn't be able to live without my SB-900, SB-600 and all of my light modifying toys. In the future, I hope to add a few more speedlights as well as the 14-24mm f/2.8 and a couple more primes.

What are your favorite places/subjects to photograph? Why?

Judging by these photos, you'd probably conclude that I'm a bit of a narcissist, but in reality I hate being in front of the camera. Most of what you see here is from my "Project 365" where I try to shoot one photo per day and I usually happen to be the only subject around. What I love most, is shooting people, so if anyone from the Toronto area wants to model for me, I still have about 220 days left in the project!

Who are your biggest photographic influences? Why? What about their work influences your work?

SmugMug and flickr users are some of the most talented people on Earth. I often spend hours just admiring everyone's creativity. However, the people that inspire me the most aren't famous photographers - they're the people closest to me: my family and friends. They're an endless supply of stories, ideas and inspiration and they do it for free!

How long have you been Smug with your photographs? What features do you most enjoy with your SmugMug account?

I signed up in July 2009 and plan to stay until they shut it down! Have you checked out the communities? I've been a part of DailyPhotos since I signed up and have met some of the most helpful and encouraging people online.

If you had do sum up in 50 words or less the impact SmugMug has made on your photography/photography business, those 50 words would be...

SmugMug has allowed me to showcase my work to an enormous audience, but the comments and stars have gone straight to my head. ;)

If you had to give one piece of advice to those wanting to pursue photography, what would you tell them?

Challenge yourself and put thought into your pictures. Try something new every day and don't get bogged down by the technical. Everyone can learn how to use a camera; that's the easy part. Always think about what you're shooting and what you're trying to say and remember to have fun!