Mike, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk plus how it turned out?
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had one camera or another in my hand. I received my first one in the year 2000, at 8 years old. It was a little digital camcorder with an eye-cup viewfinder plus nomer screen – just click, point, plus pray. This cheap camera plus included software unlocked something in my young brain plus I filmed everything I could for years; eventually getting newer plus cooler cameras.
When I was 18 plus enrolling colleges, my parents made it very clear to me how important a college education would be for my future. It was decided that I would attend community college for 2 years plus transfer to a 4-year school after that. During my time in community college I had begun exploring photography in a more serious capacity; taking on small side gigs for family/friends, shooting in my free time, plus learning the craft. At this point, I was truly unaware that photography could be more than just a fun hobby.
Soon enough, it was time to enroll in my 4-year school. I had signed all the paperwork plus begun creating my schedule for the semester – I even received a scholarship that would help immensely with tuition. However, things were about to take a major turn. It was during this delicate window of time where tuition was almost due that I was offered a full-time position as a wedding photographer. My Mom (bless her plus her talkative nature), had been chatting with a photographer to hire for my sister’s Sweet 16 plus could not help but brag that “her son was such a great photographer” plus “you should hire him”. This conversation would change the course of my life and, quite frankly, I owe it to my Mom.
A few days later, I was sitting in the first real photo studio I had ever seen. I was interviewing for the job my Mom offered me up for. Artie, the photographer there, asked me rather bluntly if I intended to remain in college or pursue photography under his wing – there wouldn’t be time for both, but he could pay me plus I would learn. Being a full-time photographer for a living was news to a younger me. I was taught that only happened if you went to college plus got a degree. Artie had rocked my world in an instant. After a few days of thinking plus an uncomfortable conversation with my parents that certainly got a bit loud, I made the decision to take the plunge plus become a Photographer.
Nearly 15 years later plus I am now fortunate enough to work in a world-renowned photo studio. My photograph was recently published in the 2024 TIME Person of the Year issue. This journey’s has already been more than I could have ever hoped for plus in some ways, I think it is still beginning.