Meet Michelle | Photographer & Social Media Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, how do you think about risk?
Risk has played a monumental role in my career. I went to college and received both a Bachelors and Masters in Interior Design amounting to roughly 7 years of studying. I then proceeded to work in the industry around 8 or 9 years. Like many people I was in a comfortable position, with a steady routine and steady paycheck, but every morning when I woke up I could not shake the feeling that I knew I was not doing what I was truly passionate about.

Ever since I can remember I have always been very passionate about photography, and starting my own photography business full time has been in my plans for quite a while. It took me 7 years to finally make the jump because I feared the risk it entailed, but life has a funny way of pushing you even when you are too scared to jump. On May 2021 I finally quit my full time job, my steady income, to pursue what I love the most in life and I have never been happier creating content and freezing moments for a living.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I think what sets all photographers apart from other photographers is their perspective. I have attended many photo meetups where there is one model and 15 to 20 photographers surrounding her all taking photos at the same time. What is interesting is that no one gets the same shot. Each photographer has their own perspective, their own way of seeing beauty. I think what sets me apart is my unique perspective.

I am most excited for my future, to see where this new endeavor takes me and the journey I will travel. I can’t wait to see my work in the next 5 years.

I got to where I am today with a lot of hard work, dedication and most of all a passion for what I do. It is easy to focus and dedicate time to that which you are most passionate about. It has not come without challenges, and the largest one of them all I would say is the Imposter Syndrome. Calling myself a photographer had always felt foreign to me no matter how much knowledge I acquired or how much work I booked. It just felt like I was living a lie. Overcoming this has not been easy and it’s a challenge that randomly decided to peek back in, but I focus on my creativity and talent to remind myself that I am worthy of the title.

If i had one advice to anyone who is passionate about photography, but scared to start, it would be to forget about all the technicalities about the camera. Put the camera in Auto for now and go shoot, have fun, find what you are passion about capturing. Practice composition and find your voice. Once you have nailed that and feel confident in your work, then focus on the technicalities of the camera. Knowing those will only further enhance your ability to achieve a more powerful photo with full control of the camera. Never forget that photography is about emotions and intuition. That should never be dulled by technicalities.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Miami is one of those places that is filled with the iconic places everyone goes to such as Miami Beach, or Wynwood but I like more of the hidden gems. For example not many people who come visit Coral Gables and all it has to offer. There is a beautiful park by Coconut Groove thats almost hidden in plain sight which is just magical. Key Biscayne would be my choice of location to visit if I wanted to go to the beach.

In terms of food (as a Vegan) I would take them to this amazing place called Love Life Cafe which serves amazing vegan food. Tacology in Brickell City Center is also a must.

And as far as the more popular places go, I would take them to the Mojito Bar in Wynwood, or for a night out Sugar in the East Hotel is always a great place.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I can think of many people who have helped me along the way such as my supportive family, inspirational photographers like Steve McCurry or Damon Baker, and close friends/ loved ones who have believed in me and my talent throughout the years, but if I am to honestly answer this question, the answer would be me.

One thing that I have learned the hard way is that it does not matter how much people see your talent, or believe in you, if you do not see it yourself it will get you nowhere. Even if no one sees your talent, what truly matters the most is that you trust in what you do and always seek passion in what you do. That, for me, is what will get you far in life.

Website: www.thealchemistmedia.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thealchemistmedia/