MICHELLE
In this issue of The Style Researcher Magazine, we feature Michelle, a photographer whose passion for the lens has crafted a remarkable journey from college projects to professional acclaim. Delve into her story of creativity, challenge, and triumph as we uncover the dedication behind her art and the dreams that drive her forward.
What first sparked your interest in your creative field?
I always loved photography even at a young age. When I worked on my first creative photography project in college is when I really started to get into this field more. When I received such amazing feedback on my work, the models that took part in my project were excited and loved working with me, and my professors wanted to include my photos in the art gallery on campus. Just knowing that my work was good enough for a gallery on campus gave me the drive to keep at it and continue to work on these projects. Since then I always knew this is something made for me and I was meant to share with others.
What has been the most challenging project or situation in your career, and how did you handle it?
I would say the most challenging situation would be to balance my day job and still do my creative photography on the side. Ultimately photography is what I want to do full-time, I keep working hard at it spending long hours on photoshop at night after the work day, and working ahead during the week just to get a day off to do my creative projects. It’s challenging but so worth it to be doing creative projects that bring me such happiness and getting to work with such fun people.
How do you relax and unwind from the pressures of your work?
I love being a photographer so even if I’m under pressure, doing something photo-related whether it is editing or just researching another project with music on makes me relax and unwind. But I do enjoy escaping in a good book too!
How has your creative process evolved throughout your career?
In the beginning my process was kind of trial and error, I really didn’t have any process. I figured out on my own what works and what doesn’t work and I started building up my portfolio. I got away from the hobby amateur- photography and as I started getting more serious about making this my career, I made vision boards and put in long hours researching my creative visions, prepping for the shoots gathering props; contacting models and creatives to include in my projects and from there brought them to life with ease. It’s like second nature to me now.
As a child, what did you aspire to become, and how does it compare to where you are now?
I remember always wanting to work on films or aspiring to become an actress as a child. I look back now and it’s somehow not so far off. I still am in a creative field and photography does go as far as being part of films.
Which project in your career do you feel has had the most impact, and why?
Being able to work with an established fashion model from Atlanta, Georgia and her mother who was also a professional model/ actress. Ever since I worked with them it has opened the doors to meeting more models and creatives in this industry. They were floored with the pictures I did of them and they were so kind to recommend my work to others in this field as well. It meant the world to me knowing these models loved my work and hearing that my work is loved by other professionals in the industry made the most impact on me. It made me feel like I’m living my dream and I’m finally here.
How does your cultural background influence your personal and professional life?
I’m Italian and I come from a family of creatives and artists. I’m constantly surrounded by art on a daily basis. A lot of my family are artists and we have many paintings around that are daily reminders to keep doing what you love to do, create!! Seeing those paintings always made me feel inspired, and that is what I want someone to feel when they look at my photos in a gallery, or on a website, even in a magazine.
Can you describe a milestone in your career that was particularly meaningful to you?
Having my work published. Discovering how to incorporate AI with some of my photography projects. I had always dreamed of having my work seen by so many people from all around the world. Being able to be part of this magazine in particular has been a very amazing milestone to me too because this gave me the opportunity to work with AI and create something I had never thought I could include in my photography.
Outside of work, what is a hobby or activity you enjoy that might surprise people?
I enjoy reading, playing tennis, and painting.
How have you adapted to changes in your industry over the years?
At first it was hard because it’s constantly changing, but now I am so used to switching the process up that it actually allows for more creative ideas. Such as AI and incorporating it into photography. Being able to dabble in different genres of photography is so much fun, I prefer it to keep changing so I can keep learning about different techniques and enhance in all different niches in photography.
Is there a book or movie that has significantly influenced your personal or professional perspective?
I would say Pirates of the Caribbean and The Hobbit are two movies that have always inspired me in my professional creative work. Both are adventures but The hobbit more so because I love how the unexpected adventure takes place and is the most memorable. I relate that to my photography every day, even creating something unexpected can turn out to be beautiful and you never know where that experience can take you from there on.
What piece of advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
My biggest advice to someone just starting out would be to not get caught up in trying to be the ‘best’ , don’t compare your work to someone else’s, to never give up on your art, and keep creating every day. The smallest projects can turn out to be the biggest and greatest of your career. Keep your connections close and get involved in events to meet others in the field because networking and meeting other creatives can inspire you like you wouldn’t believe!
Do you have a personal philosophy or mantra that guides your life and work decisions?
I don’t have a particular philosophy, but I am inspired by these quotes from the film Lord of the Rings “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”
“Become who you were born to be”
“Not all those who wander are lost”
I pretty much live by these three quotes on the daily. I am inspired to keep doing what I love and be who I am. They inspire me to always try my best and be creative in every moment whether it is an unexpected adventure or if it’s planned. Both are beautiful. I am so open to adventures in my career that I think being creative comes so easily to me because of it.
If resources were not a constraint, what would be your dream project?
My ultimate dream project would be to work something specifically from a fashion magazine or a film that reached out to me to ask to create something unique for their magazine or film etc. Even If I got the opportunity to travel to amazing countries to do photography whether it was Italy, Paris, Ireland etc. (anywhere really!) Theres so many beautiful countries, creatives to meet, and places in the world that are literally like a paint brush and canvas.
How do you balance your personal life and needs with your professional responsibilities?
It’s challenging sometimes because there are moments when you are so busy with projects that you don’t know when to shut your mind off for the day to relax and just be. Sometimes I loose track of time because I really do enjoy what I do. I have started to take many breaks and get the important and pressing stuff done first and then shut the computer off at a certain time so I can relax and enjoy my personal time.
Photographer: Michelle @michelle.photography__
Model: Annabelle Lucas @annabelle_lucas_
