Photographer Spotlight: John-Michael
Name/Nombre: John-Michael (He/Him)
Location/Ubicación: NYC
Walks Attended/Caminatas atendidos: 4
Occupation/Ocupación
Design Director, Photographer/Director de Diseño, Fotógrafo
Links:
How long have you been into photography?
22 years.
What got you into photography?
A film photography class in Community College.
Which has been your favorite walk and why?
My favorite walk was the Dyckman to Little Red Lighthouse walk. We met up on the Dyckman walkway/bike path at golden hour and the sun was doing amazing things as beams of light passed thru all of the trees and reflecting off of the hudson river. It was a great group of people that I have never met before and I enjoyed talking about photography from people of all ages and backgrounds.
What are your favorite types of photography and why?
I am a light chaser and shaper. I love portraits, lifestyle, street, and product photography when the light enhances the mood or story.
What are some of your favorite projects or photographs that you've worked on? Why?
I photographed the cover of an amazing lifestyle publication called No Chaser Magazine. In addition to the cover I also photographed interviews and product for the publication. My second favorite project was photographing Coney Island.
Do you have a favorite camera (smartphone models welcomed!)?
I shoot with the Fuji XT3
Do you work or go to school? Anything fun you'd like to share?
I am a professional Graphic designer and have specialized in packaging and branding for the past 10+ years, spending the past 4 years creating content, strategy and brand assets for a CPG brand as well as independent brands.
Do you do anything else creative that you'd like to talk about?
When I am not doing photography I am creating experimental typography and digital illustrations.
Do you have a philosophy you live by that you take into your photography or other creative processes?
Never stop learning. Experiment often.
What ethical considerations do you take into account when photographing people or sensitive subjects?
If I am close enough to the subject I always ask for permission before pressing the shutter.
If you live or have gone Uptown for our walks, what is your favorite part about being Uptown?
Uptown has a great balance of nature and city scapes. One of the greatest highlights Uptown has to offer is the architecture. The next time you are Uptown, look up and witness the details of the architecture. And of course the people, uptown is always in motion.
Are you a professional photographer and/or videographer? If so how long and what do you mainly shoot?
Yes. Professionally for the past 5 years. I mainly shoot product photography, lifestyle and portraits. I have photographed for brands such as Timex, Sungait, Happy Family Brands, No Chaser Magazine, Amsterdam Heritage, For TMRW, Baileys, Dust Leather and more.
Do you have anything else you'd like to share about your job, your creative work, or anything you're passionate about? i.e. if you work for a great organization you'd like to shout out, or you want to say hi to your mom. Feel free to share links.
Check out fortmrw.co (afro-latin X owned brand, heights native)
Check out www.nochasermagazine.com
