Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Allen
Hi Michael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As long as I can remember I’ve had a camera in my hands, I started using my photography professionally in my businesses to promote, advertise and position my businesses in the marketplace. With a camera I can tell my story, but also connect with the people that I meet along the way.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I”ve been fortunate to have had a pretty exciting career with my photography. My portfolio has attracted a lot of business for me, and I’ve also checked off quite a few bucket list items along the way. I’ve had the chance to travel around the world to places that many people just dream of. I’ve met and photographed celebrities, some amazing musicians, and shot for some of the biggest corporations on the planet. It’s been quite an honor to do the things that I’ve done in my career.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As an independent photographer, no two days are ever the same. The beauty of this career lies in its unpredictability: the clients, the locations, and the subjects I photograph constantly evolve. One day, I could be capturing a corporate event in a bustling city, and the next, I could be on a remote beach at sunrise, photographing nature’s raw beauty. The variety keeps my life interesting, and I thrive on the challenge of never knowing exactly what’s coming next.
A Year of Adventure
One of the most defining experiences of my career happened last year when a long-time client called me up with a special request. They asked if I could travel with them to help create new content for their magazine. By the end of the year, I had visited 11 major cities across the country and even ventured overseas. It was a whirlwind of airports, hotels, and new experiences—each one a fresh opportunity to expand my portfolio and push my creative boundaries.
The perks of the job aren’t lost on me either. Getting to fly to various locations and stay at five-star resorts is undeniably exciting. But beyond the luxury and the travel, it’s the creative challenges that keep me coming back for more. Each new city, each new environment, offers a different backdrop, a different light, a different story to tell through my lens. It’s a rare and unique experience to be able to work with such a diverse range of subjects, and I’m grateful for every opportunity that pushes me to become a better photographer.
The Power of Versatility
What sets me apart from many other photographers is my ability to adapt to a wide range of photographic styles and subjects. While some photographers choose to focus on a single niche—whether it’s portraits, landscapes, or commercial photography—I’ve cultivated a diverse skill set over the years. My long and successful career has allowed me to specialize in multiple areas, which has been a huge advantage in a constantly changing industry.
This versatility has opened doors to a wide array of projects. From fashion shoots in bustling urban centers to capturing the tranquility of nature in remote locations, I’m able to switch between different photography styles with ease. The ability to blend technical expertise with a creative eye in so many different contexts is something I’ve worked hard to develop, and it’s one of the reasons I’ve been able to sustain and grow my career as an independent photographer.
Looking Ahead: Always Evolving
As my career continues to evolve, I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Each new project is a chance to challenge myself further and explore new avenues of creativity. I’m constantly seeking ways to refine my skills, whether it’s experimenting with new techniques, upgrading my equipment, or collaborating with other creative professionals.
The world of photography is always changing, and I’m ready to embrace the future with the same passion and curiosity that has driven me from the very beginning.
I’m excited to announce my 2025 schedule will include professional photography retreats in Seaside Florida in February, Las Vegas in March, and Tulum Mexico in July. Visit my website for the details. Other cities to be announced soon. If you have a passion for photography, please sign up to join us for these amazing photography retreats.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
Covid was a horrible point in time. It hurt so many people, and tore the world apart. The important lessons are still yet to be learned, so many mistakes made my our leaders, our cities and our government. It showed how poorly our health care system served us, and how narrowly focused our doctors and health care providers are, along with the traditional news media.
One important lesson was to see new and innovative health practices take place of the old out of date technologies. From alternative medicines, stem cell technology, and the growth of independent media. When we all had to stay at home during the lockdowns, a new way of communication emerged in the form of Pod Casts.
We were all stuck at home, and filled our time with work at home technology such a zoom calls and zoom meeting, at the same time pod casts emerged and the huge new media of social influencers. We get news now instantly from radio shows and pod casts. By the time the evening news is on, we already know the days events. We also get facts from dozens of sources instead of just one or two opinions.
It also taught us to be flexible, diverse, and how to survive in a tough economy. One part of my business niche completely disappeared, while several other niches grew. I had some of my busiest years during covid.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michaelallenphotography.com
- Instagram: @michaelallen
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-allen-3054568/
