- Kimberly Jones
- Tuesday, February 19, 2019
In a sit-down interview with self-taught professional photographer Michael Dantzler I got to pick his brain about the art of photography, his work, and how amateur photographers can take their skills to the next level.
Kim: What lead you to photography?
Michael: A young man who I went to church with saw a picture (selfie) on my then LG flip phone where I had doctored it up. He was a photographer himself at the time and when he saw it he said: “Mike you have the eye”. My sister had brought a camera about a year before. So based on him saying that and the inspiration of using photography as therapy I started my journey
K: Currently, what equipment do you use?
M: I use a Nikon Full Frame camera.
K: What editing software do you typically use?
M: Adobe Lightroom is my go to.
K: Describe your first photo shoot. What was going through your mind? And what mistakes did you make?
M: I don’t remember my first photo shoot but I can tell you about memories of my earlier work. I use to use a lot of filters. Most photographers do that in the beginning when they don’t understand color.
I think one of my biggest mistakes, in the beginning, was giving out too many pictures. When you give clients a lot of pictures they don’t value the work. They tend to share the worst picture. So it’s best that you share a smaller amount of pictures with your client.
K: Everyone carries smartphones and while that’s many of our go to, what camera would you recommend someone who is interested in taking their photography career to the next level?
M: You don’t need a DSLR to start. There are mini compact cameras that work really good too. Sony, Canon, and Nikon are pretty good brands for beginners to start out with.
K: What is your greatest work to date and why?
M: My Garden’s For Equilibrium project because when I did the Eastover Community Garden it was very close to my heart. I wanted people to connect with nature. In, the garden there were sunflowers and vegetables and I used those as props. I wanted to show people at one with nature. As a reminder to humans to not forget about nature.
K: What do you love most about photography?
M: The fact that it’s a visual time capsule. You can freeze any moment in time.
K: Whose work has influenced you the most?
M: Definitely Gordon Parks, Ansel Adams, and Richard Samuel Roberts.
K: What has been your biggest challenge while pursuing your dream as a photographer?
M: My biggest challenge in being a professional photographer has been making the decision to not want to please everyone and being able to say no. Making sure I’m saying yes to work that will help me in the future and move me forward. The challenge for me is standing in my niche and not giving into what’s popular now.
K: If someone is interested in photography what would you tell them?
M: Find images you like and that you gravitate to. When you look at a magazine, website, or newspaper what images speak to your soul. That is typically the type of photography you might want to do.
K: What is the best business advice you would give any entrepreneur?
M: Insert laughter. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You won’t have it all done in one day. Take your time and don’t rush. Find mentors and ask them questions. There are tons of entrepreneur in the area who would love to help you in pursuing your dream so don’t be afraid to ask them questions.
An Eastover native Dantzler has used photography as his gateway into the creative world. He is passionate about growing his talent and that of others. "Do what you love and if it speaks to your soul surround yourself with it."
Interested in becoming a professional photographer? Check out these great books to get you started.