We recently connected with Michael Bueno and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, appreciate you joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I was fascinated at a young age by my aunt’s 35mm camera, she helped raise me in the Dominican Republic. At the time, she was working in Journalism and PR, so I was exposed to a lot of her world in media since she would bring me to work with her.

It wasn’t until I was a senior in high school that I borrowed my uncle’s digital camera and started shooting. A couple of years later, I bought my first DSLR.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Michael Bueno, I’m originally from NYC (Washington Heights), and I grew up between NYC and the Dominican Republic before moving to Fitchburg, MA, and that really influenced my artistic voice and how I make images. I’m heavily inspired by the places I grew up, and often I lean into themes of diaspora, with hints of street photography and cinéma vérité.

I barely made it out of high school, and I had no idea what I wanted to do. I had no college money, but I had an interest in photography, and I knew I liked to create. At 17 I took my first few photography classes at Mount Wachusett Community College, where I learned a strong foundation from a mentor there, and just like in high school, I barely made it through my first few semesters, and I was still struggling to figure out what I wanted to do, but now I knew more about photography and I knew i loved it. I saved up to buy a DSLR, and I would go shoot anything and everything. I would go into the city with my camera, into abandoned spaces with my camera, skate parks, roof tops, and take the road less traveled with my camera. I shot portraits for people, family events, etc…

Long story short, I dropped out before I could finish my associates, and I joined the Air Force. I kept shooting, I kept honing my craft. I upgraded my equipment, I began to take it more seriously, I stayed curious and consistent. That was the name of the game. Left the Air Force after six years with a strong work ethic and an even stronger sense of motivation. Also, some college money. I was given a unique opportunity as the son of a single immigrant mother, and I realized that as I grew up.

I went back to school, I finished my Associate’s Degree with a certificate in photography, I kept going and got my bachelor’s degree in Journalism, and I still kept going and got my Master of Fine Arts in Film and Media Arts from Emerson College.

I got into this industry from a photography internship that landed me my first job with a brand, and I’m lucky enough to still be in this industry because of the friends I’ve made along the way.

I’m an editorial, lifestyle, and brand photographer. I’m also a cinematographer and filmmaker, and since I enjoy staying busy, I produce as well.

I write, I shoot, I edit, I light, I direct, I produce, and it all was because I was obsessed with that 35mm camera back when I was a kid. I believe what I’m most proud of is my work ethic and the energy I bring to a set that facilitates fun and creativity.

What I do for clients and collaborators is I help them dream up ideas while identifying/problem-solving ways to bring these dreams into production, and we have fun doing it.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

What inspired me to pursue my career was seeing someone in the media industry talk about their experience and speak on their career trajectory. I wish I had gone to events like this sooner because it’s extremely valuable to hear how other folks maneuver obstacles in this industry. Also, it helps me identify paths I want to take or avoid.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I briefly spoke about my journey as a visual artist, which I can refer to for this question.

Resilience is a necessary part of being an artist or a creative.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://michaelbueno.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michael0bueno/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelomarbueno

Image Credits

Headshot Courtesy of Allison Sepanek