We recently connected with Michael Jean-Paul and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Learning the craft is often a unique journey from every creative – we’d love to hear about your journey and if knowing what you know now, you would have done anything differently to speed up the learning process.
After a lengthy period of researching the proper gear, techniques, and learning from professionals, I put forth the time and money to ensure I can produce high-quality results. I paced myself accordingly and took my time in selecting the right tools to get the job done rather than rushing the process. The most essential skills boiled down to lighting which I took my time in mastering in and out of the studio. Often times, the obstacles that stood in my way of progress were the lack of willing clients and a studio space to practice in.
Michael, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am a former YouTuber of 25,000 subscribers who came up off of making YouTube videos of video-game content. These videos helped me achieve an understanding of how to edit and shape my work to my desire, be more personal with the way I speak, and create a name for myself while standing out form the competition.
I got into the photography business by using what I’ve learned through research and the influence of others to create high-quality, memorable, attractive portraits that others in my city weren’t creating; similar to my creative and unique YouTube videos. As a beginner with all this knowledge but nothing to show for it, I priced my photos at a low price in hopes of attracting people which would in turn add to my non-existent portfolio.
I am most proud of how vibrant and colorful my photos are and the stories they tell. I try to make sure my subjects are meshing well enough with their environment to fully tell a story while still being creative with my execution.
Have you ever had to pivot?
I was a graphic design major at the age of 18 but had to withdraw from the program just months before obtaining my associate’s degree. I was now 21 at the time. In my heart, I always knew that film was what I wanted to pursue, but film school was so out of reach for me that I chose to study graphic design instead. When that was cut short, I did take a leap and move forward with my film degree and eventually graduated in 2025 at the age of 25.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Producing quality work as well as professionalism. Instead of posting every single photoshoot (and there were a lot), I posted the ones to be the most captivating impactful to my portfolio. Furthermore, I maintained a level of professionalism that fostered a trustworthy and welcoming environment for my clients.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jpvisualize.com
- Instagram: jpvisualize
Image Credits
Michael Jean-Paul