We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Jurick a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Michael, thanks for joining us today. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?
Creativity has always been part of my DNA and I studied photography at Tulane University in New Orleans – a visually-rich city. After college, I was fortunate to start my career at the genesis of the internet revolution. I led teams to create some of the biggest websites at the time – Oscar.com, XM/Sirius Radio, McKinsey & Co. and many more. When I became a Dad, my creativity soared and I was seeking ways to make our time together extra special and I always had my camera on me to document it.
The seed of professional photography work came very organically, as we spent our first summer with our kids at our Beach Club. An amazing and very natural thing happened at the beach club. I began to photograph my friends’ kids –
and “wowed” them the very next day with rich color printed enlargements. With the beautiful beach, shoreline, sand dunes and sunsets as my summer playground – I had a recipe for super fun (and beautiful) portrait sessions. The next thing I knew, I was asked to photograph families throughout the summer. I built a word of mouth reputation based on my personality and camp counselor-like approach to photographing kids.
In the age of digital photography, the printed photograph was the most important piece of fast-tracking my career.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My 25 year journey began as a portrait and family photographer. Family photos shoots and holiday cards were a big part of the business. Then, as those young families reached Bar & Bat Mitzvah age, there was a perfect moment in time of connecting and collaborating with parents and planners in that world. We “clicked” and began a wonderful collaboration photographing events of larger and larger scale.
My wife, Gal became more involved in decision-making and problem solving as the business grew. She ultimately became a partner and had been instrumental in expanding the business to the full life-cycle of family event photography – newborns, birthdays, bar & bat mitzvah, weddings and other milestone celebrations. Working together has been a remarkably great experience because we both understand the common goals of the business. She is also an honest critic of my work. She’ll tell me when something is not up to a certain standard – and pushes me to continue to creatively try new things. We are both very client-focused and go the extra mile to make sure they are pleased with the experience of working with us. Plus, you know what they say is so true, “Behind every great man…”
I’ve become known for my enthusiastic contagious energy which tranlates into authentic natural emotions from our clients and ultimately world-class photographs. Our team is infused with this kind of enthusiasm which is a big reason for our brand reputation.
That brand reputation is also rooted in technical prowess. We have studied under the great lighting masters dating back to before electricity. Making everyone look “better than they do in real life” is something that has been said in jest to us many times over the years. This is what sets us apart from others in our field.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
A central driving philosophy is to bond with our clients such that they become friends and would like us to photograph all of their life cycle milestones. This is both extremely rewarding and wonderfully joyful. The result is that their circle of life is documented with beloved photographs which cross the digital divide from megabytes to megabeautiful. When you fall in love with an image, it becomes deeply personal. You’ll love your space even more with those precious memories proudly displayed with prints, frames and books.
A dear friend of mine told me how to build a time machine with photographs. It’s how energy, love, and joy are captured and then designed into an exquisite and artistic time capsule that transports you back to relive the best times of your life. That time capsule is fueled by our cinematic photographs, highlight videos, hand-crafted storybooks and gorgeous wall art. Our families and fans describe the photographs as having a powerful sense of energy, excitement, art and exuberance. We like to think of them as breathtaking, just as a time machine would be.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Two things stand out as most rewarding aspects of being a creative. First, is the “flow state” of our work. We are so “in the moment” documenting each and every moment that you lose track of time and feel like you could keep doing that activity forever. After all, each time we go to work, it’s a party – and who doesn’t want to party forever?
The other is the “Thank You” phone call or email after our photos have been delivered to the client. Since most of our business is word of mouth, a client may actively seek out our services because they appreciate and are fans of photography. That gives us the inspiration to truly deliver on what it means to make people look their best. It also elevates their involvement after the event when they are most excited about reviewing the photographs. When they review and select their favorite photographs, there is a “halo” effect which keeps the client on cloud 9. Their wonderful memories of the event are stronger and more indelibly imprinted in their minds. The faster they receive their book and printed photographs, the more emotionally connected they are to the event – and that’s truly rewarding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jurick.net/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljurick/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelJurickPhotography/
Image Credits
Michael Jurick