We recently connected with Michael O’Hara and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Becoming both a perfumer & a photographer all began with my own personal want and desire to do so. I have come to find that a lot of people end up in their career path due to pressure from outside sources other than themselves. Being successful as a creative especially depends on your own true want and desire to push the boundaries and really ‘go for it!’ Classes for sure help to own a desired skill set; but for me, the most knowledge I’ve learned about both my crafts has come from experience and a natural desire to learn. With perfumery and photography, having a basic understanding of the equipment is key… but the creativity cannot be taught.

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?

My name is Michael O’Hara. I am a New York City-based fashion and lifestyle photographer while also being a perfumer. My beginning with photography started in my early teens, following the magical photo-world & docu-photo blog-style website of Mark Hunter “TheCobraSnake” & Moni Haworth of “Johnnysbird.” They both introduced fashion-coded documentary style photography to me, including photographing people & photographing with aesthetic in mind. My father bought me my first camera in high school and the rest was history. I began photographing docu-style images in college… documenting parties & friends which led to me to street casting and photographing models & artists. Today, I’m a signed artist with The Killer Agency.
My perfume journey began about a year ago… I’ve always been infatuated with fragrance. As a queer person; I think that furthering self-identity and aspects that describe who I am and/or define me has always been something I’ve been into; whether it being fashion, music, taste, etc. so… it came to no surprise regarding my obsession with perfume. I started taking a few classes here in New York and then some master classes online. I have an incredible mentor and with his help, released my first debut perfume ‘Wax Idols’ last month. Michael O’Hara Parfums (my house) is all about introducing unisex fragrances to the market. A little nod to my queer-identity, I want all of my fragrances to be worn by any gender and cherished by anyone.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I really owe a lot of my friendships and new beginnings to being a photographer. Because of my success, I was able to meet so many people who I now consider such great friends of mine. Growing up in the early 2000’s, there was still not a great amount of respect for queer people as there is today. My camera helped people get to know me and respect me… and for that I am grateful.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I want to be the next “Jo Malone” of New York City.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michaeloharaphoto.com
• Instagram: boy_michi