Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Michael Rakim. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Michael, thanks for joining us today. To kick things off, we’d love to hear about things you or your brand do that diverge from the industry standard.

I carry out the special privilege as a Local Photographer helping frame the soul of different Lifestyles rather it be celebrating life events, producing eclectic art projects, to birthing unique Business identities for Entreprenuers.

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 early appreciation for photography was influenced by my Grandfather, James Wesley Williams, and his vast collection of family/friend portraits. Learning about him and his community through photographs gave me a sense of story-telling that I innately would use later on in life to voice my take on life. Even in my earliest years, carrying a camera with me almost everywhere, I always found my subject to be the people around me as I was drawn to their quirks and tendencies that made them unique to me. Fast forward present day, I’ve honed that sixth sense into the niches that surround my subjects in their respective fields, arts, and businesses as a Lifestyle photographer, which I value greatly.

Being a Professional Lifestyle Photographer exposes me to many artists and brand/business owners. I get to creatively direct and produce powerfully moving imagery catered to each specific client, which lights such a creative fire under me. I am mostly known to capture the essence of what my subjects have to convey, whether that be a strong Debonair Brand identity or a passion-filled artist cover. Framing emotion, time, and language are what I’d say sets Rakimism’ apart from other photographers.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Certainly not a smooth road, but my love for my medium will keep me paving. I can’t speak for Corporate ladders but to grow with your art passion/profession and have such up-close evaluation along the way is a catalyst to my creativity. You learn so many broad lessons such as value, congruency, and life/work balance, just to name a few. Aside from that, the skills you add to your belt technically and professionally that shape other opportunities for you are so rewarding. Not to mention some of the friendships you foster in an arts community are truly priceless.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

My most effective strategy for growing organic and repeat clientele is refining the entire client experience from initial inquiry all the way down to the deliverables of contract. Always revising and evaluating will serve you well for years to come. Aside from skill, your personality and the way you impact people as you carry out your service is your catalyst for word of mouth marketing and has greatly proven to bring me many of the opportunities I‘ve been blessed to encounter.

Contact Info:

• Website: Rakimism.com
• Instagram: Rakimism
• Facebook: Michael Rakim
• Youtube: Project and Reflect Podcast