We recently connected with Michael Verity and have shared our conversation below.
Michael, appreciate you joining us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?
Other than a graduate level photography class back in the 1980s, I’ve had no formal training as a photographer.
Everything has come from the love of art form as a unique visual language, enthusiasm for the artistic process and willingness to try new things and make mistakes. The most rewarding photographs I’ve made — and the most fun I’ve had as a photographer — are when I invite a client to “go make a mess” and they enthusiastically participate in finding our way to the coolest pictures.
There are certainly ways to expedite the artistic the process in the name of getting results but that doesn’t necessarily make me a more skilled or better educated photographer. It just makes me faster and more efficient, which is useful when photography is your job. But the willingness to experiment is what breeds true mastery. The only thing that stands in the way of that experience is me.
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?
Though I dabbled in street photography while in college and worked as a photojournalist in my 30s, photography as a career didn’t happen for me until I was in the mid 40s. My kids were getting into acting and needed headshots. I took pictures of them, other parents whom I met in the audition rooms hired me to photograph their kids and a career was born.
Helping people get out of their own way, to stop thinking about how they look or how people will see them, so we can find their true essence is the greatest challenge — and most rewarding part — of being a portrait photographer. I think I’ve gotten pretty good at that,
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Most people who start a small business rely on their friends, family and acquaintances to support them in the early going. Sometimes the line between personal and professional can become a blurred and that can cause all kinds of problems, from loss of business revenue to hurt feelings (and sometimes both). It’s important to remember that business is business even when it’s with friends and friends are friends, even when you do business together.
What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?
Returning clients, referrals from happy clients and internet search all contribute to the bottom line. Though the booking process is different for each group, it’s important to keep all three pipelines healthy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michaelverityphotography.com
- Instagram: @Michael.verity.photography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelVerityPhoto/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-verity-6794354/
Image Credits
Image #1138 – Hair and makeup by Karina Talaro