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

Mike, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had one camera or another in my hand. I received my first one in the year 2000, at 8 years old. It was a little digital camcorder with an eye-cup viewfinder and no screen – just click, point, and pray. This cheap camera and included software unlocked something in my young brain and I filmed everything I could for years; eventually getting newer and cooler cameras.

When I was 18 and enrolling colleges, my parents made it very clear to me how important a college education would be for my future. It was decided that I would attend community college for 2 years and transfer to a 4-year school after that. During my time in community college I had begun exploring photography in a more serious capacity; taking on small side gigs for family/friends, shooting in my free time, and learning the craft. At this point, I was truly unaware that photography could be more than just a fun hobby.

Soon enough, it was time to enroll in my 4-year school. I had signed all the paperwork and begun creating my schedule for the semester – I even received a scholarship that would help immensely with tuition. However, things were about to take a major turn. It was during this delicate window of time where tuition was almost due that I was offered a full-time position as a wedding photographer. My Mom (bless her and her talkative nature), had been chatting with a photographer to hire for my sister’s Sweet 16 and could not help but brag that “her son was such a great photographer” and “you should hire him”. This conversation would change the course of my life and, quite frankly, I owe it to my Mom.

A few days later, I was sitting in the first real photo studio I had ever seen. I was interviewing for the job my Mom offered me up for. Artie, the photographer there, asked me rather bluntly if I intended to remain in college or pursue photography under his wing – there wouldn’t be time for both, but he could pay me and I would learn. Being a full-time photographer for a living was news to a younger me. I was taught that only happened if you went to college and got a degree. Artie had rocked my world in an instant. After a few days of thinking and an uncomfortable conversation with my parents that certainly got a bit loud, I made the decision to take the plunge and become a Photographer.

Nearly 15 years later and I am now fortunate enough to work in a world-renowned photo studio. My photograph was recently published in the 2024 TIME Person of the Year issue. This journey’s has already been more than I could have ever hoped for and in some ways, I think it is still beginning.

Mike, 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 New York City based Portrait Photographer and I love capturing the natural beauty of the person in front of my lens. I believe everyone is photogenic when given the space to be themselves.
My job as a photographer, at least as I see it, is to give my clients the photographic ammunition they need whether for personal, branding, or editorial use. I tailor my client’s experience and images to fit their needs while never compromising on quality or artistry. Each portrait I create is meticulously crafted by me and treated with great respect. Behind the camera and during shoots, I feel that connecting with my client and getting to know them is a crucial element in my process; it allows us both to lower our guards and shoot in a natural and fun atmosphere. Often times, my subjects arrive as clients and leave as friends!

My photography journey began when I was very young but formally so around 14 years ago when I got my first photography position as a wedding photographer. As I gained a new understanding of the industry and where it could lead, I took jobs in the eCommerce sector – most notably as in-house footwear photographer for Nautica, Juicy Couture, and Nine West. Never waning on my passion for photographing people, I eventually built up a solid portfolio and landed my current day-job as 1st Assistant to renowned photographer Platon. Through this position, I have been lucky enough to travel the world working with brands like Balenciaga and afforded me the opportunity to have my own images featured in the 2024 TIME Person of the Year issue; the proudest moment of my career to date.

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

I can recall a time I was working under a wedding photographer in Long Island. He was highly rated and well regarded in the community as an excellent photographer. Like every photographer in their first few years, I thought my retouching was fantastic and I couldn’t wait to show my skills to this guy after our first shoot together. Soon enough that time came. We shot a beautiful wedding together out on the east end of Long Island. The wedding day went smoothly and I return home to hammer away at my edits. Two weeks later I meet the John, the photographer, excited to show him my work. He flips through until he eventually breaks his silence. “The photos are great… the edits are terrible”, he says. I was crushed and thought I nailed those edits!
In that moment, though, I didn’t get angry or upset. Instead, I swallowed my pride and was (albeit painfully) able to shift my perspective. I wanted to know why they were terrible and then do my best to never make that mistake again. John’s brutal honesty hurt in the moment, but gave me the first lessons I needed to become a better photographer.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funding photography equipment is the first and obvious hurdle for any budding photographer getting into the game. In my early days, I worked retail jobs while living at home to save money. I would slowly put money away and make intermittent purchases here and there until I had put together my first camera kit. Eventually, as I gained experience during the off hours of my retail job, I was soon able to land a position for a local school photography company full-time as I had built up a portfolio. I would continue the trend of working a day job as an eCommerce photographer for a salary to fund my passion of portraiture on the side. In this way, I was always able to secure regular paychecks (and healthcare!) while also building up my business during my free time. Before long, I was able to fund multiple camera bodies, lenses, across both film and digital platforms.
The journey to becoming a full-time photographer is not an easy one; it is a path full of obstacles and setbacks. Each one we overcome is part of the learning process and makes us better artists. Keep a camera in your hand and your eyes set on the goal!

Something I’ve learned throughout the years, though: It is not the equipment that makes the photographer. The best camera is the camera you have. It’s cliche, sure, but it’s true.

Contact Info:

• Website: MikePhotographs.com
• Instagram: _MikePhotographs
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-foley-3095a7126/