Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Lopez.
Hi Michael, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
I got my first camera when I was 14 and it was to help my mental health. I was struggling with depression and my friend had me take pictures whenever I felt any emotions good or bad. Since then I’ve used photography as an escape from the real world and to capture moments of beauty and joy. Now, nine years later, I’m living out here in California living my best photography life.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s been hard. Financially, I’ve always had struggles. My mom was a single mom all my life and she worked very hard to provide for me and my sister and we always had what we needed but the thought of spending $500+ on camera equipment at a time was not reasonable. Even today I have to supplement my photography career with a day job in the education field and although I love my job I still live paycheck to paycheck.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I try not to put myself in a box with my photography. I sort of feel like the Avatar: master of all forms of photography. I use master lightly of course there is room for growth always. I started out actually wanting to be a wildlife photographer for National Geographic but unfortunately, I learned wildlife and landscape photography is a really saturated field with lots of amazing photographers and let’s face it, you can only get so many different shots of the same mountain/animal. So I turned to a field that surprised everyone, even myself. I’m now going into the fashion and beauty industry.
I can’t dress myself to save my life but somehow I can style a model to perfection and create a look that shows skill. I think what sets me apart is I strongly try to fight Eurocentric beauty standards in my imagery. Lots of women of color and Black women can be found in my portfolio because I want to shed the spotlight to those the industry may frown upon. I also create a safe space for people who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Everyone deserves to feel beautiful and safe in front of my lens. Period. I wouldn’t say I in particular am known for anything specific but I think that’s because I’m oblivious of how people perceive me and my work.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory is when I was living in Hawai’i and my best friend Emma and I were baking cupcakes. We got into a huge flour fight and for some reason, she tried to drink from a water bottle using her knees while laying down and water spilled all over her face, haha. It’s definitely the brightest memory for me.
Pricing:
- 1 hour photoshoot starts at $450
Contact Info:
- Email: michael@michaellopezjr.com
- Website: www.michaellopezjr.com
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/michaellopezjunior
Image Credits:
Symone
Katrena
Michael Lopez Jr.
Dianna L.
