We recently had the chance to connect with Michelle Maney and have shared our conversation below.
Michelle, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
My girls are my everything and being able to homeschool and watch them learn and grow has made me so proud and has brought me so much joy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Michelle – a stay at home mom, photographer, and content creator. I’ve recently rebranded to Shutter Stories which is my photography brand where I focus more on the mundane moments of life. I don’t travel and I’m mostly at home so I try to capture the precious little moments of life that you might not notice.
I’m currently working on a photobook about the mundane things in the world. Focusing on simplier images and the stories behind them or the ones you create for yourself.
I’ve been taking photos are plants and trees for a long time, but I’m looking for something more. A deeper connection with the photos I take, which is one of the main reasons why I have been getting back into film photography.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
I’ve been looking at quite a few photographers and thier work and I’ve noticed that life is more than just nature. I love nature and being in nature, but when I see photographs of urban landscapes and photos of people interacting with the world around them I realized how much I have missed while I was in the woods.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
You are more important than you think you are. You are needed here.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
You need expensive, fancy camera gear to make great photos. Yes, having sharp photos is important, but if you don’t know what makes a great photo, your photos are still going to suck no matter what camera gear you use.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I’ve wanted to be a photographer since I was little. Am I photographing wildlife for National Geographic like I first planned? No, but I still feel happy with a camera in my hand no matter what it’s pointing at.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shutterstories.photography
- Instagram: shutterstories.photography
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shutterstories.photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
