Meet Michael Kessel

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michael Kessel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?

I grew up in a very small town where I never quite fit in. For most of my early life, I felt like an outcast, like everything I thought or believed went against the grain. When I finally moved out, I made an intentional choice to push beyond my comfort zone. College and touring as a musician were two major avenues that helped with that.

The music industry, in particular, taught me the value of community. I eventually became a promoter, not just to throw shows, but to create a space for others who also felt like they didn’t belong. Watching friendships and communities form around those events fueled me deeply. When booking tours I learned about helping others scratch each others back. A village is stronger than one

After a difficult relationship, I also went on a deep healing journey. During a long period of isolation, I realized that if you don’t have a circle that reflects who you are or what you need, you can still surround yourself with the right voices through books, podcasts, mentors you may never meet. You are the sum of the five people you spend the most time with, and those people don’t have to be physically present. I spent a lot of time in solitude, focusing on my craft, my business, and my relationship with myself. That season of isolation became the slingshot that launched me into my next chapter.

Photography came next, and with it, self-employment. That gave me drive knowing everything was up to me and no one was coming to save me. I set my sights on becoming a travel photographer. Partly because budgets were tight in my home market, but mostly because I’ve always loved to explore. At first, driving three or more hours for a shoot was exhausting. But then I started reaching out to old friends from music, college, and other chapters of my life just to have a dinner with them and suddenly I had places to stay all over the country and i received the dual benefit of the travel and maintain relationships that may have otherwise been lost overtime.

Over the past five years, I’ve traveled solo across the country for photography. Sometimes with clients I barely knew, sometimes shooting for big businesses, sometimes musicians, or models, or couples in between living out of my truck, staying in hostels, camping, couch surfing, or exploring new cities and national parks alone. What once felt uncomfortable has become one of my favorite parts of life. Traveling solo forces you to engage with new people. Alone doesn’t mean lonely as there will always be a friend on the road to those who are open and kind. When you’re with friends, it’s easy to stay in your bubble. Alone, you’re almost pushed to connect.

One moment that sticks with me was an elopement I shot in the Grand Tetons. Before spending the weekend camping with the wedding party, I arrived early in Jackson Hole, I wasn’t exactly vibing with the “fake country” aesthetic—big-city tourists dressed like cowboys for the day. But I found a small cocktail bar and struck up conversation with a group of rafting instructors living van life half the year. I’ve had countless encounters like that, connecting with strangers on the road who align more with me, than people in my own hometown ever did. I’ve had this happen everywhere from California to Louisiana, and even on international trips.

At the end of the day, a lot of this comes down to mindset. You have to choose your hard.
Being unhealthy is hard. Staying fit is hard.
Being broke is hard. Budgeting is hard.
Working a job you hate is hard. Starting a business is hard.
Following the traditional path is hard. Carving your own path is hard.

Choose your hard.

I chose the hard things that led to freedom, growth, connection, and purpose. And living this way has brought me relationships and opportunities I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a traveling photographer and my main gig is weddings and elopements. I’m also fairly well known for concert photographer and creative styled portraits. Although I have a specialty, variety really is the spice of life. I love traveling, meeting new people, and doing anything ive never done before.

I’m not a cookie cutter photographer. I’m a has-been musician, artist by nature, & photographer by trade. I’m a travel junkie, dog-lover, & adventure seeker. I’m passionate about meeting new people and trying new things.

I believe each of us has a uniqueness that deserves to be celebrated. I’m a lover of all things weird and untraditional. Give me a reason to push the boundaries and try something new or out of the box and I’m in! I did a “Find your why exercise for my business a couple years back and this is the statement i created: “To provide others and myself the freedom to express ourselves fully and authentically so that we can deeply connect and feel valued for who we truly are through exciting shared experiences”

As your photographer, I understand that we will share some of life’s most significant moments together—from the cherished ‘I do’s’ to the celebratory milestones. My goal isn’t to arrive as a stranger but to be a friend on your journey. Taking the time to truly connect with each of my clients is important to me. This allows us to craft an experience that authentically mirrors your essence and the story you wish to portray.

More than just capturing stunning photos, my focus lies in finding clients that align with my personality and style in order to cultivate a genuine bond with my clients. Getting to know you personally is more than a formality; it’s the cornerstone of the experience I aim to create. Taking the time to understand your unique story allows us to craft a photography experience that authentically represents you and the story you wish to portray.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Gratitude, Self reliance, Openness

There are so many opportunities out there if you are open to them and open to new people. Life is an endless hall of doorways but sometimes you have to be willing to open doors that you don’t know what is behind them. Learn how to be grateful for what you already have, not subtlely either. Practice intentional gratitude for what you have and learn how to brush off the small losses by focusing on the wins.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I’m always looking to collaborate with other open-minded, adventurous creatives, especially those living bold, alternative lifestyles. I thrive on creating with people who aren’t afraid to push boundaries, be themselves, explore unconventional ideas, and blend genres. While I specialize in destination weddings and elopements, nothing is too “out of the box” for me. I’ve collaborated with everyone from rappers to horror film actors, and I’m always inspired by stepping outside the traditional mold.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Kessel Kreations Media

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