Meet Michael “Mike” Harriel

We were lucky to catch up with Michael “Mike” Harriel recently and have shared our conversation below.

Mike, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

My creativity thrives because I constantly expose myself to something new and diverse. Venturing outside of our normal box or comfort zone can be intimidating, but it is necessary for growth. My creativity took flight when I extended my wings and jumped out of the nest of familiarity. That means venturing into areas I only thought about. I invested time and money on education that would help me grow as an artist and a person. But, what was most important is listening to the world around me.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I am a portrait, commercial, corporate, fashion and event photographer, primarily based in southern California. My goal is to capture images people want to see, preserve and remember.

I have been involved with photography in some form for over 40 years. It started when I was a student at USC. I applied for a work study job as a darkroom technician in the news bureau. The photographer I worked for ignited my interest that has continued to this day.

My focus is giving photographic life to the visions my clients have, capturing the essence of people and places. When I’m not creating for others, I explore my passion further by seeking out locations and landscapes that will create magnificent wall art. I love taking in nature and enjoying the world we live in. I must admit, I am a waterfall chaser, so I frequently travel to locations that have waterfalls.

I am embarking on a new personal project, called “Dads & Daughters”, where I visually capture the relationship between a father and his girl(s) with a formal, informal or lifestyle portrait. I have 5 daughters, so I know how precious or challenging those relationships can be.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I believe tenacity is a requirement. You can’t give up. If you have a goal or dream you want to bring to life, you have to keep at it. Don’t let anyone discourage you. With that in mind, you must prepare yourself for the journey. It may mean you have to educate yourself, study, do the research and do the work. Think of a marathon runner or an Olympic athlete, they didn’t just wake-up one morning and say, “I’m going to do this.” They trained, their mind and their body. They had a lifestyle and work ethic to support their goal. Sometimes this preparation takes years.

You also need to be embrace constructive criticism. There will always be someone who will try to slight or discourage you with their words or opinions, usually out of jealousy. But take heed to the helpful voices who want you to succeed. If you hear the same constructive criticism from different people, over and over, it’s a good chance it’s true and you need to make changes. Don’t think for a minute you won’t value from the assistance of others. Even the great Tiger Woods has a swing coach. Don’t get tunnel vision, keep your eye on the goal, but the journey is where you could fall. Make sure you prepare yourself for the journey.

Find your inspiration in what others are doing. If they can do it, so can you. Your path may be different, but it’s attainable. I love the quote from poet Maya Angelou, “You want me to do something, tell me I can’t do it.”

Find a mentor. Someone who will share with you those things you need to know. A mentor doesn’t just help you navigate your career goals, they can also help you deal with pitfalls life sometimes brings our way. I didn’t have a mentor when I was younger, I could have used one. That is why I actively engage in mentorship now. I’m not the smartest person in the world, but I have lessons I can teach.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

It’s not so much a who, but a what. It’s the word “No” when seeking opportunities. When someone tells me “no” it’s either because they don’t know what I can do, or I didn’t do a good job explaining what I can do. Sometimes, it’s because of others reasons they are too much of a coward to say. That word inspires me to grow, to improve, to show them how wrong they were. I often use sports analogies to explain a real world concept. Think of the high school coach that kicked Michael Jordan off the team. I’m sure it was devastating for him, But that coach ignited a fire that made him more determined. Our biggest hurdle and barrier is often ourselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mikeharrielphotography.com
• Instagram: mikeharrielphotography

Image Credits

Mike Harriel