Meet Michael Richey

We were lucky to catch up with Michael Richey recently and have shared our conversation below.

Michael, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

When I initially began creating paranormal content, I wasn’t sure how I should present my work or if it would have enough impact to grow an audience. In the early stages of content creation, especially within such a specific niche, it’s common to begin without a concrete plan or a clear sense of direction. My initial efforts were fueled by inspiration, particularly my admiration for cinematographers who created visually stunning presentations. I aspired to bring that same level of artistry to my own work when it came to creating paranormal investigations.

My fascination with the paranormal was sparked by a profound encounter in an abandoned asylum many years ago. This experience compelled me to explore how paranormal content is presented to audiences. I noticed that most creators in this field used minimal setups, focusing primarily on capturing genuine paranormal evidence. The emphasis was often on the authenticity of the evidence, with little to no consideration for multiple camera angles, lighting, or storyboarding, which are elements that could significantly enhance the overall quality of the presentation.

As I continued my journey, I began to integrate the techniques and knowledge I acquired from studying cinematographers and photographers into our own work. This gradual introduction of more refined and polished investigative methods started to resonate with viewers. I realized that a well-produced investigation could still maintain its authenticity and should not be dismissed as mere entertainment just because it looks visually appealing.

Incorporating these cinematic techniques allowed me to elevate the quality of my content. I started using multiple camera angles to capture different perspectives, which provided a more comprehensive view of the investigations. Improved lighting techniques helped create a more immersive atmosphere, and thoughtful storyboarding ensured that each video had a clear narrative flow and in-depth information on the history of each location to ensure that viewers understood all possibilities for the locations haunting. These enhancements not only made my content more visually appealing but also more engaging and credible to the audience.

Over time, this approach began to attract a dedicated following. Viewers appreciated the effort put into creating high-quality presentations that didn’t compromise the authenticity of the paranormal evidence. Knowing that I can create each investigation with an artistic vision while presenting genuine paranormal evidence to a large, curious audience is incredibly fulfilling and has provided me with a renewed sense of purpose.

It has allowed me to combine my passion for cinematography with my interest in the paranormal, creating content that is both visually compelling and authentic. The trust and appreciation from my audience are blessings I never expected to receive, and they continually motivate me to strive for excellence in every investigation. This experience has not only shaped my career but has also given me a profound sense of fulfillment and direction in life.

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’m a photographer and producer that aims to create authentic paranormal investigations with a focus on cinematic quality, historical context, and sharing the compelling stories of the past. This journey began after a life-changing experience in an abandoned asylum, igniting a passion that has driven me to explore the paranormal across the United States since 2020. My aim is to present genuine investigations in a way that captivates viewers, prompting them to reflect on the meaning of life, the nature of the paranormal, and its connection to our physical world and daily existence.

What started as a fun hobby quickly evolved into a dedicated passion project, beginning as a small YouTube channel that has since grown to be featured on eight different TV channels, including Discovery+ and the Travel Channel, while also making numerous appearances across various media outlets. My work has given me the opportunity to build an incredibly kind, loyal fanbase that make this one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done.

My experiences with the paranormal, both on and off camera, have profoundly reshaped my perspective on life. They have provided insights and a sense of positivity that I haven’t found elsewhere. I hope my presentations not only validate others’ experiences but also serve as a guide for those seeking to interact with the supernatural, helping them achieve the results they’re looking for.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

One of the most beneficial practices for a creative person is to take breaks as often as needed. Forcing your art to fit an algorithm’s demands can lead to rapid burnout, which is incredibly difficult to recover from. If you aspire to turn your creativity into a career, it is crucial to break up your routine and give yourself days off to engage in activities you enjoy outside of this endeavor.

It’s easy to adopt a “work harder, no days off” mentality, but being a content creator is not a race. You have more time than you might realize. I firmly believe in quality over quantity, and you should aim to create your best possible work. Pushing yourself to produce content just to satisfy a social media algorithm can have long-term negative effects on various aspects of your life. Therefore, I highly recommend taking days off when you’re not feeling creative or simply need a break.

Remember, your audience will always find something else to watch, so you might as well take breaks and enjoy yourself while striving to present something you can be proud of to the world.

Surround yourself with people and things that inspire and motivate you. Regularly examine your surroundings and evaluate everything, including people, places, and activities. If any of these hinder your progress, make it a priority to address and resolve the issue. Life is already stressful enough, and while being a content creator introduces its own set of stressors, it should primarily be a source of joy and creativity. If it becomes a burden, identify and address the causes so you can return to creating with the best mindset possible.

Lastly, remain resilient in the face of change, as it will occur more often than you might be prepared for. Life moves quickly, and this is especially true in content creation. Be prepared to face numerous ups and downs, which are tests of character and strength that prepare you for greater challenges ahead. Remind yourself that everything happens for a reason. When you find yourself questioning your luck, worth, or purpose, look for the lesson in the situation to transform the outcome into a positive one. Life happens for you, not to you!

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m always eager to work with people who share a mutual respect for the paranormal and want this kind of content presented in an engaging, informative way. Rather they be producers, investigators, or property owners looking for someone to validate their experiences, I love to learn from others and hear about what they’ve experienced. If you create paranormal content or have a haunted location you would like to see us investigate, you can email me at [email protected] or get in touch with me on Facebook and Instagram @CharmCityParanormal.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @charmcityparanormal
• Facebook: @charmcityparanormal
• Youtube: Charm City Paranormal

Image Credits

Michael Richey