We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Spatola. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michael below.
Michael, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
This question is something I think we all struggle with from time to time. Creative people especially. This is what I do: I am constantly in search of new inspiration from other artists. As a Boudoir Photographer, I am a very visual person. I gain inspiration from all other forms of art. It could be a song, a painting, or a movie. I have recently been introduced to the films of Wong Kar Wai. His visuals are stunning. Especially my 3 favorites- ChungKing Express, Fallen Angels, and In The Mood For Love. The visuals and colors just suck me right into the film. The new film Everything Everywhere All At Once has scenes that are absolutely inspired by Wong.
Now when I say “gain inspiration,” I don’t mean to copy. The world is full of Boudoir Photographers that simply copy the work, the sets, the poses, the lighting, etc of other Boudoir artists. It’s actually quite rampant. For me getting inspired is to try to recreate, not their art, but to try to translate the feeling I receive from their art, into my own.
I think I will always have some degree of imposter syndrome. But that’s what pushes me to always improve. So to that, I welcome imposter syndrome.
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?
Some of the things that thrill me about being a Boudoir Photographer, is that I get to create art everyday. Art that gives my clients a HUGE boost in self esteem. Seeing a woman come in, even if a little nervous, and slowly get comfortable, and by the end of the session, you see a transformation in their demeanor. The confidence in them grows and you can actually see them open up and feel beautiful. Sometimes, it’s like they’re seeing themselves as truly beautiful for the first time.
Next, when they come back to view their photos for the first time, the look on their face says it all to me. I look forward to that appointment, sometimes more than the photo session. This builds on the confidence from the session. Watching their nerves turn to elation!
Finally, when they pick up their finished album, when the see the fully finished photographs. Opening their book for the first time is like a kid on Christmas morning. The album sort of cements that feeling of beauty of confidence to them. Now it’s available to them every time they open that book, and see for themselves that they ARE beautiful.
and, I get to do this everyday.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1- Instead of trying to be what you think others want you to be, be genuine. Letting my personality come through as to not seem fake. People can see through it. Don’t be a poser. Be the genuine you. Not everyone will click with that. But the ones that “get you” will be thrilled that they chose you!
2- Constantly trying to improve my craft. Learning lighting and posing, of course. But, learning people- what drove them to come to you in the first place. Understanding what people really want from you, or your service, will help you to be able to provide them with what they are hoping to receive. Today people don’t even want to call. They email you and text you to keep from actually having a conversation. How will they know you’re they right studio for them, if they never get a taste to of you, and how will you know you’re right for them. You simply must talk to them. Get them on the phone!
3- Developing a style that is different from your competitors. Not just copying what the competitors are doing. I see so many new Boudoir studios websites. They all look the same, and say the say the same things. I mean down to the lighting and poses, and even the words they use to describe their services. Sure, to some degree when you’re starting out, you want to do what you think is already successful. But if your work, your marketing, and your website look identical to your competition, the client can really only judge you on price! That’s the worst position to be in, as there will always be someone cheaper. Instead separate yourself with the work and personality that is unmistakably YOU.
Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?
My ideal client is a woman that isn’t simply doing Boudoir Photos for their spouse or significant other. Although it’s a great gift to give to them, ( a really great gift!) it’s an even greater gift to yourself! #doitforyourself
I really believe in my heart that anything that makes you feel great about yourself, is an amazing gift to yourself. I truly see the results every day, by the way a woman sees themselves through my lens.
My ideal client is a woman that craves the feeling of being beautiful, strong, and confident. (Mostly confident!!) My goal is always to help them to get that feeling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lifestyleboudoir.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/lifestyle_boudoir
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifestyleboudoir
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/LifestylBoudoir
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@LifestyleBoudoir
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/lifestyle-boudoir-san-fernando-valley
