Meet Mike Foley

We recently connected with Mike Foley and have shared our conversation below.

Mike, we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

For me, generosity comes from a place of wanting to give back. Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate enough to be surrounded by generous people. People who were willing to share their connections, their insights, and their tricks of trade.

Photography can be a tricky field to break into – often times success comes from relying on who you know and who is in your network. In many ways, the generosity of others can blaze a path forward. Whether it is an introduction to a well-connected friend, or even friendly advice, it is the filling of another person’s cup with little personal gain in return.

As I reflect on my career and the individuals who have expressed their generosity to me, it has inspired me to return the favor. These days, I give back by collaborating with non-profit art schools and their students; I offer them inspiration and opportunites to join me on shoots so that they may gain vital experience in the field. There is great magic in a career that reaches its full circle. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be generous in my own way and pay homage to those that did the same for me.

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

My job as a portrait photographer is to show people how wonderful they are inside and out. Often times, I am photographing people who have never been in front of a professional camera or on set for a photo shoot. In these moments, I become more than just a photographer; I become a friend, a mentor, a confidant. For me, it is crucial to create an environment that is warm and trusting so that my subjects can freely be themselves. When my subjects are comfortable and taken care of, we make room to cut loose and let creativity take over.

There is nothing quite like the feeling of witnessing my subjects’ reactions as they surprise themselves with how well they can photograph. The real secret to this, in truth, is not being a great photographer but rather being a great person to be around. The best portraits I take are the ones where my subject and I “click” – we enter a space of mutual trust and understanding allowing us both to be our authentic selves. Because of this process, I find that those who enter my studio do so as subjects but leave as a friend. That is what is truly special about my job.

In a more literal sense, my job is to arm my subjects with the visual ammunition they need to showcase their dignity, humanity, and strength. Whether for personal, branding, or editorial use my philosophy remains the same. Great portraits of humans require human connection.

My services are available to anyone who wishes to be in front my camera and I encourage folks of all levels of experience in front of the camera to reach out and book a session. I promise it will be unlike any other shoot you’ve been a part of – and I am proud of that!

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?

This is a great question!
The first and most important quality is to always remain a student. As artists, we are never done honing our craft and we are never done improving. You never know where your next “A-HA” moment will come from. By maintaining a student mentality, we keep our egos in check and remain open to changes or criticism. This is paramount to becoming the best you can be.

Next would have to be patience. Rome was not built in a day, as they say, and neither are excellent artists. I often get the question, “Mike, how do I end up with my own style?”. I’ve always given the same answer: your style is the average of your experiences. What this means, as it pertains to photography, is to keep shooting. Keep putting yourself out there and allow yourself the time to grow, learn, and take on new challenges. Through the process, you will naturally develope a style that is uniquely yours. It takes patience and time but it will happen – sometimes when you least expect it.

Lastly is curiosity. Similar to my first point, but unique enough to deserve it’s own mention. Curiosity is at the heart of all great art. Allow yourself to be curious about the world and people around you. During a shoot, ask questions and get to know your subject. Never be afraid to try a new technique, a new method, a new approach – it is through sheer curiosity that we discover who we are and what works for us. Moreover, it fuels creativity and flexes the muscles of your imagination.

For those already on their photographic journey, this is the best single piece of advice I can offer: Shoot for yourself as often as possible. As Photographers, we are often asked to fulfill the visions of others. It is so very important that we also shoot for ourselves and our own vision. Grab a model (or a friend!), get into the studio, and fire away! When you create art for yourself first, you reaffirm your sense of pride in your work allowing you to bring that with you on your next shoot.

Who is your ideal client or what sort of characteristics would make someone an ideal client for you?

My ideal client is anyone willing to be themselves in front of a stranger. Sure, I work with large brands and established models but the best shoots are the ones where my subject and I connect emotionally, intellectually. There is nothing better than a Sunday morning on set creating portraits over wonderful conversation. After all, once you walk onto my set we are no longer strangers – and I think that is a beautiful concept.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://MikePhotographs.com
• Instagram: @_MikePhotographs
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-foley-3095a7126/