Check Out Michael Tari’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Tari.

Michael, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was first an actor out here for a while and got pretty burned out during the pandemic, so I wanted to try something new. I’ve always loved taking photos for fun and decided to put my blood, sweat, and tears into a whole new career. I told myself ‘I have nothing to lose, let’s just see what happens.’ It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and I found my true passion for photography. I bought a camera with 1 light and started practicing headshots on my actor friends. I kept practicing, learning studio photography through Youtube and of course trial and error.

I was done helping myself and wanted to help actors get those big auditions, land those agents and managers and book work! I shot with many photographers throughout my career and I learned to be as specific as possible with lighting, wardrobe, and backgrounds. As I kept shooting more and more artists, I started to learn so much through every shoot in the form of creating art a specific way to get to where I am today. I’ve been doing this for less than 2 years and shot 90 people in 2022, it has been my best year yet. I shoot out of my home studio in Los Angeles and have huge goals for 2023! I specialize in headshots, lifestyle, & editorial photography for actors, models, artists, and creatives!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think anything is a smooth road in the industry but it’s definitely been a roller coaster. There’s been struggles just like any business out there, especially to make it consistent and be a full-time job. Any money I was making with photography I would invest right back into my business, which I still do to this day. Getting your name out there in the beginning is a struggle but I tried different routes and paths to see what worked and didn’t. Marketing myself can always be a challenge but when I was putting out consistent work, I saw a huge difference instantly. I gained more connections and my network started to evolve. I still have struggles to this day but that’s ok because it pushes me to keep getting better and better. Losing is the best thing you can do in this industry because you learn and you experience, always remember that!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Hi my name is Michael Tari and I’m a photographer based in Los Angeles. CA. I specialize in headshots for actors, artists, and creatives. I’m most known for my headshot photography. I also shoot editorial and lifestyle photography as well. I’m most proud of shooting specific character headshots that get actors the right auditions. What sets me apart from others is that I take candid shots. I shoot in studio out of my panoramic scenery home with multiple lighting setups variety of background options, and talk throughout my process to bring your personality out to capture all kinds of expressions. I’m not a fan of the word ‘pose.’ I catch you off guard and use my tips and tricks to get the best out of you unexpectedly. I also shoot till you’re satisfied and show you the photos during our session. I have over 60 (5 star) reviews on Google and will play your favorite music to make it the most fun experience!

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The best advice for anyone just starting out is to always shoot every single day. It’s so easy to find an actor or model for a TFP session these days. The more you shoot, the more you learn quickly and the better you will get. Always know your camera settings as well. Also, Youtube has so many tutorials to help you get better. I wish I was a better marketer in the beginning because that’s what brings in the business consistently if you’re good at it. Do good work and the rest will fall into place!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.mtphotographs.com
• Instagram: @mtphotographs1
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaeTariPhotography
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-tari-82159329/

Image Credits
Personal Photo Photographer: Cameron Thrower