Meet Michael Xu of Given By Grace Photography in SGV (San Gabriel Valley)

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

Michael Xu, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was exposed to photography at a very young age. My father was an avid photographer and he brought his camera(s) with him wherever he went. As technology forged ahead, my father would buy new gear which allowed my brother and I to “share” his old gear. This paved way for my curiosity and desire to learn about what a camera was, how it worked, and most importantly: it’s purpose. My creative journey began when I realized that the camera wasn’t just a piece of gear, a certain brand, or even a tool; the camera was the artist’s paintbrush.

Since high school, I’ve stepped my foot in various creative routes (music, videography, photography, etc.). My family traveled frequently and I would bring my camera with me. At the time, my brother (who is 30 seconds younger than me—we are identical twins) seemed to be my father’s favorite as he had inherited the full-frame body, while I was still rocking the crop sensor. After my brother and I took pictures and videos of the places we visited, we would go back home to compare who captured the subject matter more accurately. In hindsight, the brotherly competition was a pivotal part of my creative journey. I’m indebted to my brother for those early years of arguing which focal length was best, Canon vs Nikon, overexpose or underexpose? Who knows? The camera is the artist’s paintbrush after all.

In my freshman year of college, my brother and I started Given by Grace Photography.

Has it been a smooth road?
This so-called “creative journey” has never been easy and will never be. There are two paradoxical mindsets that I find myself constantly in: drive and comfort. I firmly believe that there are seasons for both. There are seasons of my life where I find myself constantly finding inspiration—from peers, artists, films, music, etc.—and it drives me to create and to grow. On the contrary, I also have seasons where it feels as if I’m perpetually stuck—nothing is inspiring to me and I begin to experience the impostor syndrome—and therefore, I’m stuck in a sort-of comfortable vexation. However, the beauty of this journey is that even despite all the hills and valleys I’m still trying to figure this thing out because there are no concrete answers in this journey—there is much to be explored and I want to be a part of it.

So, as you know, we’re impressed with Given By Grace Photography – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
Given By Grace Photography began in 2017. We specialize in cinematic wedding videography. At Given by Grace, our goal is to capture the intimacy of weddings. Every wedding is special because it’s a celebration of two unique human beings coming together to declare their love for each other and lifelong commitment. If there is one word to epitomize weddings, it is emotions. There are countless emotions that occur at weddings and our aim is to capture those raw moments in a timeless way.

Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
Los Angeles is one of the most diverse places in the world and it’s one of my favorite aspects of growing up here. There’s diversity in the people, culture, food, and that’s truly beautiful. I’m blessed to be surrounded by many creative peers that are constantly challenging me and growing me as a human being. If there is one thing I dislike about this city, it would be the 405 during rush hour.

Pricing:

• Wedding Videography Package: Starts at $2000

Contact Info:

• Website: https://givenbygrace.com/
• Phone: (909) 655-8730
• Email: [email protected], [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/givenbygracephoto/
  https://www.instagram.com/mchlxu/
• Other: https://michaelxuphoto.mypixieset.com/

Image Credit:
Kate Ruthenbeck, Joseph Yao, Tzu-Han Hsu

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