Daily Inspiration: Meet Michael Cannon

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

Hi Michael, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It all started with my father who was a wedding photographer long before I was born. His camera gear was sitting around the house, and I couldn’t resist picking it up and messing around with it. I’d take self portraits, photograph my sisters, try out weird lighting ideas in whatever corner of the house looked interesting, and basically experiment without even realizing that I was teaching myself anything. I was just having fun.

That curiosity stuck with me through college, and over time it slowly grew into something more than just playing with a camera. I realized I loved photographing people. So I kept shooting, kept learning, kept trying things, and eventually it shifted from a hobby into this moment where I looked around and thought, alright, this is actually what I want to do.

Now I run a portrait business in LA where I work with everyday guys who are looking for photos that represent them. The whole experience is built around figuring out who someone is, and then shaping the session so they can show up authentically. It’s been a long and very organic path from playing with my dads old gear to creating work that men are excited to share with their family and friends.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been a smooth path. There’s been a lot of trial and error and plenty of late nights in the studio where nothing seemed to come together no matter how hard I pushed. I spent a lot of time experimenting with different setups, trying poses that felt off, and just testing ideas that completely flopped. The biggest struggle for me was really finding my style and figuring out how I wanted to shoot. It was a constant process of tweaking, adjusting, and pushing myself to get things to look and feel the way I imagined in my head. Some days were super frustrating, but those were the moments where I learned the most about how I work and what I was trying to create.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in portrait photography for men. That can be anything from updated headshots to more creative concepts that show who and where they are in life. I love that range because it keeps things interesting, and it lets guys see themselves in a way they usually never get to. No matter the direction, the goal is to provide them with something authentic.

And that’s what I’m most proud of. The space I create during a session that fosters that authenticity. A lot of men have never been professionally photographed before, so it’s normal for them to feel a little awkward at first. I take the time to talk through their goals, build a plan for the session, and then guide them through so they’re never left guessing what to do. By the time we wrap, they’ve loosened up, we’re laughing, and we’ve created something that feels incredibly personal and powerful.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Instagram to be inspired by other visual artists
John Gress YouTube channel
You Deserve Flowers: Blooms of Self-Love & Empowerment – Devon Blow

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michaelecannon.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelcannonphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelcannonphotography

Image Credits
Michael Cannon