Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Higgins.
Michael Higgins is a fashion, dance and portrait photographer living in Los Angeles. Comfortable both in the studio and on location, his work is sensuous, bold and powerful. Much like the dance choreography he knows so well, his energy on set is full of creativity and thoughtfulness which give his images a distinct personality. He has an easy and natural connection with everyone he shoots, whether it is for a fashion editorial or an essay about the farmers of Myanmar.
Taking cues from being on sets of movies and videos, he has become a master of lighting. Understanding that different genres require unique lighting in order to shine, he takes a nuanced approach to create images that are both unique and outstanding.
Michael spent 25 plus years as a professional dancer in Hollywood before transitioning into photography. He has danced in 100+ films and music videos; everything from Stayin’ Alive to Madonna “Material Girl” to La La Land. His many years of creating dance lines in the mirror has given him a unique skill to shoot dancers and models… just now behind the lens.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
In general, I always think that great results require great effort. So, yea, a lot of work to make the simplest of elements pull together. Currently, the production part of shooting takes so much more time and effort than the actual fun part of shooting that when I finally get to holding the camera in my hands, I can relax and enjoy!
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about you and your career so far?
I’ve been shooting professionally for 27 years and specializing mostly in dance. My background as a professional dancer was a natural segue into shooting movement-based imagery. What sets me apart is that I know movement, I know how to capture said movement and I know how to help people get to that place. I’m obviously not a writer so to articulate that is complicated. 1) you envision an image 2) you design your lighting or location for that vision 3) you facilitate the dancer or model into creating that with their own skill-set and attributes or lack thereof. I think another strength is that since I’ve been looking at line all my life, I can help someone find their best line and capture that. Everyone’s architecture is so unique that no one is the same and similar movements on one person will look totally different and wonderful on someone else.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
From the school of hard knocks, of course! But, that only gets you to one level so I had the fortune to study under a UCLA mentorship program with photo icon, Bobbi Lane who gave me my technical expertise. And Richard Newman for exploring boundaries and constraints to look outside the norm.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://higphoto.com
- Phone: 323.573.5959
- Email: higpix@gmail.com
- Instagram: @michaelhigginsphoto
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