Meet Michael Pool

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

Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’ve always loved looking at photographs. I thought, “it would be so much fun to be a good amateur photographer when I wasn’t living out my real dream of being a rock star.” As it turns out, I’m way better at taking pictures than I am at singing.

After serving six years in the US Marine Corp, to include a tour in Desert Storm, I was singing in a no-name rock band, and taking classes at a community college in n Southern Cali. The more classes I took, the more money I received from the GI Bill. So, I took a ton of photography classes because I thought it would be easy. Next thing ya know I was spending all my days in the darkroom. Fast forward five or six years, and I found myself traveling the globe, assisting some of the biggest photographers in the world. It wasn’t long before I picked up a few clients of my own, and the rest is history. I live in Los Angeles with my beautiful son, Milo. I shoot mostly beauty ad campaigns, but I also have a deep love of portraiture.

Please tell us about your work.
Whether I’m shooting a beauty ad, editorial, or a portrait, I like my images to emote an element of mystery and magic. However, I also pride myself on giving my clients the images THEY need. I find great artistry in being able to turn an art director’s visions into reality.

I love lighting. I love the way light falls on the human face. Every face is different, and every move a person makes causes the light to fall differently on them. After all these years, light still fascinates me. Once my lighting is in place, and the music is playing, it’s all about capturing that moment when my subject lets me in.

Choosing a creative or artistic path comes with many financial challenges. Any advice for those struggling to focus on their artwork due to financial concerns?
Never stop creating. That’s the most important thing. Write your ideas down. Move forward with the resources you have now. Do your best, then move on to the next project.

There are enough talent-less rich kids on social media. Don’t be afraid of the struggle; It’ll make you stronger.

How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
My images can be found in a number of editorial fashion magazines. However, as most of my work is advertising based, it’s found in stores and magazines across the globe where my client’s products are sold. And on social media, Instagram, under MichaelPoolPhotography.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://michaelpoolphotography.com/
• Phone: 310 497 4695
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @michaelpoolphotography

Image Credit:
Michael Pool

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