Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Raymundo.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Michelle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
In typical Sagittarian fashion, I pick up new interests and hobbies pretty regularly…and I rarely commit to them. As a kid, I tried everything. I danced ballet, played tennis, took piano lessons, wrote stories, played the drums, sang in show choir, and so much more. I still revisit some of these things, but for the most part I’ve left them on the back burner. I didn’t pick up a camera until my mid-twenties and for a while photography was just a casual recreational activity, not a career ambition. Friends would ask for family portraits or engagement photos and although those sessions were fun, I didn’t completely connect to photography until a friend asked me to shoot some pieces for her vintage clothing business. Fusing fashion with portraiture sparked something in me. My focus started to go more in that direction and it stayed there! I worked my way up to being lead photographer with a couple of apparel e-commerce companies, interned with Karen Rosalie of Rosalie Agency in Los Angeles, worked with a handful of wonderful bloggers, and I’ve recently started test shooting with agency-signed models. It’s still definitely a learning experience and I’m excited to see where this all goes!
Has it been a smooth road?
I don’t think anything worth doing is ever a completely smooth road. How would you learn or grow otherwise? Photography is an oversaturated, male-dominated field and freelancing can be maddening and unpredictable, but I’ve learned to grow a thicker skin and keep showing up. I’ve also been lucky enough to meet a lot of strong talented people over the past few years. Through those mentors and fellow creatives, I’ve been given enough inspiration and tools to keep myself moving. I’m self-taught so although I still have some growth to do on the technical side of things, I strive to learn whenever and however I can. I love when clients ask me to try something I’ve never done before! One thing I learned about being a photographer is that it involves a lot of problem-solving. It keeps your brain working. Dealing with the challenges, the setbacks, and naysayers just make all of the successes and victories that much sweeter.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I shoot editorial style portraits and fashion photography. I’m drawn to good stories but I’m a naturally quiet person, so I like to let my photos do the talking and storytelling for me. I’ve worked with all types of clients ranging from bloggers to experienced models to musicians and tons of regular people who don’t normally step in front of the camera everyday. It’s my job to capture some kind of narrative or emotion. That’s what drives me when I shoot so I hope it comes across in my work and that people can connect to it.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love how vast it is. Los Angeles is so full of culture, life, the greatest food, and SO much creativity. It can be really exciting. On the other hand, the city is so dense that there are times when it can get overwhelming. But in those moments, you always have the advantage of driving for a bit and finding the beautiful little pockets of nature that are not too far from LA and you can find some balance again.
Contact Info:
- Website: michelle-raymundo.format.com
- Email: bymichelleann@gmail.com
- Instagram: bymichelleann
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