Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael King.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always been an artist, inheriting my grandmother’s ability to paint and draw. It was always a way for me to express myself and an escape from my bullied childhood. It wasn’t until my senior year in college that I discovered I wanted to act, which brought me to Los Angeles two years later. I enjoy being in front of the camera, but there is always something about being behind the lens.
As a kid, I was always loved taking pictures and even took a photo class in high school where we shot and developed film. Yes film.
I was in LA a good many years before I started shooting. Because I knew what it was like to be on the other side of the camera and how tough it can be to get started as an actor or model in the industry, I felt called to help. I know how cold the industry can be and how much the rejection can be discouraging, so I wanted to help people avoid the unpleasantness as much as possible. I want to help other actors in any way possible to achieve their dreams, whether that’s with a great headshot or imparting as much knowledge as I can on them.
The only logical next step in my career, to everyone else except me, was to start directing. Directing, like photography, gives me the opportunity to help actors find the scene, create the character and tell the story together.
Acting, photography, and directing are all different tools to make art and tell a story.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I don’t think it’s ever been a smooth road, there’s always challenges. When it comes to modeling and acting there are a lot ‘nos’, and people try to fit you into a box of what you can and can’t do.
You have to develop a thick skin, and not focus on each job. You have to embrace the journey.
My biggest personal hurdle I’ve had as a mixed actor has been that I’m never seen as black enough or white enough.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
When I started acting, I was most known for playing bad guys, cops, and military. It took a while, but I was finally able to break out of the box and play other vastly different characters and leads. The role I’m most proud of portraying is the true story of a man who comes out of the closet while being married to a woman in the film Nice to Meet You.
What I love most about my photography is that it allows me to help people see their beauty even when they don’t see it
I felt most proud when I shot my friend nude 3 weeks postpartum, and this picture inspired her to write a blog which helped thousands of women. She was actually also featured in this magazine for that blog.
What does success mean to you?
I define success by giving everything you have towards your goal, and not leaving anything on the table. Some days you might not have a lot to give but if you give what you got and you don’t give up then that’s success. And above all else, if u you are happy with your life and what you do regardless of what it looks like to anyone else, then you are truly successful.
Contact Info:
- Website: OneMichaelKingphotography.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/1michaelking
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCs__g9-oR2tHg4xmZhnkoYg
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1434186/
Image credit:
https://instagram.com/theartistmichaelking?igshid=Nzg3NjI1NGI=
