Connex247: Share some of the passion you bring to photography when seeking the perfect picture?
Michael: Passion is not an easy thing to describe, but passion is what makes me pick up the camera each day and passion is my driving force in photography. Being a photographer means having the desire to create a perfect picture and when you do create that perfect picture there is no other feeling like it in the
world.
But sometimes the perfect picture cannot be planned. You have to trust your instincts that you have the right location and the right pose. I shoot more spontaneously and once the shoot starts I just go with the flow. It's very important to keep an open mind when you are doing a shoot. You have to remember that anything can work and one thing that every artist has to remember is that "the beauty of art, is there are no rules...".
Sometimes the perfect photo will appear in front of you and as a photographer I find solace in that moment. And then you shoot like crazy to capitalize on it. You have to have passion to be an artist and being able to work with whatever is thrown your way makes the art you create special.
Connex247: What projects are you currently working on?
Michael: I am working on a large project right now, which I am unable to give much information about… but I will make sure to bring it to Connex247 upon completion to promote it. Other than that, I have a lot of fitness shoots scheduled for the remainder of the summer and possibly relocating my photography business to Florida this year.
Connex247: What advice would you give a model who is breaking in to the business?
Michael: Breaking into a competitive business like modeling can be very challenging. You have to want to be a model, you need to have a lot of drive and determination. You need to keep a positive attitude. There will be times when you start to think "I cannot do this" or "I not good enough" but that kind of
thinking will lead you to your own destruction.
You have to believe in yourself because if you do not then who will? I would also warn anyone trying to get into the modeling business that there are a lot of modeling scams. People may try to get you to put money down for a portfolio. This is a scam because if you have potential to model then they will not require money. Being a model means that you are marketable and you do not need to pay to be marketable.
You always have to be alert, do research on the photographers that you work with. With such a competitive business, remember that there are corrupt people who will try to take advantage of anyone who is new to the business. It is important to stick to your morals and always research anything in depth before committing to it. But most importantly you have to be positive, do not give up and never settle.
Connex247: Tell us about the photos we are using with this feature?
Michael: A few of these models will be very familiar with Connex readers. Since this website helps promote the world of male modeling, I decided to show some established, as well as up-and-coming fitness models. I hope you enjoy :)
Connex247: How does a model go about working with Michael Lawrence?
Michael: Just contact me!! (info listed below). I am always looking for new models to shoot with.
Connex247: How can people contact you?
Michael: Visit www.michaellawrencephotography.com or by email at
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
If you have myspace, visit www.myspace.com/michaellawrencephoto
We extend a very special thanks to writer Amanda Florian for assisting in this interview. Thanks so much Amanda.
Photos are copyright Michael Lawrence (c)2006
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