Daily Inspiration: Meet Michele Coleman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Coleman.

Hi Michele, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I first discovered my love for photography while studying Journalism at West Virginia University (Parkersburg, WV). I was required to take photography for my degree and after the class, I just never put the camera down. I remember I had purchased a Canon AE-1 from eBay for my college course. So, my first camera was an old classic. I actually shot 35mm film cameras for the first several years I was a photographer before switching to digital.

I was so passionate about practicing the craft and getting better. I would photograph my friends in my apartment against sheets and use regular household lamps when that was all I had. I find it funny now. I completed college in 2005 and I obtained my first business license in 2007. In the beginning, I worked full-time while doing photography on the side. Some of my previous work was as a digital encoder for a tv advertising firm, creative director of a magazine, customer service, and more. I worked hard to save up for my first “real” pro-grade camera setup.

I finally decided to go all-in and open my first studio space in January 2008. While still in West Virginia, I moved my studio space several times and by 2015, I had become known as one of the top photographers in my state. I had a large studio space in historic downtown Parkersburg, WV where I photographed newborns, high school seniors, and families and traveled all over the country as a wedding photographer.

I had work published and won awards, and eventually even served as a board member of the Professional Photographers of WV. I even did a stint where I started to “teach” classes to other photographers by speaking at other PPA-affiliated state groups.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road to success or even just getting to the point of being able to make a living doing what you love is never all smooth. I made a lot of mistakes in the first years I was in business, doesn’t every small business owner?

One of the biggest struggles I’ve always faced in this career journey is finding that magic balance between running my business and making time for my personal life. Back in West Virginia, my studio became so popular that it was a lot to handle. This was mainly because of the business model I had. I did in-person sales of prints, albums, and wall art. This required a lot of time and work in order, packaging, and delivering aside from shooting and editing. I did have a full-time employee for six years who ran my office, booked appointments, met with clients for orders, and sometimes was my lighting assistant.

After that employee left I was once again on my own doing it all. After a few years, I realized that I needed a change. That is when I decided on a new business model in a new state where I could enjoy my personal time on the coast. In March 2017, I sold my house in WV, packed up my studio, and moved to South Carolina.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a professional photographer who specializes in several genres of photography. Families, high school seniors, couples, weddings, headshots, and real estate photography. I know that is a lot but I did give up newborn photography when I relocated to South Carolina. That genre did not fit into my new vision of downsizing my studio and workload. I also went from doing in-person sales of prints to selling mostly all digital packages. I still offer prints and albums but on a much smaller scale.

I was always well known back in West Virginia for my work with high school seniors and kids. Since moving to South Carolina I am now most known for my beach portraits of families and headshots although I still do it all. Families from all over the country come to Myrtle Beach for vacation and many love to have their family portraits made here. One thing that sets me apart is that I use off-camera lighting about 90% of the time outdoors. It produces a certain look that you can’t get on the beach using only available light. During the very busy summer months, I have an assistant that helps me on my sunset beach sessions which also really helps to set my work apart. An assistant helps so much, not just with placing the lights where you need them but with adjusting posing, and working with the children.

When I moved to the Myrtle Beach area I noticed a need for a well-rounded headshot photographer and I already had experience doing them in my town back home. My style of headshot photography is consistent and clean. I use professional studio lighting and mostly solid color backdrops that compliment my subject’s clothing, eyes, complexion, etc. I am now relied upon by many real estate agencies in the area for new hire headshots. I also work with companies in the medical field and go on-site to their offices. I have expanded the sessions that I offer for my headshot clients. They can choose between studio portraits or lifestyle-type portraits shot on location or at an outside location we choose based on their needs, vision, and style.

What I am most proud of I think would be the fact that I have managed to make a full-time career of my passion for 13 years now. The photography industry is constantly changing and I try to keep changing with it. My reputation of having satisfied clients that come back to me year after year also makes me proud.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I never really had a mentor in the photography industry. I tried. I remember calling every studio I could and offering to volunteer just to be around them and learn. Nobody took me up on it. I think a lot of that had to do with the competition in my then small town.

What did help me the most was joining my local Professional Photographer group and also Professional Photographers of America. Attending the workshops and courses offered by PPA groups is where I learned a lot. Continued education in this field is a must but luckily there are many options out there. From free online video tutorials to paid-for workshops with top photographers, there are many ways to continue to learn and grow.

As for networking, I am a member of a local networking group here in Myrtle Beach that meets once a month and I have tried others in the past. Putting yourself out there and getting to know members of the business community who may need your services is obviously a must.

Contact Info:

• Email: mcolemanphoto@gmail.com
• Website: www.mcolemanphotography.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelecolemanphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelecolemanphotography