Hi Michael. We’re excited to hear your unique story on how you accidentally “made” these images. Kick us off though and tell us in what part of the First Coast do you reside now and how long have you lived there?
I live in beautiful Saint Augustine Florida.
What is your favorite part of the First Coast to photograph?
The beaches, downtown Saint Augustine, St. Johns River along SR 13.
What type of equipment do you use?
I use a Sony a100, Sony 7iii and my Iphone 14 pro max.
How long have you been part of the hobby?
Since 2014.
Do you do any type of planning before you head out to take photos or do you just wing it?
Looking at the weather and then just wing it.
Are there any constants in your photography, if so what are they? (ie. subjects, editing, lens, etc.)
Sunrise, Sunsets, Downtown attractions.
How would you describe your style of photography?
Traditional and bizarre.
Do you edit your photos right after your shoot or do you let them sit for a while?
Both. I have been told by many photographers who have been taking pics for any length of time that there is no perfect pic. It all comes down to editing. My daughters were into modeling in their teen years and in one particular photo shoot near Tallahassee, I was watching the photographer standing behind him and I told him jokingly that I could do that for what he was charging – $1000 an hour. His reply stunned me, “oh but can you edit? It all comes down to the editing!” It really does. I know there are allot of people say they don’t edit but the camera can only do so much. If you want to bring back the color you are seeing, then you have to learn how to edit.
Where is your favorite place (or type of place) to take photos?
The beach, downtown St. Augustine and SR 13 along the St. Johns River. I travel for a living so I have been able also to photograph across the USA so I have learned to love the mountains and the National Parks, but since this is probably a local question, I’ll stay with the former answer.
If you could live in any decade (with your current photographic gear), which one would it be and why?
The late 60’s and early 70’s lol. I have a camera that I dropped at the bay one morning. I was tying my shoe and putting it on one of the benches and as I picked it up, the strap caught the bottom of the bench and yanked it out of my hands and slamming it on the concrete sidewalk, I picked it up and thought it was done but it still took pics. The viewer was busted and it looked like the pic that I took was a negative version. When I downloaded the pics that night, I was like, what the heck! Yeah, they really would have fit that era but pretty cool still the same for now!
What photographer (current or historical) do you draw the most inspiration from?
I never studied photography so I wouldn’t know anyone really by name, but the locals that I see in photography groups are a lot of fun and meet from time to time out in the field.
What do you think is the most important component to producing great results? (camera, lens, light, editing, location, artistic vision, etc.)
All that is mentioned. Proper planning not to waste time but then again being in the right place at the right time.
Is there a ritual that you use to get into a creative zone?
Not really any ritual but determination.
What outside (non-photographic) influences (if any) shape your photography?
I believe in God. I believe He created this world for mankind to enjoy. I look at it this way, we have only so many sunrises to see, sunsets to see, and Full moon rises to see; I try to take in as many as I can and photograph as many as I can. The beauty I have seen traveling this country is unreal! I have been in 49 states now and I can never get enough seeing and photographing its beauty.
What advice would you give someone who just picked up their new camera on how to get started?
First, thank you for taking the courage to do it. Secondly, don’t get an expensive camera to start. I just upgraded to a Sony 7iii and need to go to college to figure out all the technology lol! Thirdly, find what your passion is and practice. Each subject is beautiful and needs to be photographed!
What is the goal of your photography? (A business, just to share on social media, gateway to adventure, etc.)
I started a website because my family and friends encouraged me to do so and make it available to purchase. I had a massive heart attack in December and have not worked since then so I hope that people will purchase photos to help with the finances that I am missing from work. Eventually, I hope to do this full-time and maybe open a gallery for local photographers and artists to display their talents.
themichaelanthonycollectionfineart.com
Do you shoot with your editing style in mind, or do you edit based on the shot that you got?
Both actually. You learn how to read the sky and the colors to determine a photo or not. My broken Sony a100 can shoot in all kinds of weather and such. My other cameras not so much and you have to determine if that shot is going to be a good shot or not so I say both.
Do you prefer to photograph alone, or in a group?
I have never photographed in a group yet, so I do alone for now.
How do you feel like social media has changed photography and do you think it’s a good or bad thing?
Its the best thing that’s happened to photography. Many times I see pics of photographers in local groups on Facebook and then get to meet them out in the field! Pretty exciting to me. It has opened up a world of photographers to share and learn from each other.
What is the best way for photographers to network?
Find local groups on Facebook; Photography Clubs that meet monthly, or weekly; go to galleries in the area and find out if they have any art shows that feature local artists or photographers, and go to those events.
Do you enjoy books? If so, any specific genre?
I am not much of a reader, but when I do read, it’s the Bible!
What is your favorite photographic accomplishment?
Had an art show locally in October of 2020 at a gallery with nothing but pics from the broken camera, lol. The gallery had not hosted a photographer since 2002 because as the owner said, “Everyone has photos of Saint Augustine!” lol what he didn’t understand until I showed him was what the broken camera could do! It was a success and had a person fly in from NY just to see the exhibit! The owner of the gallery told me and confirmed what my wife said, “You have the only camera in the world that takes pics like this!”
If you had a question you would like to ask another photographer what would it be?
What continues to motivate you to get up early before the sun rises?
What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
The beauty, the culture, the people, the history, and what you get to photograph!
Is there anything else that you want to tell everyone?
Just want to say thank you to all those who have commented, shared, and encouraged my photography. Take in each moment get up and see the sunrise, and notice the sunset because we only get so many in a lifetime.
How can we see your work?
You can find it on the following website:
themichaelanthonycollectionfineart.com
- About the Author
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Glenn is the founder and publisher of First Coast Life. He is also a wonderful storyteller. Born on the 4th of July, he spends his spare time taking his camera and exploring everything beautiful this region offers with his rescue dog Callie by his side. He loves meeting new people and capturing the many beautiful moments and amazing local stories that showcase the true spirit of the area.
2 Responses
This is my cousin and I am beyond proud of his work and dedication.
Awesome interview! Congratulations Mike, well done. We are Proud of You!!