Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Manning.
Michael, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I fell in love with photography in college and switched schools to attend the Art Institute of Boston and study with David Ulrich. Early on, I was moved by the work of street photographers like Garry Winogrand, Lee Friedlander, and Diane Arbus, and by masters like Minor White and Edward Weston. At the time I didn’t imagine making a living as a photographer, it was my passion, my art, and all of my income from various jobs went directly into the work. I just wanted to make pictures. Most of my friends were young photographers too.
I had shows, traveled and photographed, and ended up in New Orleans for 4 years where I met my ex-wife. We moved around, had our first child and that was when I began to really see a life in photography as a possible career choice. I began shooting for newspapers, magazines, the AP, by bringing in my favorite images for editors to see and getting assignments that way. Eventually I built a client base and was a full-time freelance photographer. I always try to bring my passion for the art to whatever work I am doing, using my photographer’s eye, and love for image.
I began doing family portraiture in a really candid, Day in the Life, kind of way that people seemed to like. And I continued to pursue new clients and outlets for work. I’m working on personal projects as well, right now that’s a series of double exposures I call DoubleX, and a growing body of work on the homeless here and in LA.
Street photography is kind of my go to when I need to get out and shoot, I love being out in cities in particular photographing. I’m also seeking out shows, grants, and opportunities to share work. It’s a juggle but I love it.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, not smooth, hah! Although some of the challenges have been familial, I became a single dad in 2007 and have raised my kids on my own for half the year since then. That has been incredibly rewarding but also challenging as a freelance photographer. Cooking dinners, making breakfast, getting kids ready for their day, their school year, sports and activities. It was a whirlwind that is really just winding down now, my youngest is 17 and his college applications are in. I’d say another challenge has been keeping the many editors and clients happy while ultimately satisfying myself as an artist at the same time. Learning how to communicate with various people in publications departments or with photo editors. Everyone has a unique style. How do I make the images that matter to me also work for clients? That’s an ongoing question I love to play with and find new answers for as time goes on. The downturn in the economy often impacts photographers first as budgets get cut for things like new pictures. That’s an economic challenge that has been hard over the last decade here and there. But overall the challenges are what makes anything special. Transitioning from film to digital was challenging but I’m so happy to have had those years with film and film cameras. Now I would say digital is just about where film was in terms of the beauty of the image, the color. I’d say it’s very close, still different but not in a way that is a problem. It opens things up tremendously.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business is Michael Manning Photography, I’m a photographer specializing in portraiture, documentary work, and corporate photography. My goal is to create images which tell stories on their own, which ask questions, challenge the viewer and capture something special in people, who they are in the moment. Probably most proud of my work with various homeless populations, as well as my work in the Boston Public Schools for the last 5 or 6 years photographing kids and teachers, and I’d add the long relationships I’ve had with my clients here in Boston. I’d say what sets me apart might be my commitment to finding meaningful images, images that capture moments or tell a story with feeling and emotion. My years in photojournalism were definitely invaluable for me as I developed my vision. Telling stories and making strong images, whether for a big corporate client or someone who needs a headshot, that’s what moves me, images that dance with the human experience.
What were you like growing up?
I was pretty sporty as a kid, I’d play anything with anyone. I lived in Dorchester as a kid so it was street hockey, stick ball, riding bikes. I come from a really big family. On my mother’s side, she was one of nine, I had 23 or so cousins to run around with and we were all close. We still are. There are a lot of musicians in the family, so many, sax, flute, piano players, singers, drums, cello, violins, it’s kind of wild. Parties would become huge jam sessions. I’d end up banging on something, empty beer bottles. Lol. I don’t play anything but I fell in love with music really early, all kinds, and music was a big part of my childhood for sure. I feel like photography holds that same musical connection for me, that’s how it expresses itself for me. But my real love for art and photography and film came later, after some wild teens and 20’s.
Pricing:
- Family Portraiture is $500 and includes the shoot, high-res processed digital files and studio prints. I always try to work with people on budget where I can.
- My corporate day rate is $2000-$3000 depending on the work and travel. I adjust fees for non-profits and charities.
Contact Info:
- Address: Michael Manning Photography
22 Dimick St.,
Somerville, MA 02143 - Website: michaelmanningphoto.com
- Phone: 6176056879
- Email: michael@michaelmanningphoto.com
- Instagram: @michaelmanningphoto
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelManningPhotography/
- Other: http://michaelmanningphotography.bigcartel.com
Image Credit:
Michael Manning Photo
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