Mike is a Chicago-based professional photographer specializing in cityscapes, landscapes, aerial and time-lapse photography. After a 20-year career as a writer and creative director in the advertising industry, Mike found photography and hasn’t put the camera down since. He now works with brands and their agencies to create engaging campaigns and imagery shot through his eyes. A Chicago resident for over 20 years, Mike holds a special place in his heart for the city and its people.
MICHAEL MEYERS
Chicago, IL
Background
“If I've made something I'm genuinely proud of - if I've captured a moment in a compelling way - I'm happy. That's the kind of work that's always inspired me, and aspired to create. ”
Q&A
Do your current or past locations influence your artistic choices?
You learn something every time you shoot. I feel like all your experiences influence you as a photographer, whether you’re aware of them or not. Certainly living in a city the size of Chicago drew me into cityscapes, but I love natural landscapes as well.
What is your goal with your artwork?
I’ve never really had a “goal” that I feel my work needs to accomplish. I just try to make images and video that are arresting or engaging somehow. Something you look at and say “damn, that’s cool. I like this.” That’s how I measure my own work and decide when and if it’s ready to share. I really love the process of capturing something in an interesting way – something I can put my own spin on either in how it’s shot or how it’s edited. There’s just something really satisfying to me about an image or video I can look at after I’m done with it and say “I like looking at this. This is cool/meaningful/exciting in some way.” If I’ve made something I’m genuinely proud of – if I’ve captured a moment in a compelling way – I’m happy. That’s the kind of work that’s always
inspired me, so that’s the kind of work I aspire to create. And when I’ve finished up a photo or video and can look at it and be proud of what I’ve created, that motivates me to go out and create something else.
Who/what are your biggest creative influences?
@Mindz.eye, @shainblumphotography, @danorst, @curtismorgan, @cosmicbackground, @adamkylejackson, @mike.oblinsky are probably the photographers I’m enjoying most at the moment, but there are too many incredible artists to name and I’d still forget some. I also find a lot of inspiration from people who give back and are interested in helping people. In Chicago, people like Jason Heyward and Chance the Rapper are those guys. I’ve had a chance to do a little work with charities in the past, but now that things are returning to “normal” somewhat, I’d like to find a way to use my skills as a photographer to help people more in some way.
What projects are you currently working on or what's next for you?
At the moment, nothing crazy. But I’m fully vaccinated, so I plan to travel as often as possible and make up for all the trips I missed in 2020!
What other hobbies do you have?
I have a few, but namely doing triathlons/Ironman, anything outside, including going to Cubs games (I’m a season ticket holder) and playing guitar.
What brands represent your personal style?
Adidas, Varvatos, Rag & Bone, The Kooples, Moncler, Hugo Boss and Theory.
Favorite things
My camera bodies are one of my most important tools.
Whether it's lenses or bodies, better gear makes for more polished shots, especially in challenging conditions or a high dynamic range of light.
1.Sony a1/a7riv
2.Sony 24-70 f2.8 GMaster, Sony 12-24 f2.8 GMaster, Sony 100-400GM GMaster
3.Adobe Lightroom
4.Adobe Photoshop
Our Happy Customers
Rated 5 out of 5
Don L.
I have been absolutely loving this artwork! Very happy with the turnout and overall service.
August 1, 2022
Rated 5 out of 5
Ivee C.
I loved it so much!! It was so excited to put it up when it came!
February 14, 2022