Community Highlights: Meet Shane Michael of Shane Michael Studios

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shane Michael. 

Hi Shane, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers?
My story is similar to most I suppose. I started in one place, and found myself in another, with no idea what was in store for me. For me though, my entire life has consisted of art. Whether drawing, building, music; or as much of my youth showed, writing. For me words led to photography. I discovered a means to create ANYTHING my mind could conceive, and in an astonishing. 

Long before I became a wedding photographer, I was, and still am, a composite artist. the idea of being able to blend fantasy with reality has always been an infatuation for me. yes, I may have played Dungeons and Dragons many, many, many years ago. What I also found was a way to tell my own story, my own pain, laughs, loves, and ideas of what I wished the world to be. Sometimes, just being able to pretend, for even a moment, can be enough to cleanse the energy. 

Photography is not just about taking pretty photos or capturing memories. It’s about creating a story, and it’s not always your own. For many of my clients, it’s therapeutic. It’s way to get closure from trauma, overcome loss, and even discover parts of themselves that’s been locked away all of their lives. 

I am now 42-years-old, and one of my biggest regrets is not discovering my passion sooner. However, with mistakes come wisdom, and I believe photography found me when I needed it the most. I believe I had to suffer just a little more, fight back a little more, experience life, in order to find my success in this industry. 

I am sure reading this, you may be questioning, “What or how is this my story?” The answer is simple, you are my story. Every client, person, friend, even enemy I meet, is my story. It’s through all of them I learn more about me, and the more I learn about myself, the better I can be for them. The more artistic, the more patient, the more humbled I can become. Art can only be loved when it can be related to, and every piece should tell a story. No matter if it’s a family session, senior, wedding, boudoir, or a personal project, there must be a truth. 

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT ME 

I am an advocate for all things taco 

I have watched all the Harry Potter movies, and I sing Disney songs in the shower while dancing with a toothbrush microphone. 

Go-to cocktail: Tito’s & Lemonade 

Favorite movie: Happy Feet 

Favorite TV Show: Naked & Afraid/Family Guy… It’s a tie 

Favorite Book: Strange History 

Hidden talent: Changing the words of songs and making them completely un-hear-able again 

Pets: French Mastiff/Bully named Charlie – A Siberian Husky named Misty – and a Great Pyredane named Nala 

Favorite quotes: 

“You can’t bite your own teeth. You can’t taste your own tongue. And you can’t touch the tip of [your] finger with the tip [of the same] finger. And that is why there is always an element of profound mystery in the problem of who we are.” — Alan Watts 

“If we are lucky, we will savior two kinds of adventures in our lives. The ones written in the sands, only existing till the rise of the tide, and the ones written in the stars, built with vitality, energy, and balance. ~ Shane Michael 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Oh no!!! I am giggling a bit here. There is nothing easy about this business. It takes years to build up a reputable name, to hone your skills, and thicken your skin. Also, this is not a business where you can chase the money. it is purer in that regard. The more humble you remain, the more you study and prefect your craft, and the more you fail, the more success you will find. One of my mentors once told me, “In this world, you’re going to want to quit at least 50 times a year. What makes us different, is our drive to get back up and still push forward.” I would also say, never sacrifice your reputation for money. Don’t allow this industry to steal your integrity. If you are a good human, people will see it, and rally to you. Only 20% of this business is talent. The rest is the who’s and why’s. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am an international wedding & family photographer who loves capturing the joy of newly wedded couples and families in their purest form. Life for me is about personality and embracing the moments we are given. 

I’ve been a wedding, family, and composite photographer for eight years, photographing throughout the U.S. and remote parts of the world, and have worked alongside of some the world’s top photographers. I also own and run a successful boudoir company, River Rose Boudoir, which has become a very active support system for A LOT of diverse women. 

Outside of my life as a business owner and photographer, I am a father of four highly energetic children, and husband to the most understanding and beautiful woman in the world. We love traveling and seeing new sites, as well as hunting for those forgotten desolate locations, and arguing over what’s for dinner. In our home, we believe in being passionate, entertaining, truthful, and leaving the world better than we inherited it. I teach my children life is about making an impression and to set out to build positivity and fun around those they encounter. 

Life with My Wife 

The longer she and I are married, the more I wonder how drunk was she to say yes? I am a handful to live with, and I am always looking for new ways to embarrass her, but nonetheless, she loves me till death do us part… or she smothers me with a pillow in my sleep. However, I see her with humility in my heart and quiet admiration because without her, I would only be half of myself. We’ve had 14 years together, and if I can manage to keep her away from the knives, forever to remain. 

Life with My Kids 

They are 19, 13, 8, and 7, and are all still alive… Say what you will but with two daughters, and two Irish twin boys, it’s a surprise any of us survived. However, they are my youth and my inspiration. 

We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Honestly? Nothing I didn’t already know. It’s in crisis you learn the true color of those around you, and yourself. To get where you want to go, you have to surround yourself with those who are already there, but… Be very careful what you wish for. 

Contact Info:

• Email: shanemichaelstudiosllc@gmail.com
• Website: https://shanemichaelstudios.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shane_michael_stl/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShaneMichaelStudios
• Other: https://shanemichaelstudios.com/blog-st-peters-photographer/