Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Phillips.
Hi Michael, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was handed a camera about the same time my soccer playing son began playing club soccer rather than recreational/city-league games. I didn’t know what I was doing nine years ago, but I began taking photos for parents that couldn’t be at the games. The parents and grandparents always appreciated them (even if they were blurry), and as the pics got better, the kids really enjoyed seeing themselves. The goal was two-fold: let the parents get a feel for how their son or daughter played, and give the player a little more confidence by seeing their successes in the shots I was taking.
This still holds true today. Relatives can’t be at all the games, yet they would still like to see this athlete or performer that they love do their thing. And even if they are at the game/performance, I might have a different angle than they do from the stands. A couple of years ago, a woman from Mexico sent a message asking if I would be sure and get some shots of her son while he played in Dallas. How can I say no to that? And it’s not just sports even though that is the focus. Kids/students have so many opportunities to show their skills/their interests, and I truly enjoy capturing them doing what they love.
I’ve coached some of the kids I now photograph, and watching them grow, watching them compete, watching them persevere is as rewarding as anything else, and I hope that comes through in the images I capture. Honestly, that goes for all the athletes, all the performers. If they are willing to put themselves out there, I hope the way I document it instills a little pride in them.
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?
I think the biggest obstacle is knowing your value when you’re trying to make something like this a business. As mentioned, I knew many of the people I photographed, and/or my son was playing on the same team as them. Sometimes, it felt wrong to charge someone for these images; after all, I was there anyway. I still struggle to find my worth at times. There is always a fear that a potential customer will say no due to price, and I have to determine if I’d rather have the job or hold to my standards.
After finding your value, the next obstacle would probably be the equipment. That camera I was handed didn’t last long. It probably could have lasted longer, but it was a little slow and something quicker with a more versatile lens was desired. I have since upgraded two more times, and with each camera there are new things to learn.
One more thing to note, there are many, many young people out there capturing images and some really good images, and a lot of them are doing it for free, so, in a way, you’re competing with them.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My main focus is action photography. I’ve been asked to do some family portraits and senior pictures, but I truly love telling a story through images that convey movement and competition (and it doesn’t have to be about sports).
I am amazed by the number of teenagers I come across that will turn their head from a camera when asked to pose for a picture, yet they are out there on Friday night in front of hundreds of people cheering, playing a game or marching in the band. To capture images of them doing what they obviously love (because they wouldn’t be putting themselves on display if they didn’t) is what really makes me happy. Just being able to give them something that demonstrates how remarkable they are probably makes me as happy as it does them and their families.
In some small way, I think the level to which I care about these athletes sets me apart. I was there once and I know the effort they are putting into it, so I want to make sure my images convey their effort.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
All I can say is ask questions. Don’t be afraid. Ask what kind of camera they are shooting with, what kind of lens, what settings and why. Go to tournaments on the weekends – there is bound to be some photographers on the sidelines and most are pretty friendly. There are all sorts of photographers online with YouTube videos and such that can help get you started. Call me if you want – I’ll help if I can.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ftlosphoto.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ftlosphoto?igsh=MWo2dzcyb21pcGUwMQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ftlosphoto
Image Credits
FTLOSPhoto
