Conversations with Michael Gleason

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

Hi Michael, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today. 
My curiosity for photography started at an early age, but other interests overshadowed it until my late twenties. I was in a small club venue featuring the Michigan Band, The Crane Wives with some friends and a photographer. When I showed an interest in filming the band, the photographer told me, “That camera is like a key to go wherever you want, figuratively and literally” and I took that to heart. From there, I started shooting for local magazines, working out of my family’s garage, and building my business and portfolio. While also covering local acting troupes for an artistic and creative outlet. Recent events have thrown everyone for a loop, but I found myself adapting to more business-related still and video work while still managing to feed my passion, portrait, and street photography. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Focusing on my home area, a market which is not as robust as other regions, has caused some stress here and there. The biggest struggles, however, for me stem from imposter syndrome. Sometimes we may catch ourselves wondering, “Am I really good enough to be doing this professionally,” and we have to shrug off those doubts. Society can be overwhelming, making us feel like we have to be number one or nothing. We don’t have to be the best to be amazing because each of us has a unique perspective to feature. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a Flint-based photographer specializing in portrait and business/product photography. I have a small residential studio where I work on personal and professional projects but find myself traveling a lot throughout mid-Michigan for events and Senior Portraits. 

What I feel sets me apart from others is my drive to connect with my clients. To find out what they need, what their expectations are, and to make them comfortable, both in front of the camera, and trusting me with their business image. 

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Honestly, photography outside of business parameters and relaxing with my family is what truly makes me happy. I love to travel, by myself or with my partner, on my personal time to capture people interacting with the places you might see on Instagram. It fascinates me to see our society as an external observer and see the interesting things people do when not trying to impress someone else. 

Contact Info:

• Website: gleasonstudios.com
• Instagram: _michaelgleason
• Facebook: facebook.com/gleasonstudios
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/gleasonstudios
• Youtube: youtube.com/provokedcashew

Image Credits
Michael Gleason