Meet Michael Jackson II | Writer & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Jackson II and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, what do you want your legacy to be?
I want my legacy to be something that would simply inspire someone else to go after what could be the best part of what they could bring into this world. Growing up I would often think back on how my inspirations in literature and art influenced and cultivated my own writing style. Icons whose work that has been referenced throughout countless media. Legends whose words continue to inspire generations long after their death. I’ve always said my main creative purpose was to eventually be the reason a kid decided to flourish creatively. To be for someone else that my icons have been for me and others. For my work to resonate in the hearts of generations.

The same with my photography. I’m really big on body positivity. Regardless of how you look on the outside, I see now flaws in who you are. We are all created differently, but no one was created wrong. So through my photography i want to be remembered as the man that could show you the light of your beauty through any darkness that may plague your mind because we are all our own masterpieces.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for art and wanted to create my own, but unfortunately all I can draw and hungry little stick figures. So with my writing I had to make sure that it was all that I’ve wanted from drawing. In my work each story is a world that you get immersed in, I paint such a vivid picture in your mind that you feel like you’re right there enjoying and experiencing the events first hand.

What got me into growing into photography is that I’ve always looked elsewhere for art that would be writing inspiration, but eventually I wanted to create my own visual art. What sets me apart from others is that I don’t expect anyone to come to our sessions knowing how to pose. It’s ok to be camera shy. It’s perfectly fine to be awkward. I aim to capture your personality and your energy. I capture who you are and everything in-between. I offer guidance when it’s needed, because I won’t have you out here looking any kind of way. I don’t like limiting others to just a certain set number of pictures to get back, I can’t limit moments. I can’t restrict memories. Once we’ve fleshed out our masterpiece I send back a variety of shots for my clients to pick from so they can save moments in time that they loved the most.

Challenges I’ve over came was that I didn’t take any classes for photography or editing. I’ve dedicated countless hours teaching myself during quarantine. Growing and learning with each photo session. Studying and understanding the dynamics of photography and matching it with my personal visions.

My biggest challenge was discovering my personal style in my photography. I have a few favorite photographers that I follow, when they post their work in most cases I can instantly tell who it was created by without even seeing that name. And that was something I had to learn and develop. I would like to think that my style breathes life into every shot.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would definitely take them to all of my favorite photography spots. Each time I go to them I always discover something new. I get a vibe of the person’s energy and look around to see what I can find that would go great with the mood. It’s always fun to vibe and talk about your dreams and goals while showing the spots that’s helping making it happen.

Believe it or not, I’m super introverted so I don’t get out much to bars and such but Burtons Grill is one of Mt favorite restaurants and Page’s Okra Grill in Mt. Pleasant.

A good game night with friend’s and mixed drinks is always the remedy for me.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d love to give a shoutout a novel that was created in the 16th century, “Journey To The West”. It inspired me creatively, but it also taught me about enduring the things life throws our way and our perseverance through it all. It helped with a better upstanding of personal accountability, self control and personal growth. Definitely a corner stone in my work.

Also a shoutout to my mother. She was the flower child that never judged me for my interests and always supported my creative growth. It was important to have a parent that noticed your interests and help cultivate that. She would always pushed me to achieve what I would think would be unattainable. And it’s because of her I have a personal quote I’ve created that I live by.

“Raise your hand and reach for the clouds, but always aim to clench the stars”.

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