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

Hi Michael, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk taking has been a large part of my career; it comes with being an entrepreneur. Playing it safe never got anybody anywhere. That being said, I firmly believe in taking calculated risks, not just any risks. At some point, you have to get out of your comfort zone and take a chance on something you want for yourself, otherwise, you’ll spend the rest of your life regretting not making that decision and thinking on what could have been.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m most proud of my resilience. Outside of my close friends, not many people would know that the last 8 months has been the roughest stretch I’ve ever been in. It’s not ideally how I wanted my early twenties to go, but I haven’t quit on myself. The dream of one day becoming a world class photographer keeps me going, knowing that my dream is out there waiting for me, and that I can have it as long as I keep pushing. It gives me a reason to get out of bed on the days I don’t feel like getting up, and it gives me a reason to fight another day.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d first like to thank God, for who I give credit to for my gift, the life I live, and for being able to be in text position to speak with you all. Nothing would be possible without Him.

Secondly, I’d like to thank Maribel Navarro, a professional runway and in house model that I’ve been honored to work with in Connecticut and her team The Fashion/Ballroom House of NY (FCNY) for giving me the opportunity to showcase my skills at my first ever NYFW production entitled “Sex, War, and Runway Spring ’22”. It has been a dream of mine to do that so when I got extended the invitation and was personally chosen, I made sure that I was ready and available to go. FCNY took me in and treated me like family and after proving my worth in Manhattan, more doors were opened for me to keep growing and shooting and I am eternally grateful to them.

Website: www.mmphotographyllc.org

Instagram: Instagram @capture.myworld

Facebook: Michael Martin Jr.

Image Credits
in pink : _arieeg in black: @doni.dineroo blue dress: lexii.lopezz black and white with locs: memosa.larosa

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