Meet Mike Byrd | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Byrd and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, how do you define success?
I define success by the level of fulfillment I have while producing. Social media and other platforms measure success either by engagement, money, or other metrics, but, I feel most successful when I am happy with what I created and sharing that with my audience, no matter the outcome. I hope more creators can move to a space of self-validation and affirm that what they are doing is worthwhile.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Photography has been an unexpected, but successful journey. I got my first camera while in grad school when initially I was looking for a game console, but I got lost in the store and landed in the camera section of Best Buy. I picked up the camera and I haven’t looked back since. I have been shooting for about 8 years now and I think I have explored a range of content to create. Like anything, there have been ups and downs, successes and failures, but even with the journey being super challenging, I have never lost the love to create and display my art to the world. I have grown my business tremendously and have established myself locally as a respected content creator. Now, I have been in business for 4 years and I have been fortunate enough not to be negatively affected by the pandemic. I am working towards many more years of success and hope to continue producing quality work for the duration of my career. Over time, I developed a very detailed editing style that has separated me from other creators. My attention to detail and keen eye to make every picture the best it can be has gained me the respect of my audience and peers. I would challenge every photographer to learn the craft and have a deeper appreciation for the work, before looking to profit. The biggest lesson I’ve come to learn is that although the field is oversaturated, you can always develop a style that puts you ahead of the pack.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am located in Greensboro, NC, so if I had a friend visiting the focus would definitely be food. I have a few places that I frequent, Bon-Bon American Bar and Grill, Natty Greens, Arigatos, and lastly, Village Tavern. These are not “high-end” spots, but they do provide a mature and chill environment for good food and vibes. I always have a great time, the service is top-tier and with my social circle, I know they would enjoy it as well.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate my work, drive, and passion for creating to my son, Quincey Byrd. His presence and spirit keep me driven to always strive to be better in all areas of life and I hope to one day be able to pass my craft down to him through mentorship. He has taken an interest in the field, so I am constantly learning and developing so that I can prepare him to be the best creative that he can be when it’s his time.

Instagram: FatBelly_Mike

Twitter: FatBelly_Mike