Meet Mike D Shot Me | Atlanta Photographer

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

Hi Mike D, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My thought process was based on my desire for more. Growing up, I was taught to go to school so I can get a good job. That was it! That was the goal my family set for me, but I had this nagging feeling that there was more. I accomplished what I was “supposed to do.” I had a good job, making great money, but I still wasn’t happy. I didn’t like having to pretend to be someone I wasn’t. I didn’t like my livelihood being dependent on impressing one or two people. I didn’t like my income being disproportionate to the amount of time, energy, and effort I put into my work. I tried so hard to turn my job into my passion, but it never worked. I cared about the people I worked with, but I never cared about the actual work that I was doing. It drained me, so I had to find another way to be happy and be fulfilled.

I found myself coming home every day from work and editing photos. It was what I enjoyed more than anything. Every day, I’d say I wish I could just edit photos all day and get paid for that. I even tried to get a job as a retoucher, but it just never worked out.

I reached a point where I realized I had no other choice. The fear of failure was not as strong as the fear of complacency leading to stagnation. I was desperate to regain control of my life and my future. Owning my own business was the only way I could accomplish that for myself and my wife.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It’s still interesting to consider myself an artist. I always knew I wanted to be one, but I never thought I was talented enough. As a kid, I wanted to draw, but I was horrible at it. The arts and crafts activities used to kill me in school because I was such a perfectionist. I have a vivid memory of being so frustrated by a Thanksgiving project in the 2nd grade because I didn’t know how to draw a realistic turkey. Everybody just traced their hand and drew eyes, but that wasn’t good enough for me. The administrators had to call my mom to call me down.

I’m still that meticulous with my work as a photographer, but now I’m confident that I’ve mastered the skills to effectively create exactly what I want. That’s why I fell in love with Photoshop, because I could actually make something perfect. I had all the time in the world, and nothing was permanent. I could try again until I got it exactly right.

My biggest differentiator with my art is that I also approach it from a business mindset. My background is in marketing, so I have a very deep understanding of how imagery contributes to branding by carrying a strong message throughout whatever channel a piece of content is delivered. I understand my clients’ needs and provide exactly what it takes for a business owner to receive the value they need from a visual artist. Whether it’s for photo or video, I have a consultation call with each one of my clients to learn about their goals and visions for the session. I don’t take it for granted when people reach out to pay me, so I dedicate time to listen to them. I also solicit questions and feedback to ensure we’re aligned on the expectations of the shoot so we’re all on the same page.

Although I’m an artist, I take the business side of things just as seriously because that experience is what makes the biggest difference for the clients I work with.

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 love Thai food, so I would start by taking them to Tuk Tuk and Thai 5. If they want to be healthy, I’ll recommend Upbeet and Gusto. On a chill day, we’d hit Blaze Pizza.

For activities, we’d definitely go to Sky Zone (the trampoline park). That’s my favorite place to be a kid again.

I’m a huge Hawks fan, so I’d grab tickets to a basketball game.

I think Mercedes Benz Stadium is amazing, so ideally I’d take them to a concert. Other than that, I’d introduce them to my friends and have a huge game night. When I’m not working, that’s what I enjoy doing more than anything.

I’d avoid all the touristy spots like the Aquarium, Zoo, Coke Center, etc.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to shoutout my very first friend and mentor in the business Kiyah. She was the first person to introduce me to photography in a tangible way. After photographing my own wedding, she gave me the recommendation for the first camera I purchased. When I decided to pursue it beyond a hobby, she was the person I went to for advice. She came along with me to shoot my first wedding (which helped to boost my confidence A LOT). Even though we’re technically competitors now, she’s never held anything back from me. Her encouragement, support, and advice has continuously benefitted me throughout every stage of my career.

Website: https://www.mikedshotme.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miked.shotme/

Other: https://www.patreon.com/mikedtaughtme