Meet Michael Fennell | Photographer and Videographer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Fennell and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Michael, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
“Success” seems light years away quite frankly. Burning both ends of the candle, working two jobs, editing and networking is a bit overwhelming. Us ambiverts run out of gas pretty often, but it’s the people I’ve been blessed to meet and work with that keep me motivated. That dopamine rush from seeing a client fall in love with the perfect shot or preview is so satisfying. The mission has always been centered around building lasting relationships with those who want to tell their story. Through the lens of their brand, or just as a method of self expression, it’s all narrative based. Whatever success may look like down the road, I pray that it’s genuine. Building others up and helping them grow is my platform.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a photographer and a self diagnosed b-roll “cinnamontographer.” I’ve got my cameras and gimbal rigs so I’m going to always be that one guy saying “sorry, excuse me” while moving 30lbs of equipment around events, sets, or runways. Einstein stated “the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” I’m definitely on this hamster wheel at the moment and there is a perpetual cycle of learning lessons to be had. The challenge now is serving two masters.
Clients are generally shocked by my “weekends only” scheduling due to the fact I’m an Active Duty Service Member in the United States Army. You learn you’ll sacrifice sleep and sanity when you’re either just too stubborn or passionate about something.
The Army has also given me an opportunity and platform to tell their stories. The Public Affairs community has blessed me with tasks of documenting exercises and public forums of our world leaders and NATO partners, most notably at the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Some of the biggest challenges I’ve faced when jumping into the scene here in Los Angeles has been seeking out authenticity. In this art form, there’s no room for timidity. We’re at our most vulnerable. You cannot afford to be disingenuous with your client, much less yourself.
Anyone who follows my work can tell I love incorporating music into my videos or reels. Music gives me a platform to actually express myself in a project, effectively painting the perspective. I believe music and video will continue to be my format until the Instagram portfolio gets replaced.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Aside from the obvious, my family, the people I’ve served with in the US Army Public Affairs community, I want to thank my on-set partner Jake Bogartz for his shout out and for continuing to share his perspective and desire to grow as photographers and artists!
I’m incredibly grateful to have met and worked with Carrie Daniel Siller @carrieedanielle. A Virginia native, she travelled cross country to find herself and has been making a name for herself on the runway. She is an absolute delight to be around and a genuinely kind soul. Always eager to help and collaborate on projects. Check out her yogi work with @Yogaqua!
Ana Luísa Frey @anualuisafrey was my first client since moving back to LA and she has been on the grind ever since she left her home in Brazil. She has always been on the lookout for me and is such a hard worker. Ana is never afraid to speak her mind and is a true perfectionist in everything she does.
Melissa Pellone @pellonedesignercollection – Fashioner designer and business owner, Melissa was one of the first people to introduce me to the fashion industry, jumpstarting my experience in the LA runway circuit. I’m excited to see where her journey leads her next, be it NYC, Milan, or Paris, I hope I get capture some good moments for you!
Desiree Shank @desireeshank – Business Owner, VP, Boss mom, and lifestyle influencer, Desiree is an inspirational motivator whose investments in her career, network and her beautiful family have seen some exponential returns. Working with her and her talented daughter Brooklynn @brook.lei I was such a pleasure for the opening of @beyondthreadsclothing and look forward to collaborating again!
DJ Maanic @maanicmusic – OC native, music producer and DJ at Time Nightclub in Costa Mesa, Hailey (DJ Maanic) was such a pleasure to film. Her passion for her craft is evident when watching her sets. She’s already made big moves in career playing Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas (2022), and opening for artists like Slushii and San Holo. So excited to see her grow and can’t wait for the next project together!
To all the people who have given me a chance, I say thank you from the deepest part of my heart.
I’m so excited to see where this journey continues and the doors God continues to open in my life and yours.
Instagram: @itsfenlcakes
Other: TikTok: fenlcakes
Image Credits
Narelle DJ Desire Nick Meadow Amaya Ava DJ Desire
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
