Meet Michael Salcido: Photographer

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

Hi Michael, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always had a creative side since I was a child. Starting first with my imagination. I would sit in my room, close my eyes and put myself in any situation, any location, be with anyone or anything. When I reached my teens, I began writing poetry and short stories. Nothing ever left my private notebook though, I was too embarrassed to let any one read my material. In my late teens I began composing scenery with my naked eye. I had the old school Kodak one-time shoot cameras that I carried around for months at a time taking shots when ever I felt the moment was right. It wasn’t until 2012 when I really felt I could be good at it and I began slowly upgrading my gear and and getting into landscape photography. It wasn’t until early 2019 when I finally began taking pictures of other people like action shots, sports and street photography and still portraits. I am pursuing this career because I love showing people how they look through my lens. They are often scared or unsure when I take their portrait and It is a gift to see their smiles and sometimes tears of joy when they view the finished product; a moment in time that will now last forever.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love photography! I get out and shoot as often as possible. When the moon is full, you can bet I’m at some location trying to capture the best moonrise I can. When the first shutdown hit in 2019, I was out in downtown Los Angeles and Long Beach capturing the eerie and empty streets. I was at the rallies and marches for the fight against racial injustice, photographing the passion, determination and dedication of the children, teenagers and adults’ of all colors and backgrounds. I take portraits of people in my home studio or travel to their location and use light and shadows to create dramatic portraits in black and white or color. I am always trying to change the look of the portrait. There are so many great, local photographers in my area that I respect and I know I need to constantly push the envelope of change to get better recognition. I’ve made many mistake along the way, Photos out of focus, bad compositions, editing mistakes, too much noise in my low light photos. The thing is that now I understand that I will always continue to make mistakes, When I make mistakes, I learn from them and I just keep growing. If you are not making new mistakes then you are stagnant.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many fun and exciting places in L.A. County. Of course, being a Long Beach boy, I am partial to locations in my area. On 2nd Street in Belmont Shore, a great Lebanese meal from Open Sesame or Greek from Georges is a must but there is always Indian food at the Flamin Curry on Broadway in the Bluff Park Area. A walk around Shoreline Village and Pine Ave. A visit to the South Bay for a stroll through the Hollywood Riviera and always a run up to Abbott Kinney for some new cloths.

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?
There have been so many people who have inspired me throughout my life. From the early portrait photographers of the 40’s and 50’s to the current, young artist. Of course, the main people that have always inspired me are my three sons; Anthony, Joshua and Aaron. I have always wanted them to be the best humanitarians as possible and in order for them to do that, I must always lead by example. They make me a better man!

Instagram: www.instagram.com/@mas.focus
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MichaelSalcidoPhotography

Image Credits
All photos by Michael Salcido Photography