Meet Mike Perez | Lifestyle Portrait and Boudoir Photographer

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

Hi Mike, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
My aspirations to pursue being an artist/creative stems from high school. I was in Advanced Drama/Theater all 4 years of high school and I absolutely loved it! To be able to step outside of my comfort zone and step away from reality for a moment and become a new person/character and create something for the audience to truly enjoy was amazing! I remember when I played the character Jacob Marley from Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol; to captivate the audience with a darker, mysterious tone to the character, honestly it will be one of those moments I will never forget. I heard the cheers, the gasps and the screams and it was infectious. I craved more, yet little did I know what journey I would be on.

Fast forward several years later, I have been able to use the same tools and experience I learned in theater to help translate into my photography to help create a moment and captivate my audience, whether it be family, friends, or current and potential clients. I have always been open to criticism or feedback, whether positive or constructive and that has helped me grow both personally and professionally, which in turn allows me to always keep learning throughout my career. For me to be able to recreate a wonderful moment in time for each individual I come across, makes all the difference in the world. Their love, support and vulnerability help smooth out the process of being in front of the camera. Let’s get it straight! Being in front of the camera requires a ton of confidence, but being able to allow yourself to be open to the experience is much more exciting. To have clients respond back after receiving their galleries and informing me that my photos helped them feel more confident or beautiful, that is a one of a kind feeling that no one can take away.

If I am able to showcase my art to any audience and it resonates with even just one person? That is the icing on the cake and for that I am truly appreciative of the positive impact that my art has.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is that you will have a friend for life. This isn’t simply a transaction, but a friendship. Me as the photographer work with you the client on a regular basis building communication on what the goals and aspirations of the type of style and session you are looking for.

I learned that not everyone even fellow photographers are not going to be supportive of you and will criticize your work as often as they can. Surround yourself with people who are positive and want you to reach for your goals.

The journey is not an easy one and the road is filled up with self-doubt and self-criticism but allow yourself to understand that you will be always improving, which is a friendly reminder I have to tell myself every day. Tell yourself ” I deserve to be here”, say as often as you can until you are where you want to be.

I started this journey 2 & a half years ago and I have never looked back, except in areas where I know I could improve. I keep continually progressing, and so I understand the rest will come. Nothing happens overnight and freedom of expression allows you to move forward.

I want the world to know that even if something is hard or extremely difficult, try it! Nothing comes easy at all. You won’t know if you don’t try. I don’t want to be that person at the end of their life with regrets. Keep pushing towards your goals and always been open to learning.

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 do love the beach most especially during sunset. Every day is a different day just like every sunset is different. No one sunset is the same. Something about the waves and the sense of peace and calm is what makes me feel alive. If you could grab the sunset and place it in your pocket, it would be a thing of beauty. I definitely do like the disconnect when you go to the mountains because you get to step away from the hussle and hussle and allow yourself a moment to breathe. As long as I am able to find a local beach or some mountains to explore, I am satisfied.

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 want to share my love and appreciation for my girlfriend Irza Diaz. From the beginning of our relationship, she has been nothing but supportive, selfless, excited and grateful for the opportunities I receive to help create long lasting memories for my clients. As a male straight photographer, it can be difficult for anyone on the outside world to see for example the style of boudoir as art. It was happenstance that I stumbled across boudoir, one of the many styles I pursue to learn more of, and yet I am grateful for it. Being creative puts a smile on my face.

Society is very opinionated on what is creative and what is tasteful, yet photography allows me as that artist to show my freedom of expression and that is what I continually chase.

As a fellow artist and creative, my girlfriend wholeheartedly sees photography as an outlet to create one-of-a-kind memories that will last a lifetime. I will forever be grateful for the continued strength and love my girlfriend shows me and she definitely deserves recognition in my opinion. Yes, I may be a bit biased of course but if you were in my shoes, you would do the same thing. I do my best as a partner to reciprocate the same amount of love, support and appreciation she shows me daily. I mentioned earlier that she is also an artist and creative, and I wish to share in some of that. She does a lot of character illustrations that are simply magical and innovative! Her artist page on Instagram is @diazillustrations93 and she is accepting commissions too! She expresses her love for art on a regular basis and it shows in her work.

Website: www.mikeperezphotos.com

Instagram: @mikeperezphotos

Other: Updated Email for Inquires: contact@mikeperezphotos.com Updated Brand Name: Mike Perez Photos and/or MP Photos capturedmomentsbymikey@yahoo.com or any related brand name is no more! See above for updated information.

Image Credits
Angie Camacho Irene Mendoza Cristina Vivian Alvarez