Spotlight Interview: Michael Corey
So Michael, you have really started to build a name for yourself in the photography scene here in Atlanta. How did you first get started in the art?
The performing arts is what really ignited my spark to the world of photography. Although I am very fond of theater and dance, I am incapable of performing at such magnitude levels. Instead, I found that the medium of photography allows me to create original compositions at a fast speed. Essentially, the art of photography is perfect for my charismatic personality. And it fits… I mean it absolutely fits.
Did you go to school to become a photographer, or was it something you just naturally picked up?
Photography came naturally to me at a very early age. When I was 19 I enrolled into Clayton State University to learn proper techniques and to grasp the elements/ fundamentals behind the camera.
What kind of shoots do you like to work on the most?
Fashion is always ever changing and allows me to utilize my creativity to the fullest extent! Fashion is an extension of my art. When planning a photo shoot with a model, I hand-pick each and every piece of the featured wardrobe.
Some of your work has a very dark, whimsical, almost fairy tale feel towards it. What has drawn you to create such an interesting aesthetic?
I love being creative with every shoot I do, sometimes I think its fun to let me views escape into this other world I sometimes see in my head.
When you are doing a shoot, what are some of the biggest faux pas that a model can make on the set? Any certain modeling poses you would advise wanna be models to stay away from?
Its always interesting and somewhat startling when shooting models. Every model I work with displays two entirely different personalities; one behind the camera and one in front of the camera. Some advice for models: don’t stress during a photo shoot, there is always photoshop!
Do you think anybody can be a photographer, or is there a certain element that you need naturally to succeed at it?
I really like photography’s versatility and what it has to offer. It can be enjoyed at so many levels, from a simple snapshot of a loved one, to document a wedding for a family event or record a war as social history.
What has been your favorite shoot to date?
I did a shoot where I photographed a small group of diverse men who represented a “fantasy” Disney character from the early 1990s. Instead of dressing my models in “Halloween” costumes, I used a variation of high-end fashion designers. Doing so, allowed me to recreate the Disney character and present a more raw and provocative image .
Who are some of the icons in the photography world you look up to or take inspiration from? Anybody current that has really helped you figure a direction to move towards?
During my premature years, watching countless seasons of America’s Next Top Model was mainly what my week nights consisted of. Unlike my peers, I was not watching the show because of Tyra. Instead, my interest for Nigel Barker was what held my loyalty to the show. Watching Nigel perform and produce such quality and vibrant shoots was what I lived for. However, once I enrolled in college, I became obsessed with fashion photographer, Patrick Demarchelier.
What kind of camera do you shoot with? Photographers always have a dedication to a certain brand!
They do! I work with the “Sony Ax.” Sony is a great brand and one of the first professional camera’s I worked with.
Any future plans for Michael Corey Studios? Are you trying to brand yourself into the big leagues soon?
I am definitely trying to brand myself in many different outlets. I would eventually love to shoot album artwork for musicians because music also happens to be a major influence in my work. When shooting at a remote location, I always bring my iPod and portable speakers.
What has been the most difficult shoot you have worked on?
I once shot on a helicopter (in-flight) and took various photos of the view from up top. I must say, working with machinery can be difficult and dangerous; but working with machinery in motion is one big adrenaline rush.
If you had no budget, and could have any model … what is your dream shoot right now?
If the Gods from above should choose to bless me, I would love to conduct a photo shoot featuring the LEGENDARY Pop Icon: Ms. Britney Spears. More specifically, shooting the cover art for next anticipated single, “Trip to your heart” would be ideal. From an artist perspective, I was not impressed with the overall quality of her recent photo shoots. If it were up to me, I would shoot Britney stripped from all of her makeup, glamour and false pretenses; just Britney… BITCH!
Photos: Michael Corey
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