As an extension of Underground Tree Projects we support young entrepreneurs.
London Michelle Photography
London Michelle
Age: 23
Baltimore, MD
Underground Tree Projects: What's photography relationship and skill background (classes, degree, etc)?
LM: Photography gave me a sense of peace. It was centering for me to be able to capture any element of life in a still picture. I took up professional photography at around 20. I took a class at Coppin State University that I had hoped would assist me in developing the skill, but I tend to stray away from the fundamentals. I've always liked to bend the rules. So I decided to teach myself, but with every day I learn.
UTP: How did you come up with your pseudo-name?
LM: My name has a little bit of history behind it. Since a very young age, I can remember having a fascination with the city of London. I have always been intrigued by the eclectic fashions, the art, and the music that escaped from the gloomy city. As an appreciator of unusual art, I always enjoyed the awesome creativeness that the folk from the UK exuded. My love for the place made my family start calling me "London.” The rest is history. I just attached it to my first name and used it as a pseudonym for my photography and my writing.
Age: 23
Baltimore, MD
Underground Tree Projects: What's photography relationship and skill background (classes, degree, etc)?
LM: Photography gave me a sense of peace. It was centering for me to be able to capture any element of life in a still picture. I took up professional photography at around 20. I took a class at Coppin State University that I had hoped would assist me in developing the skill, but I tend to stray away from the fundamentals. I've always liked to bend the rules. So I decided to teach myself, but with every day I learn.
UTP: How did you come up with your pseudo-name?
LM: My name has a little bit of history behind it. Since a very young age, I can remember having a fascination with the city of London. I have always been intrigued by the eclectic fashions, the art, and the music that escaped from the gloomy city. As an appreciator of unusual art, I always enjoyed the awesome creativeness that the folk from the UK exuded. My love for the place made my family start calling me "London.” The rest is history. I just attached it to my first name and used it as a pseudonym for my photography and my writing.
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UTP: Where do you want to go with your photography in the future?
LM: I dream of a life of peace and spiritual gain. I think that I will get there if I stick with my love for photography. Financial prosperity is always good too. It doesn't hurt to pay the bills. UTP: How do you maintain your art form and skill? LM: To become respectable at any craft takes practice. The thing I love about photography is that there may be structure, but there is plenty of room for creativity. Although I try to bring in a new twist with each shoot, I still take time to develop and maintain a form. Even the hummingbird practices her skills. UTP: What's the first gig you got that left an imprint on your mind? LM: The first paid photography assignment was for a fashion show that my father was the hired videographer for. That was the hardest shoot of them all...but I LOVED IT! The excitement was crazy, and I was crazy enough to stick with it. UTP: What struggles have you encountered? LM: It's not an easy job. Being a photographer is actually listed as one of the hardest professions. The clientele is limited, and so is the pay. It is a struggle financially sometimes, but I've learned that the journey to pursuing dreams is not an easy one. |
 Contact Info
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UTP: What do you do to get around the obstacle of low pay and clientele?
LM: Whenever business is slow I take jobs underneath other companies in order to receive the necessary pay. However, I am also a full-time student, so that creates a whole new dilemma with my time availability.
UTP: What goals do you have to become more financially stable with your photography?
LM: After I graduate I will be able to focus on my craft. Once I'm able to put all my time into it, I don't expect to have any financial set-backs. I already have attained a variety of substantial contacts in the industry, and by the grace of God I have a couple of great job offers waiting for me.
UTP: Do you see yourself branching out further than Baltimore?
LM: Well, I do hope to have my photography based in New York, since that is truly my home, but thankfully, L.Michelle Photography has already planted it's roots in Atlanta, New York, and Miami thanks to a very wide circle of friends. I do aspire to take my work global, one step at a time though.
UTP: Good quotes you live by?
LM: I've always drawn my inspiration for photography from writing. One of the most motivating quotes come from one of my favorite authors, Dick Gregory, "You Live, You Die, and spend everything in between trying to justify your existence". I say, chase your dreams until you pass them.
LM: Whenever business is slow I take jobs underneath other companies in order to receive the necessary pay. However, I am also a full-time student, so that creates a whole new dilemma with my time availability.
UTP: What goals do you have to become more financially stable with your photography?
LM: After I graduate I will be able to focus on my craft. Once I'm able to put all my time into it, I don't expect to have any financial set-backs. I already have attained a variety of substantial contacts in the industry, and by the grace of God I have a couple of great job offers waiting for me.
UTP: Do you see yourself branching out further than Baltimore?
LM: Well, I do hope to have my photography based in New York, since that is truly my home, but thankfully, L.Michelle Photography has already planted it's roots in Atlanta, New York, and Miami thanks to a very wide circle of friends. I do aspire to take my work global, one step at a time though.
UTP: Good quotes you live by?
LM: I've always drawn my inspiration for photography from writing. One of the most motivating quotes come from one of my favorite authors, Dick Gregory, "You Live, You Die, and spend everything in between trying to justify your existence". I say, chase your dreams until you pass them.
Co-edited by Rashida Asante-Eccleston
