Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaiah Edwards.
Hi Michaiah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My photography journey started in the film industry. I went to college and earned a Bachelor’s in film and media in 2021. Almost immediately after graduating, I began working on union shows in the hopes of getting in the camera department and becoming a director of photography. When the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes of 2023 hit, a friend of mine with the same dream suggested that we take our cameras out and shoot photos around Atlanta. Over many walks on the Beltline and through GSU’s campus, I learned my camera settings and started developing a love for stills as much as motion. A couple months later, my father trusted my potential and vision enough to have me shoot BTS for a documentary he helped produce. Since then, I’ve captured tens of thousands of photos, from portraits and events to travel and landscapes. I, honestly, picked up my camera and never looked back.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One thing that I’ve realized over these last couple years is how several of my journeys have coincided. A challenge that I’ve faced the majority of my life has been struggling with imposter syndrome and not feeling good enough. Of course, when I started shooting, that mindset leached into my art as well. I’ve struggled so many nights with feeling like I wasn’t applying myself enough, or shooting enough, or that my photos weren’t as good as everyone else’s. After photoshoots were over, I’d be anxious to even go through the photos much less edit and send them to clients. There were times when I kept going off the strength of the compliments I was getting even though I didn’t see it the same. Over time, I’ve had to sit with myself as a person to push through these mental blocks and fall in love with myself and my craft. Sometimes I still struggle with feeling like I’m not doing enough but I’m finally recognizing that I am an artist and not just a girl who takes photos.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an artist. I’m a photographer, a director of photography and a budding gaffer. Mainly, I’m known for my portrait and event photography. Being a photog, I have developed quite a love for lighting and shadows which is where my desire to gaff has come from. I love the art of photography and capturing moments and light and I think that shows in my work. I recently had someone describe my style as moody which I think is fitting because I love experimenting with different lighting and colors. One thing I’ve very proud of is my ever growing collection of self portraits. I feel like they’re a timeline of me falling in love with myself and becoming more confident in who I am.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think, the longer I do this, the more I want to take risks. I wouldn’t say I’m necessarily a big risk taker but I do believe in following your dreams and doing things that fulfill you. I haven’t really taken any major risks in this journey other than just doing it. I think my biggest risk is pushing through even when the congratulations, or the money, or even the desire isn’t there. It’s believing in myself so much that I don’t have a plan B.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://withaneyemedia.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaiwithaneye/
