Today we’d like to introduce you to Fatima Michon Young.
Fatima Michon, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Originally from Augusta, GA, I have always loved photography. My Father was a photographer, and I stayed in front of the camera my entire life! Although I always loved it, I went to school originally for something completely different. I also have a love for computers, so I went to Paine College in Augusta, GA and graduated (Proud HBCU Grad) in 2004, with a Bachelor of Science dual degree in Mathematics/ Computer Science. I then went on and got a Masters in Information Systems Management with an emphasis on Computer Security.
After being in Corporate America for some time, I realized or longed for that love of fashion and photography. Looking in magazines, wanting to shoot that! So I looked up classes online for photography and ended up at the Art Institute of Atlanta, where I took up Commercial Photography Graduating in 2013. After graduating, I honestly didn’t know what to do or where to go with Photography. I was still working my full-time job but wanted more. I then met Celebrity Photographer Derek Blanks and was able to intern with him for a few years, learning many things from him. Although I currently still work full time, I later decided to step out on faith and got my first photography studio! I have started working more and more on my business and photography as a whole, and couldn’t be more excited!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Definitely, not a smooth road. As someone who does photography part-time today, it’s definitely challenging. I can only shoot clients at night or on the weekends, so a lot of times, I’m working all night, back up in the morning to work, and then have start the process all back over again. Also, being part-time, you have those that may not take you seriously in the industry. So you have to fight through those struggles as well.
Sometimes I don’t get to hang out as much with friends, but I just have to remember what my ultimate goal is. I’m building a brand and a name for myself, so sometimes those things have to take the back seat to my dream!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Fatima Michon Photography is a boutique style photography studio that caters to the client. Giving them an experience, not just a photograph. That’s very important for me, for my clients to enjoy themselves, even if they are paying $100.00 or $1000.00, everyone gets the same treatment.
I love the question of what do you specialize in. The reason is because I always like to call myself an Artist that so happens to take photographs! But if I had to answer, I specialize in Commercial, and Fashion-Editorial photography.
What I’m most proud of as a company Is that I’m doing it! Although I graduated in 2013, I didn’t do anything after graduating…I wasted a lot of time. So I have only been truly shooting for about 2-3 years and in that time frame I have already occupied a studio, and have started the process to do what I truly love, which is a proud moment for me and my company.
What sets me apart from others could be that I am not in competition with anyone. I love other artist and admire their work, but I don’t rate myself by that. I literally am my own competition and stay in my own lane. There is room out there for everyone! I feel GOD gives us all a purpose and its just up to us to use it, no matter how many others do the same thing!
What are your plans for the future? What are you looking forward to or planning for – any big changes?
I’m excited where Fatima Michon Photography is headed. Only shooting for about 2-3 years it hasn’t been easy, but I’m ready to take on this industry full force. My plans for 2019 are to continue to get my name out there, display my work more, and show people that even though I currently do this part-time, I am a force to be reckoned with! I also want to show others that may also do this part-time that anything can be done if you put your mind to it and have faith…all things are possible!!!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fatimamichon.com
- Phone: 678-615-2981
- Email: booking@fatimamichon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fatimamichon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FatimaMichonPhotography/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/fatimamichon
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