November 12, 2016

Meet Photographer, Graphic Designer, and Fire Fighter: Micheal Gales

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Micheal Gales.

Micheal, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Well, I have been doing photography since I was a sophomore at Westlake High School (around 1994 when I started) where I was on the yearbook staff and then by my senior year I became the editor. I went to school to UNC-Asheville for 1.5 years and then transferred to Stillman College in Tuscaloosa Alabama. I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia. When I I was at Stillman I studied Marketing and minored in Mass Comm. In doing that I got back into photography real heavy and started doing graphic design. While in school I managed a photography studio doing portraiture. When I graduated in 2004 I came back to Atlanta where I started doing freelance portraiture and I worked as a graphic designer or marketing specialist until 2009. In 2009 I joined the Dekalb Fire Rescue department and I took a break from all design and photography in 2010 I started back doing photography freelance here and there. 2011-2012 I was full force doing photography and graphic design along with working in the fire department. Now in 2016 I have my company 1201Studios and Micheal Gales Photography. I do photography and graphic design for all areas. Ranging from commercial photography and models to family portraits and events and weddings. I do product and food photography as well. On the graphic design side, I can handle pretty much all needs but my specialty is branding and brand development.

Has it been a smooth road?
Not a smooth ride. Some of the struggles were marriage and keeping that together while I grew and then divorce having to pick up and maintain through the change. Of course the standard struggles of making sure you get the payments that you are worth. Starting the fire department took some time away and balancing the fire department schedule wit having your own business can be a task.

What are your plans for the future?
I would like to eventually publish my own magazine and set my own studio space.

Let’s dig a little deeper into your story. What was the hardest time you’ve had?
Really just transitioning after my divorce and readjusting. Just time and focus got me through it.

Are there days when you feel like you’ve done everything you wanted to, careerwise – the “I’ve made it” kind of moments?
I really haven’t hit that point yet. I am a very humble person and always strive to reach new goals. If you get to a point where you feel you have “made it” then you will never push for better. I think that moment will probably hit the day I retire and don’t have to do anything but live.

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