Tell us a little bit about yourself and your brand.
I am a born and raised Bostonian. I am based out of the Allston/Brighton area. I am mostly a dance photographer, but I love photographing the streets of Boston, especially when I can figure out how to do so creatively. Through my photography, I tell stories and share my own thoughts. I try to create in ways no one else has.
What inspired you to start your brand or craft?
My entire family is full of artists, so I think I was destined to be an artist. I received my first camera at 13 and I've been shooting ever since. What keeps me inspired to shoot is the people I work with, whether that be the models or other photographers.
What does an average day look like?
Every day is different. Some days are spent shooting all over the city and some are spent at home writing emails or creating TikToks. But every day, I have a camera in hand.
What’s your favorite part of the job?
Seeing my clients reactions when they see how good they look in photos is my favorite part of the job. I love making others feel good about themselves. I also love working with other artists and seeing what we can create together.
When you’re creating do you have a person in mind?
It depends on what I am shooting. If I'm shooting cityscapes, I just try to look for new angles. If I'm shooting with dancers, I keep other photographers in mind such as Eva Nys and Jordan Matter.
It depends on what I am shooting. If I'm shooting cityscapes, I just try to look for new angles. If I'm shooting with dancers, I keep other photographers in mind such as Eva Nys and Jordan Matter.
When was your business founded and how has it evolved over time?
I founded my business in 2012 and it has evolved so much since then. My photography has improved, my network has grown and my own voice in my photography has become stronger.
I founded my business in 2012 and it has evolved so much since then. My photography has improved, my network has grown and my own voice in my photography has become stronger.
Are there any challenges that you’ve had to overcome?
The biggest challenge is something we've all faced: the pandemic. I haven't been able to photograph performances or work with groups, which is a large part of what I do. I haven't been able to travel much either. So instead I started focusing on shooting around my own neighborhood and shooting with dancers virtually.
What’s one thing on your bucket list?
Travel to Montreal
Travel to Montreal
What is one piece of advice you have for a female entrepreneur just starting out?
My advice is to not give up no matter how hard things may look.
Let us know where we can follow you. Feel free to share any news on upcoming projects.
My advice is to not give up no matter how hard things may look.
Let us know where we can follow you. Feel free to share any news on upcoming projects.
My instagram handles are @mickeywestphoto and @theartsybostonian. I'm also on TikTok as mickeywestphoto. I'll be posting lots of content when I head to London this fall for my graduate program in photography
