Photographer | Michelle Perkins

Michelle Perkins on why low rates are not just crippling the photographer, but the industry as a whole. A reminder for creatives to know their worth!

Words Khaya Mnisi

Michelle Perkins

Q: Can you tell us about yourself. Who is Michelle, and where do you call home?

MP: I believe I’m a child of the South African soil. I’ve lived in a few provinces in SA so I struggle to call only one of them home. Home is in me. Much like my photography, I find beauty and meaning in my surroundings and the people I get to meet through my craft.

Michelle Perkins

Q: What inspires your photography, I noticed you mainly focus on fashion photography, can you briefly talk about that?

MP: I’ve always loved fashion, make up, hairstyles since before I can remember. I was also brought up a pageant princess so that has influenced my work. I also just love finding the beauty in things, in people, bringing the best out of people and shining light on things in such a way that represents them in the most beautiful way. I also find that people show their best selves when they look and feel beautiful and I just love capturing and existing in that energy.

So what am I inspired by? It’s that moment my subject sees themselves in a beautiful light and celebrates themselves. It’s magical and nothing can compare to that.

Charlie P wearing Thebe Magugu

Q: Running a photo studio must give you a unique perspective on photography. I mean, it's not just about capturing great shots, but also about managing a business, working with clients, etc Like, do you approach shoots differently or have unique insights and perspectives that might not be gained through photography alone? Have you found that running your studio has taught you anything about photography that you might not have learned otherwise, can you briefly talk about that?

MP: I love this question! Running a studio taught me plenty about different techniques via the other creatives who walked into the space but the greatest lesson was sharpening how I approach my craft as a business. When I hear how other photographers and videographer (and retouchers ) charge I’m always so taken aback because I realize that a lot of creatives don’t realize that they are crippling not only themselves but the industry as a whole because; they don’t realize how much value they bring to the table and that they are operating at a loss. What we do is not cheap and if you don’t account for all your equipment outside of the time and service that you sell (and your future, new equipment, upscaling, your retirement, insurance), you are running at a loss and jeopardizing your own growth (and well-being). You are giving more than you are getting. Running a business taught me that every line item needs to be accounted for otherwise you are draining your own pocket.

The same way a grocery store won’t allow you to have bread and milk but only make you pay for the milk is the same way creatives should approach their “business”.  Stop allowing clients to walk into your shop and make all these requests and not charge them appropriately for each and every single one of them. You as a creative are running a business! Passion alone won’t pay the bills. 

Model: Mordecai Ngubane

Q: How would you advice creatives, especially photographers on the importance of creating without worrying about how their work will perceived on Instagram /socials?

MP: Look, everyone has an opinion everyone thinks they are a critic. Creativity and expression can’t fully exist if we worry about what others think. Art is a feeling. I have used my tool (the camera) to grow so beautifully. It has helped me heal, tap into my subconscious, meet amazing people. Its granted me opportunities to play, come out of my shell, make mistakes, cry, change my perspective. To grow as a human influenced by so many perspectives and from that creating one of my own.

We all start somewhere. My first photograph was terrible if I look back now but over the years, I got better. The beauty is not in the polished final product, it’s in the journey. Every season is beautiful and has a wealth of lessons, growth and self-discoveries. We should enjoy every season for ourselves, not for the validation of others. So why is it important to create without worrying? You hold yourself back when you put the opinions of others before your own creative and personal development as an artist. 

Ashley

Q: What excites you the most about the future of creatives especially photographers in South Africa?

MP: Ah there is such talent! Such beautiful storytelling, so much passion behind the craft. Photographers really pushing boundaries and coming up with such exceptional work. I think South Africa has so much rich culture. I’m excited to see how the generation after me, who have grown up in this digital era, use the new technological resources to further tell the South African story. Because of the advancement of AI, there is no limit to one’s imagination and one doesn’t need to solely rely on “network” and resource’s. In the same breath though, I hope the art of capturing and shaping light doesn’t deteriorate because of the AI movement.

 Q: What’s next for Michelle, any new mediums you’ve been working with or?

MP: Photography has played a pinnacle role in my growth and self-development. I don’t think it’s about changing or shifting to a new medium but rather continuing to build on the one I’ve been harnessing for so many years. 

God blessed me with the ability to make people feel comfortable in their skin, to see themselves differently. I see my future with more work that empowers people’s perception of themselves. Like a social practise. Photography is just the tool. Everything I have learnt and experienced over the last 10 years has brought me right here to this point where I would like to share all that I’ve learnt and how my perspective has changed, and use that to make a positive impact in an industry that continues to sell this idea of what we should look like, that we are not already perfect. 

So it’s more a shift in my story and an evolution in my gift. It’s about how I wish to continue to share that with the world. 

Walking the journey of a creative always feels so “unsure”. Everything is always so emotional(and volatile).  Moments of confidence but also lots of moments of doubt; like am I doing the right thing? Is this really who I am? Am I doing enough? Am I good enough? What’s next?

But I’ve recently learnt to just live through all these different contrasting feelings because they help you reinvent yourself, to shift your perspective. To challenge your own beliefs. To jump in the deep end and just trust that you are on the right path. Eventually you look back and realize that this is all part of the journey, and it helps you appreciate each season and keep going.

Hi Fam, Thank you for making it this far. We truly appreciate it. If you want to follow Michelle's journey visit her on Instagram @bymichelleperkins