Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Moon.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Photography started for me in high school. At the time, my grandmother worked for Southwest Airlines in reservations. One day, she got a call from Merle Haggard’s manager and by the time the call ended, we were guests at his show and they allowed me to bring my camera. For the life of me, I don’t know what happened to those pictures but I still have the VIP Guest Pass and the autographed picture from that night. It was a great experience I’ll never forget.
After high school, I hadn’t touched a camera again for 15 years until the summer of 2012. I was working for Apple as an Expert and a coworker was a hobbyist. During our breaks and slow times, he was always editing pictures and it piqued my interest again. One of our business clients was also a local photographer and through conversations, I decided to hire her for a photo shoot. We had so much fun that day, I went out and bought a Canon 60D with the kit lens. Fast forward a couple of months, I decided that photography was what I wanted to be doing. A good friend had also been dabbling in photography, so I reached out and asked if he could show me some stuff. He introduced me to some other folks and I started soaking up all the knowledge I could.
After a couple of years. I found myself on a set of a local indie movie that starred Lee Majors and Michael Biehn, working with television crews from MTV’s Catfish and the History Channel’s Big Rig Bounty Hunters, working with Playboy, traveling the country with Focus Press as well as the Houston Rockets Power Dancers. It’s been a wild ride!
Present day, I’m still soaking up all the knowledge I can and focused primarily on headshots and portraits. I absolutely love when clients come into the studio and tell me they don’t like taking pictures and then leave feeling more confident than ever. It truly is amazing to see them light up when they see the back of my camera, or laptop when I shoot tethered.
Another gig that I still pinch myself over, is covering the Houston Texans games. For years, that was a bucket list item and now that I’m doing it, it’s just surreal. Volunteering my services is also part of who I am. I volunteer for the Robert Garner Firefighter Foundation supporting the education of future firefighters, as well as the ACE League that gives handicapped children the chance to participate in a sports day when they otherwise wouldn’t get the chance.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It most definitely has not been a smooth road to get where I am, although having the help and support behind me has made it easier. Every photographer can tell you that they struggle with finding their place in this industry. For me, it’s been a mix of what do I charge, keeping my passion alive through all the rejection, and learning to run a business.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Michael Moon Photography – what should we know?
Michael Moon Photography specializes in headshots and portraiture but is mostly known for headshots. My style can be described as clean, contemporary and stylish. I pride myself more on client relationships and making them feel confident and beautiful. I’m a perfectionist, so I don’t settle for mediocre or even above average. I want each and every client to have the best possible experience from start to finish so I carry my experience with Apple over into my business.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
There are a few people that I definitely owe credit. First, I have to thank God. My family who’s been there since day 1. My grandmother for the Merle Haggard hookup with her amazing customer service skills. My mom, she’s my #1 supporter/fan. My aunt Lynda for all the love and support. My fellow photographers and dear friends, Art Giraldo and Angel Rick Leal… without them, I don’t know where I would be. Their guidance and support have been nothing short of amazing. Each and every one of my clients who have trusted me to deliver for them. They’re everything and I wouldn’t be here without them.
Pricing:
- Headshots: $250 – $900
- Portraits: $350 – $2800
Contact Info:
- Website: www.themichaelmoon.com
- Phone: 7136280564
- Email: michael_moon@me.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/michaelmoonphotography
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/michaelmoonphotography
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/Michael_A_Moon
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