Meet Michel Contreras

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michel Contreras.

Michel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Remember that one kid with a camera in your face no matter what you were doing? That kid has grown up and become an Independent Photographer, Filmmaker, and Digital Media Creator. That kid is me! I shoot, create, and design. I grew up in South Phoenix and very proud of where I come from. As that kid with a camera that never left his side, I had a passion for always taking photos. After high school, I found myself becoming a professional photographer, by shooting photos and videos for family events, nonprofits, organizations, and business.

What I enjoy most is taking portraits of individuals by mixing the background and style of the person to tell a story. Seeing how I can make the person on the other side of the lens present all the beauty they have to offer.

I often try to find locations in Phoenix that others may have never seen before and show it through my own lens.

Has it been a smooth road?
Throughout the past seven years from being a full-time student, part-time student, attending an out of state university and many jobs along the way, it has not been easy. After high school, I attended Scottsdale Community College where I truly learned the operations of cinematography that I still keep in mind every time I shoot. After SCC, I then transferred to New Mexico State University and found there are many ways to share your story. I learned I want to change an audience view on immigration, higher education, and masculinity. Topics I always find myself going toward, and I want to share my own ideas and views on how I see it through my lens and the stories of others.

We’d love to hear more about your artwork.
There is nothing I love more than to be as creative as I can, to find a location and find a way to tell a story. More importantly, to find a way how I can share a story with others and what I want them to feel. It is very different shooting a photo and shooting a video.

When I shoot portraits, I like to highlight the person’s key features, their smiles, eyes, jaw lines, shadows, etc. When I shoot an event such as a wedding, it is all about capturing those perfect moments, laughing, smiling, the kiss.

When I shoot the community, it is about capturing the faces, emotions, and purpose.

When I hit record it is about the punch lines, the lines that will shock you and make you think twice.

When I hit record I capture the thoughts and feelings at the moment it happens.

When I hit record, I want to piece it all together when editing.

Do you feel luck has played a role in your life?
Luck? Sometimes, you need a bit of luck and time. “Magic hour” as most photographers call it, is very short and you try to shoot and capture everything you can in that time. As soon as you lose that “magic hour”, you are preparing for a night shoot, which is not always an easy thing.

Contact Info:

• Website: contrerasfilm.com
• Phone: 6024358365
• Email: mcproducationsaz@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelcontreras_photography
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelcontrerasphotography
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/shotsinthedesert

Image Credit:
Michel Contreras

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