Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Erard
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My name is Michael. I was born and raised in France but have called Florida home for the past 25 years, where I live with my wife and our two boys. My passion for photography began at age 12 when I received my very first camera as a gift. What started as a hobby quickly became a lifelong love, eventually evolving into my profession. When I’m not behind the lens, you’ll find me outdoors with my family, exploring and appreciating the beauty of the world around us.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t been the smoothest road, but it hasn’t been terrible either. Some of my biggest challenges early on stemmed from still learning English and taking time to build confidence in business. Additionally, as an introvert, social interactions don’t come naturally to me, so it took a lot of effort to navigate them—and it still does to this day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
For me, photography is more than just a profession.
As an introvert, it allows me to express a side of myself that isn’t always easily conveyed in a conversation. It’s a medium through which I can share my perspective and connect with others, even if i’m most comfortable doing so behind the camera.
I have a contemplative personality, and I think it shows in my photography. Through my lens, I explore and observe the subtle nuances of everyday life, it’s not about making a grand statement but more about finding and savoring the small details that others might overlook.
A popular French writer said “When you want something to appear, you have to accept stillness. It’s an exercise in patience because you have to listen to the silence first.”
It’s in the stillness and the slow intentional process of taking a picture that I feel most myself, most comfortable, especially in our world today, where everything and everyone is going so quick, I enjoy slowing down and that’s why I started shooting on film again this past year.
Photography really forces me to pause, it requires patience, to really see what’s in front of me through the viewfinder, it’s a deliberate process.
I feel that’s what set me apart from others, whether the subject is a landscape or a portrait, I’m looking for that special connection, that genuine spark that evokes raw emotion.
This past year, I started a personal project called “Portraits of Strangers”, where I simply do just that: I walk up to strangers and ask if I can take their portrait on medium format film. The response has been overwhelmingly positive, and allowed me to meet so many great people.
In essence, I believe my photography is a reflection of who I am: introverted and contemplative.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I can’t think of anything particularly surprising, I’m lefty… lol
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mikerard.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikerard
Image Credits
Michael Erard
