Michael McKinney

I’ve summed it up in my life as a need to watch others grow and succeed. The way I can crack a joke and ease the tension of a group of people to feel comfortable allows them to showcase their best selves. Life is more rewarding when it’s spent serving.

The arts influenced the importance of being creative, timely, and thorough with how I create stimulating work that is thought-provoking. I use visual examples and paint a picture of the experience to get an emotional response from the story being told. When I get a chance to do that with my photography I can stir that reaction without words.

My first camera took 110 film and I got it from a cereal box when I was five. I still shoot film, process in my kitchen sink, and scan in at home. I own pocket rangefinders for street photography, Mirrorless & DSLRs for weddings and events, and my iPhone 12 Pro for everyday work. I have had therapy dog photographs published in ABQ The Magazine and New Mexico High Desert Dogs. I have group dance events published with New Mexico Marketplace, and produced commercial work for local professionals and their businesses. I love helping small businesses grow and reach their audience.

I’m tall, loud, and can’t be missed. I’m six foot eight! I love to laugh, crack jokes, and be that ear to bend when you need something. When I share my emotions, encouragement, and practice of social intelligence with our team I feel connected in the work we do. My superpowers are compassion, conflict management, and interpersonal savvy. It’s about creating a safe space for amazing experiences. If my art can make someone think and put themselves in that person’s reality for just a moment, I have achieved the connection I’m looking for.