Camera Man

Michael Rothermel, a 16-year-old homeschooled student, recently turned his photography aspirations into reality. With the support of his mother and help from many friends, Michael strives to kick off his career by doing “the harder things,” pay attention to important details, skillfully market his art, and wisely manage his business.

Michael’s primary focus and passion are promotional photos for musicians, speakers, writers, etc. because of the creative freedom this genre grants him. However, he also enjoys any other types of portraiture and event photography.

In 2004, Michael obtained his first camera and took well over 40,000 photos, learning from trial and error and studying the work of other photographers. He continued to cultivate his skills, buying a “beautiful” Canon DSLR in 2006, and finally got his first paying shoots in May 2007.

Homeschooling, Michael says, has been an advantage. “It gave me more free time to work on improving my skills, building up my business, and now scheduling photo shoots.” Michael’s schedule, unlike a public school student’s, can be re-arranged in order to make room for photography. “I wasn’t simply doing it to meet requirements for a class, but because I had a passion for it.”

Now in the process of “getting [his] name out there” and earning enough money to make a profit, Michael works hard to be manager, marketer, accountant, I.T., sales representative, AND photographer of the business all at once. However, his love and ability to take unique photos makes it all worth the effort.

What’s the philosophy behind this young man’s determination? “I think everyone has many abilities they’ve never even thought they had. They haven’t discovered them because they’re stuck in their comfort zone and don’t strive for something more. You are meant for more,” Michael concludes. “Don’t settle for mediocre. Pursue your dreams. Fly.”


This is a link to Michael's website:
http://www.rothermelphotography.com/index.html

Check out the work of other teen photographers:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/christianteens/

Want to see your own photography published? See:
http://www.teenink.com/Contests/CoverPhotoC.php