CELEBRATING ARTISTIC DIVERSITY the girls showing off the latest styles… He would develop those photos, frame them and then give them to people. I thought that was an interesting approach to storytelling, which prompted me to get a digital camera and teach myself how to take pictures.” From that point, picture-taking became Michael’s passion. After graduating from high school, Michael attended Metro State University, where he received a B.S. in business. From there, he got a job working in supply chain management, where he focused his efforts on the 9-to-5 world of adulthood. That meant Michael didn’t spend much time pursuing photography, and he sorely missed it. According to Michael, his life became mundane, and he longed for creative expression, so he returned to photography. While he was happy to reunite with his camera, he decided that after being self-taught, it was time to hone his craft and learn about the art of taking photographs. With that, he went back to school and got an associate degree in photography from the Art Institute of Colorado. During his studies at the Art Institute, Michael learned a variety of photography styles. Drawn by the bright lights, brilliant colors, and excitement of fashion photography, Michael thought that was his calling and had visions of becoming the next David LaChapelle. But Michael soon realized that fashion was an especially challenging specialty, so rather than becoming discouraged, he explored other ways to tell people’s stories with photos. It was then he discovered street photography. By taking photos of people acting naturally without feeling the need to pose or force an awkward smile for the camera, Michael brought out the authenticity of the images. Depending on the angle, each photo could convey a different CREDIT: ADRIAN MICHAEL version of the story. So now, when witnessing a candid moment, he finds a way to capture it without being intrusive. Sometimes, it may be humans interacting that inspires him to snap photos, and other times it may be colors, shapes, or patterns that catch his eye — especially if they’re repeating — because they will tell a more compelling story. It has been a little more than 20 years since Michael first discovered photography. Today, he works full-time as a data analyst, but he remains committed to growing as an artist and sharing the world that his camera lens captures. Through his photojournalism work for the Denver VOICE, Michael has introduced VOICE readers to people and organizations that they otherwise may never have heard about. His stories are well-received — espeially when shared via social media, and the articles and images he’s submitted to the VOICE have garnered attention from our sister publications that are part of the International Network of Street Papers. Michael may talk about becoming a storyteller as ADRIAN MICHAEL IN ACTION. CREDIT: EVAN TARGET something that will happen down the road, but from the moment he first picked up a camera, he already was one, and with every click, his photographic artistry and skill as a storyteller just get better.■ CREDIT: ADRIAN MICHAEL CREDIT: ADRIAN MICHAEL CREDIT: ADRIAN MICHAEL July 2022 DENVER VOICE 9
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