The end of the beginning

I started photography in the summer of 2001. Since then I have gained both photographic qualifications and award. I have made some wonderful friends and met some great people. Today I announce that Michael Laing Photography will be closing as you know it, soon (probably August.

Being a successful portrait photographer, has very little to do with being a good photographer. It is all about being good at marketing and running a business. Something that with my various different neurodiversity’s, I have never been particularly good at.

The last couple of years have been challenging, with Covid and now the cost of living crisis both taking their toll. During this time, it has become evident to me that I cannot continue as I have been going and that the financial situation I am currently facing, means that I have to look at new opportunities.

In February I had what I though was a rather mad idea. ‘Maybe I could sell up and go back to University and do my Masters degree in Photography’. Over the next few days, I spoke to many friends in the industry, expecting my mad idea to be shouted down but for the most part they were very supportive of the idea. Of course a couple of friends who I very much respect, correctly, did raise questions about the cost and what I would get out of going back to University, even suggesting other solutions, which may be more appropriate for a photographer of my experience.

There is more than just going back to University for educational reasons. The truth is, whilst I did graduate from university back in 2001, the experience did leave a bad taste in my mouth and one of the reasons for going back is to try and excise that taste. I have far more experience in life than I did back then, I know much more about who I am and what my strengths and weaknesses lay and I feel that going back to study will give me a new outlook on my photography and allow me to create a new and exciting body of work, that will hopefully shone a light on my photography and creative abilities. Most of all though I think it will help me mentally.

So what will I do after. That is the big question. I am doing a full time Masters degree in Fashion Photography. I will be 52 years old when I graduate, which is hardly old but I will not be in a position where I can go and work as a assistant for several years.

I have 3 aims. The first and probably the best reason to go to University is that I would like to do more teaching. I enjoy teaching and I believe that I can help pass on my experience to others and make them better photographers. I would ideally like to also sign with an agent and start doing editorial and fashion photography, as I believe that my talents would be much better served going in this direction.

What ever I do, I know that going into this journey. I go in with no regrets and that the experience will make me a better person.

I would like to thank everyone, who has helped me over the years. This maybe the end of the beginning but I can assure everyone that this is not the beginning of the end.