Michael Sugianto is a lifestyle and commercial photographer based in Calgary, Canada. He has been photographing for about four years now, starting with landscape photography because of his love for the outdoors. He could be found in and around the Banff National Park almost every free moment he had. Then, he started to take portraits as photographing people was something he really wanted to try. Out of a combination of landscape and portrait photography he developed his own style of photography, the one you can see today.
Mike is addicted to traveling, believing that each time you step out the door a new unique experience is about to start. He has hundreds of stories to tell about his travels and is always looking for new ones, pushing his limits and creativity in photography: “I would say that traveling has allowed me to experience other cultures and gain a further appreciation for what I am able to do with photography.” At its core, photography has been a way for him to document his adventures and by using social media he can share those memories with the world and inspire people to go outside. While at the same time, social media is partly what enables him to live from photography.
In the interview, Mike gives away some insights about how he increased his influence on social media and also about what he learned about what is important in photography. He believes that “connect with your subject” is key to produce genuine photos that will stand out of the crowd. Also, he said that “talking about your creative ideas with others is super helpful. It helps you piece together concepts and bring to life your ideas.”
Do you want to know what more Mike has shared with us? Keep reading!
Welcome Mike! In 2016 you began to share landscape photographs regularly. Ever since you have been sharing amazing views and improving your artistic style. We would like to know, where does your passion for travel and landscape photography come from?
My passion for photography has come from my love for the outdoors. Before I started taking photos I spent a lot of my free time hiking in and around Banff National Park. Taking photos of people was something I always wanted to try and I began taking portraits sometime in late 2017, and from there I developed the style of photography you see today. It wasn’t something that happened overnight and it definitely took time to develop, it is something I am continuing to develop as I always am trying to push my creativity.
You have shared more than 900 images so far in Instagram. I am sure that behind each photograph there is an amazing story as well as tons of sacrifice and hard work. Among all the moments you have shared with the community, which one would you like to re-experience again?
That is a tough question for me as I cherish every moment as its own and never really think about re-experiencing things. There are definitely places I would love to visit again to create new memories. For me every time you step out the door you are opening yourself to a new unique experience that cannot be replicated.
Among all the countries you have visited, which country was the biggest surprise to you?
After visiting a couple of different countries this year, with countless stories to be told, I would have to say Indonesia was probably the biggest surprise for me. Specifically East Java, this place was extremely beautiful and rich in culture. I don’t think I’ve experienced it to its fullest yet as I would love to see and experience more of their local traditions.
Taking a look to your gallery, one can easily see that you find inspiration in the mountains. How do you feel when you are outdoors, alone, surrounded by the wild?
Definitely, the mountains hold a special place in my heart. Even after visiting some interesting landscape throughout the year, I would still say that the mountains are my favorite place to be. I would say that the mountains give me a sense of feeling “free” and I often feel quite small.
I guess that one of your goals with photography is to make a living. Is there any other reason why you share your work in social media? What is your ultimate goal when you share an image of one of your adventures?
I would say that social media is a portion of how I make a living from photography. By using social media I am able to promote my work and brand to a wide audience. But besides those business tactics, I share on social media primarily to inspire people to create. I wouldn’t necessarily say it is to inspire people to travel or live a nomadic life, as I completely understand that the lifestyle isn’t for everyone and not to mention can be glorified on social media. My goal is to simply inspire people to get out and take photos, whether it’s at your local park or in your house, the location doesn’t matter.
Competition is high in social media nowadays, especially in the tourism sector. So, standing out of the crowd can be quite difficult actually. Yet, in my opinion, you are sharing some remarkable images and you have achieved a distinctive style, having soft and cold tones. As an artist, what three strategies have allowed you to grow as a social media influencer?
First off all, I’m stoked that you feel that I have a distinctive style, it is always nice to know that my work stands out. It’s hard to really give three tips on how to grow on social media as probably the things that I did at the beginning aren’t as effective now. I would say the best way to grow on social media is to use the app, interact with others on the platform, share your best work on a consistent basis and develop a unique style. A unique style, whether it’s your color grade or shooting style, I believe will help you stand out on a crowded platform. But honestly, don’t think too much about and just enjoy sharing your story.
In the same sense, I think that you are a great visual storyteller. In your opinion, what is necessary to convey emotions through photography?
I would say the best way to convey emotion through photography is simply capturing genuine moments. Develop a connection with your subject is the best way to have those genuine moments. It’s okay to ask someone to fake laugh, but it doesn’t hurt if you can give them a reason to laugh. The results will be better because it’s real. It’s really understanding that not every time you go out to take photos you’ll be able to achieve this but over time it’ll get easier and easier. But again back to square one, connect with your subject!
Imagine yourself at the beginning of your professional career as a photographer and travel influencer. What four pieces of advice would you give to yourself?
This is a great question, I believe my answers could always be changing as I learn new things and grow as a professional. I would say my biggest piece of advice that I would have told myself when I started, is to be patient. Understanding that getting better at photography is a process that can’t be rushed. No matter how many videos or Internet articles you read, understanding that you won’t get better without practice. Something that I still struggle with today is taking photos consistently, as someone who mainly takes photos of an epic landscape I don’t take photos every day and I honestly wish I did. Even if it is a genre of photography that you don’t enjoy, I believe there is a lot of value in taking as many photos as possible. It’ll help you become better as a photographer.
Talking about your creative ideas with others is also super helpful. It helps you piece together concepts and bring to life your ideas. A lot of times when talking to others, they can help fill in the blanks and give you those ideas to complete it.
Lastly, something that I have always believed in, before even taking photos, is the intention you have when taking action. When completing any task, do it with the intention of doing a good job, don’t half-ass the effort because the result will show it. I probably think of other tips but that should be a good start for anyone.
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What is the most beautiful thing that travel has allowed you to do?
I would say that traveling has allowed me to experience other cultures and gain a further appreciation for what I am able to do with photography.
Are there any artists/photographers who has inspired your art? Can you name three?
I believe my list of people who inspire me is always changing. On Instagram, I am always loving the work of Joe Greer (@ioegreer), Jared Chambers (@jaredchambers), and Dan Tom (@dantom).
Any new projects coming up or countries you will be visiting soon?
You’ll have to see what new project I am up to in the coming months. But at the moment I don’t have any set trips planned yet. But potentially New Zealand, Finland, Norway, Hawaii and who else knows. I am not a huge planner so you’ll have to wait and see…
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