Rising Stars: Meet Michael Betzner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Betzner. 

Hi Michael, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started in February of 2019 after my husband and I moved to Raleigh from Michigan. I found his old camera in one of the boxes and decided to start playing around with it… once I really understood the camera and how it worked, I was in love with photography and have been practicing every day since! I focus mainly on conceptual portraiture, and trying to express my feelings, thoughts, and emotions through artistic images. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t always been easy; I have been through my fair share of struggles. After the pandemic hit was when I went full-time in photography, not really by choice though. My restaurant job was terminated due to lack of business. I struggled financially for the first 4-6 months. It really taught me to be frugal and use my money wisely. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a conceptual portrait photographer. I focus on modeling portfolios and fashion projects that push me mentally, physically, and artistically. I’m most known for my best friend photoshoots that have gone viral all over the internet. I have groups of friends book me and tell me they want something to showcase their love for each other. Something new and unique compared to other photoshoots they’ve seen. I am most proud of the community I have built and the support I receive from my community. It’s so important to find and support similar artists. 

What sets me apart from other artists is my eye for new concept ideas. I build concepts from my ideas that are unseen and fresh compared to other photographers and photos out there. 

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was very shy and kept to myself. I read a lot of books and enjoyed being alone, spending time with my best friend Skylar, and listening to music. Which I find funny because now I’m so outgoing and super-expressive publicly 

Pricing:

• Contact Michael for booking information.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Michaelbetznerphotography.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/Michael_BetznerPhotography

Image Credits
Anna White
Hala Preudhomme
TJ Love
Nicole Jaime
Emma Lauren
Tatyana Khiara
Larissa Plima
Chandler Couillard
Hannah Foy
Alexandra Dresseyn
Tori Nicole
Ashlyn Perkinson