Meet Michael Lepor | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michael Lepor and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michael, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Coming from a background of being in the Coast Guard, my life was always very structured. Wake up at this time, keep a clean pressed uniform, shave your face and arrive to work at this time. In my younger years this was incredibly helpful in teaching me many of life’s core values. When I got out of the military, I transitioned into law enforcement. Law enforcement, another very structured career choice, had its moments of being fun and exciting, but I found that I never truly loved the profession. The long hours, the time spent away from family, and the daily grind of report writing. I couldn’t really see myself being happy doing that for 20 years as it was truly taking a toll on my personal life and health.

Photography has always been my creative outlet. When I got out of the military I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Digital Cinematography and was incredibly proud of myself for earning my degree. I had this degree, but then I went into law enforcement and never allowed myself to take the plunge into photography as a business. This was the single most important decision I’ve made in my life. I finally decided to do what I’ve always loved doing. My work/life balance has significantly been better since starting this business. Starting my photography business has truly showed me that if you love something to your core, you’ll never work a day in your life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Back when I got into photography, it felt like photography had all of these clear cut rules that defined if you were a good photographer. Everything in your photo had to be perfect. The perfect composition, focus, exposure, etc. Now, in 2024, most portrait photographers that are doing exceedingly well, no longer have to rely on what it means to have the “perfect photo.” We are getting into a world where A.I. can produce you the perfect photo in a split second. Although that’s impressive, there’s something to be said about the imperfectly perfect photos too. You’ll see wedding photos that are intentionally blurry with added film grain to produce a vintage/film look with added motion. It’s this style of photography that gets me more excited and engaged with the photos. I want to help tell your story through those imperfect details, the in-between stolen glances, and the candid expressions. Real life photography that can shape the overall feeling of the scene is what I’m all about. Creating a more raw, and dramatic feel in my photos is what I strive to achieve in every shoot.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’d have to say I love heading over to Grandscape in The Colony. The entire development has so much to offer. Puttery and Escape Room are two excellent activities in the area. I also love Galaxy Theaters and seeing a big film in the Sony Digital Cinema. For a bite to eat I would head over to Seven Doors as they have such a unique and sprawling menu!

Just down the street I’d go to Legacy Plano West! We’d eat at Earl’s Kitchen and get some cocktails. If you’re with a big group, I’d recommend going to Legacy Hall as they have so many options for food! Just about every restaurant in Legacy Plano West offers great food and drinks.

Although not held to just here in DFW, I’d take them to Dave’s Hot Chicken. Simply the best fried chicken you can eat. Hands down.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d love to dedicate this shoutout to my incredibly loving and supporting wife, Angela. Without her support, I doubt I would have ever had the determination or confidence to jump into a full time photography business. She helped me realize that what I loved doing in my life is being creative in photography and helping others. Portrait photography was my answer to finding a career path that not only could allow me to be creative, but would allow me to stay true to myself.

Website: https://www.mjphototx.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjphototx

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialmjphototx

Image Credits
Michael Lepor