Meet Michael Anthony | Photographer & Coach

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

Hi Michael, what do you attribute your success to?
The most important factor behind my success, and the success of my brand, is my ability to truly see people. Not just through the lens of my camera, but beyond it. Photography is more than capturing a face; it’s capturing a feeling, a story, a legacy. That’s what I do with My Canvas Portraits, I don’t just take pictures, I give people a reflection of themselves in their best light.

My journey hasn’t been easy. I’ve worked in big studios, built my own business from the ground up, and put in the kind of work that most people don’t see, the late nights, the strategy, the constant learning, the moments of doubt. But through it all, I stayed focused on one thing: creating something that truly matters. My success comes from my commitment to showing up every day, adapting, evolving, and pouring my heart into my work.

People don’t just hire me for photos, they hire me for an experience, for the trust that I’ll bring out their best, whether it’s a mother embracing her pregnancy journey, a family capturing a moment in time, or an entrepreneur ready to make their mark. That ability to connect, to make people feel valued and seen, is what sets me apart.

At the end of the day, my success isn’t measured by numbers; it’s measured by impact. The businesses I help grow, the confidence I help spark, the moments I help preserve. That’s what keeps me going. That’s what makes this more than a business, it’s a legacy in the making

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Photography isn’t just my profession—it’s my purpose. It’s how I see people, how I tell their stories, and how I help them see themselves in a new light.

I don’t just take pictures. I create experiences. I capture confidence, connection, and the essence of a moment that will never come again. That’s what sets me apart. My mission is simple—to make people feel seen, valued, and empowered. Seeing my clients light up when they see their images, realizing they are powerful, beautiful, and worthy, is what fuels me.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I’ve worked in corporate studios, learning every detail of lighting, posing, and sales. But eventually, I stepped out on my own to build something that reflects my vision, my artistry, and my passion. The journey came with challenges—doubt, financial struggles, learning how to market myself, and breaking through the noise of an industry filled with talent.

But here’s what I’ve learned: consistency wins. Showing up, refining my craft, building relationships, and delivering excellence every single time is what keeps my business growing. I didn’t wait for opportunities. I created them. I knocked on doors, networked, studied marketing, and most importantly, I never stopped evolving.

If there’s one thing I want the world to know about My Canvas Portraits, it’s this: everyone has a story worth capturing. Your beauty, your milestones, your dreams—they matter. And through my lens, I want to give you more than a photo. I want to give you a legacy.

This isn’t just about photography—it’s about creating something timeless, meaningful, and deeply personal. And as long as there are stories to be told, I’ll be here, camera in hand, ready to capture the moment

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Alright, so let’s flip this question on its head, because if my best friend is coming to visit, we’re not staying in Killeen. Let’s be real, Killeen is functional, not fun. It’s a military town. It’s got a couple of decent spots, but if I want to give someone an experience they’ll actually remember, we’re hitting the road.

Austin? That’s where the energy is. Food, live music, culture, and some of the best vibes in Texas.

Houston? Culture, diversity, and a food scene that competes with any major city in the country. Whether it’s the Black-owned businesses thriving in Third Ward, museums, or some of the best food outside of Louisiana,

San Antonio? History, and the Riverwalk,

Killeen? Listen, is cool. It serves its purpose. But if I’m showing someone the best of Texas, we’re packing up and taking the experience somewhere worth remembering.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Success isn’t just about talent or hard work—it’s about who’s in your corner. And when it comes to the work I do, creating powerful, unforgettable images, there’s one person who makes that process seamless—Jessica.

Jessica isn’t just a makeup artist. She’s an architect of confidence. She understands faces like I understand light—every curve, every angle, every subtle shift that transforms a look from ordinary to extraordinary. Her mastery of skin, color theory, and how makeup interacts with lighting isn’t just impressive—it’s essential. She knows exactly how to bring out the best in every client, ensuring that when they step in front of my lens, they don’t just look good—they feel unstoppable.

What sets Jessica apart isn’t just her skill, though. It’s her energy, her approach, her precision. She’s got this ability to make anyone feel at ease, to take the nerves out of a big moment and replace them with confidence. She listens. She adjusts. She creates with intention. It’s not about layers of makeup—it’s about enhancing what’s already there, making sure each person sees the best version of themselves.

Every great portrait starts before I pick up the camera, and having Jessica as part of my team means I get to focus on what I do best, knowing that my clients are in the hands of someone who doesn’t just do makeup—she creates an experience.

So this shoutout is for Jessica. For the artistry. For the dedication. For the way she shows up, every time, ready to make magic. My work wouldn’t be the same without her.

Website: https://www.mycanvasportraits.com

Instagram: michaelanthony_thephotographer

Facebook: My Canvas Portraits

Other: tiktok: michael_thephotographer

Image Credits
makeup by Jessica Blends