More about Ivan M....
What do you love about your job?
I love how photography exposes me to a wide range of people who I'd probably never meet if I was doing something else. Having a camera in my hands allows me to thrive in so many different social circles and settings, from music to art and entertainment. I've been backstage at concerts and in all sorts of settings I wouldn't otherwise get into.
What types of shoots have you done and how did you make them special?
I have done everything involving people, including headshots for actors and business professionals, artistic portraits for musicians, lifestyle and editorial photos for clothing designers, different types of event photography, and more. People who've worked with me tell me I really capture the true essence of my subjects. I love hearing people's stories and then expressing who they are through my images.
Awards, honors, and recognitions received
My photo of Seattle rapper DoNormaal was made into an album cover, and some of my photos of Seattle cannabis collective Women.Weed.WiFi were published in an issue of Dope Magazine.
A fun fact about this photographer
I am not formally trained in photography. I'm mostly self-taught, but I've also had a lot of mentors along the way. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Anthropology at the University of Washington, and I originally wanted to become a college professor before I got into photography.