In our latest Headshots Matter StudioTalk, we spoke with Mike Ross, a portrait photographer based in Bloomington, Minnesota, just outside Minneapolis.

Mike’s path into photography wasn’t planned. He studied film production and screenwriting, developing an early understanding of composition, light and visual storytelling. Years later, while photographing his young daughter so family members back home in St. Louis could watch her grow, still photography began to take on new importance.

Those everyday photographs led to family sessions, professional assignments and, eventually, a business built around headshots, workplace portraits and events.

Throughout our conversation, Mike spoke about the influence of filmmaking and architecture, the confidence he has gained through experience, and the importance of getting to know the person in front of his camera—even when he has only a few minutes.

For those of you who enjoy a read in addition to watching and listening, we’ve created a short blog excerpt below. [↓]

Please enjoy and feel free to comment with any questions.

Cheers, Dwayne.

An Unexpected Start in Photography

Mike originally studied film production and screenwriting in Orlando. Photography was simply one course in the program—and ironically not his strongest one.

After school, he moved to Minnesota with his wife. Missing his family in St. Louis, he began photographing his young daughter with a small digital camera and sharing the pictures online. Friends started telling him that he should be paid for the work.

At first, Mike wasn’t convinced. He still imagined his future in film. But after photographing his wife and daughter during a major Minneapolis snowstorm—the same storm that caused the Metrodome roof to collapse—he saw something different in the pictures. He discovered his ability to tell a story with imagery.

“I felt like I was an artist. That was when I thought, okay, I need to take this seriously.”

What started as a simple way to stay connected with family became the beginning of a new profession!

From Moving Pictures to a Single Frame

Although Mike didn’t plan to become a still photographer, his film education gave him a useful foundation. Composition, shadows, visual rhythm and storytelling were already part of the way he saw.

“That was a huge cheat code. I had been part of cinema since I was sixteen, so composition, the rule of thirds and shadows definitely helped me in photography—even subconsciously.”

His interest in visual structure began even earlier. As a child, Mike wanted to become an architect. He drew buildings, cities, shoes and clothing. Then, at sixteen, he saw Citizen Kane. Orson Welles’ film changed his direction from architecture to filmmaking.

Architecture still influences him. He notices shape, proportion and the way old and new buildings share space. He is especially drawn to the detail and craftsmanship found in older buildings—details that were considered even when they might rarely be seen from the street.

That habit of paying attention carries into his photographs.

People First—Even When Time Is Short

Mike’s work includes individual headshots as well as larger corporate sessions. In some situations, he may have only five or ten minutes with each person. That doesn’t leave much time to build trust, but he believes the human part of the session cannot be skipped.

He starts by shaking the person’s hand, using their name and asking about their work or interests. If music comes up, he may follow that thread. The questions aren’t complicated—the point is to recognize the person before concentrating on the photograph.

“I spend maybe a minute and a half asking what they do, who they are and what their background is. Everyone is different, so I may ask different questions.”

That brief conversation gives the person something other than the camera to think about. It also gives Mike a better sense of how much direction they may need.

For Mike, even a clean headshot against a simple background remains a creative exchange between two people.

Confidence on Both Sides of the Camera

When Mike began taking professional headshots, he knew he could make strong pictures. The business, lighting and posing required more time and experience.

Over the past few years, his confidence has grown. Being laid off from his role as a video lead at the Nerdery pushed him to move quickly and rely on the professional relationships he had built. He credits that network with helping him establish the work he is doing today.

When asked what advice he would give his younger self, Mike answered honestly: believe in yourself, build greater self-esteem and become a better student.

That reflection became one of the most personal parts of our conversation. Confidence is not only something Mike helps clients show in a portrait. It is something he has had to build in himself.

“I had to grow up fast. My self-confidence had to come up, and I feel like I’m in a great space now.”

More Than One Kind of Assignment

Mike’s work now includes headshots, family portraits, workplace photography and events. His filmmaking background is particularly useful when creating environmental portraits that show executives and employees doing their work.

Rather than relying on generic stock images, companies can build their own collection of photographs featuring their people and workplaces. As Mike put it, this can be a win for both the client and the photographer.

Event photography has also helped balance the quieter summer season in Minnesota. Mike has photographed executive meetings, non-profit events and high-volume headshot sessions—including an energy company gathering in Austin, Texas.

He is also quick to acknowledge the assistants who help with posing, names and delivery details during larger assignments. Good work may begin with one photographer, but it often depends on a capable team.

Community Without Gatekeeping

Mike first learned about Headshots Matter through fellow photographer Tammy Brice. He also spoke warmly about Stephanie Belton and the photographers who have shared information and encouragement with him.

What he values about Headshots Matter is its international character. Seeing work from Europe, Canada, the United States and other parts of the world gives him access to ideas and approaches that are not limited to one local market.

“There’s no gatekeeping within the Headshots Matter community. You get this broad sense of education—it isn’t just pigeonholed to American stuff.”

That generosity matters. Photographers may work in different cities and create very different kinds of pictures, but they can still learn from one another.

Mike’s own story began with curiosity—a child drawing buildings, a teenager discovering Citizen Kane, and a young father photographing his daughter for family members hundreds of miles away.

Today, that same curiosity helps him notice people, ask questions and make photographs that feel like the individuals in front of his camera!

You can learn more about Mike Ross and his work at mikerossmpls.com. And please follow him on Instagram and LinkedIn.

StudioTalk