About Me / FAQ
Today's moments, tomorrow's memories
Hello, hi there, how are you?
Welcome to Mike Stevens Photography – not an imaginative name, by any measure, but that's Google search for you.
I'm a photographer in Melbourne, Australia, and I'm mighty glad to welcome you to my folio. I'm a 'multi-disciplinary' shooter focused mostly on true-to-life portrait work and events photography. I love shooting outdoors, but I can also work with you on indoor projects.
I'm also a journalist, an illustrator and a graphic designer – so while you're talking with me about photography, I hope we can also chat about any other creative needs you might have. I aim for a 'full service' experience.
Please enjoy my work, let me know which galleries and shots strike a chord with you, and most importantly, have an awesome day. Reach out and say hello!
Some things to know (FAQ)
Oh, hey...
What equipment do you use?
As a primarily outdoor photographer focused on an authentic image, my kit is mostly the camera, lenses, reflectors and the occasional static light. I shoot on high-end Sony hardware, including an Alpha 7R V camera, a Sony GM II 24-70mm f/2.8 zoom lens, and a Sigma DG DN Art 85mm f/1.4 prime lens. It's a beautiful set. (Some of the photos in my gallery are shot on an A7 III and an A7 IV, feel free to ask me which ones!)
Why does your package time include travel?
Simply put, travel is work. If I'm travelling when I could be shooting, I'm not earning my living. To ensure we spend as much time as we can get 'on location', shooting, I will usually propose spots close to my base in Melbourne's outer east. If you have a dream location further away, or you simply don't want to travel to me – that's understandable, but it will of course eat into our time. Remember: We'll talk through these things when we plan your shoot. Our work together should work out for both of us.
Are there any terms and conditions to your work?
There are, yes, and these are things we'll talk through when we chat about your project. (I'm sorry that I'm being circumspect on this one – some things are best discussed rather than merely stated on a page!)
The big one: My prices
Wait, there's one more...
How are your prices determined?
This comes up a lot, and I know it can seem mystifying and perhaps even a bit outrageous. We all have those moments, whether it's the price of an iPhone or the quote from your mechanic, builder, landscaper or lawyer.
I'm going to be frank with you here, and I hope you'll appreciate my honest and candid phrasing.
The thing to remember is that my work with you starts before I arrive on location – and it doesn't end when I switch off the camera and pack my gear away. Our planning discussions and my travel time to-and-from the shoot aren't free, but apart from that, the next major piece of the project is the selection and editing stage.
Selecting the best photos from the hundreds shot with you is a lengthy process, checking each image for focus, colour, framing, and undesirable factors – such as awkward expressions, less than ideal placement of hair or clothes or limbs, and background distractions.
From there, we dive into editing the selected photos, which will generally take a few hours or longer, depending on the duration of the shoot. In terms of labour, this all adds up to well more than the hours we spend together on location.
Lastly, there's the overall perspective: nobody, nobody goes into business to run at a loss, or to merely break even. I need to maintain and upgrade my equipment (camera sensors wear out, things break), I need to provide for my family, I need to withhold tax, I need to contribute to my retirement fund, I need to take breaks from time to time. None of this comes free, and I assure you I'm not quietly building a fortune with each shoot I book.
So, there it is. If you still feel I'm too expensive, I earnestly invite you to look around for alternative options – we've all got to do what suits our needs and budgets best. I'm not personally sure how any photographer can afford to work for less than I ask for my services, but that's their prerogative!
Cheers. Feel free to contact me if you'd like to discuss anything here, I'm always up for a chat.