CRATER CREATIVES: MICHAEL KAISER

Welcome to Crater Creatives, a biweekly artist profile series offering a unique look into the artists that call Sudbury home! There’s certain type of creativity that’s born up here in Northern Ontario, maybe it’s the wilderness that surrounds us, or maybe it’s just our resourceful spirit. Whatever the case may be we’re here to shine a spot light on the innovative artists of all sorts in this big old crater! Have an artist you’d like to recommend for a future Crater Creatives profile? Shoot an email to jessica@ourcrater.com and tell us all about it!

Choosing a photographer can be a stressful task. You are after all bringing this person into your circle and trusting them to capture a special moment in your life! From weddings, engagements, burlesque and creative shoots – Michael Kaiser has seen it all! His style is as unique as the clients he works with adapting to fit the personality of the subject along the way. We got in touch with Michael Kaiser owner of aKaiserPhoto to learn more about his journey from hobby snapper to full production photographer! *Cover photo provided by Gerry Kingsley.

How did you first become interested in photography?

Honestly, I never really had an interest in photography until later on haha. I picked up my first camera in 2007, just to take photos on my travels. I was originally going into Bianco’s to buy a blue-ray player, but then I walked out with a new camera instead. I guess it ended up being one of the best purchases I ever made!

I was working for a local mining company (from 2007-2015), so it was the first time I experienced the whole layoff process. With photography, being in control of my own employment by being dedicated and working hard guarantees I will always be employed. Mining was quite different. I knew I needed a backup plan. As my interest in photography grew, I became more and more passionate about it. So did my desire to do it full time.

In 2015, the urge to pursue photography full time was in full force. What perfect timing, seeing as I was laid off less than 6 months later. So, my dream finally came true. Now I do what I love! The saying “When you do what you love, you never work a day in your life” is so true. Everyone should feel like that.

Where is your favourite spot to shoot in Sudbury? Any hidden gems in the city we should check out?

Well… I’d love to tell you where my favourite spot is, but it’s a secret haha. However, there are a lot of great locations around Sudbury. It’s honestly really hard to choose just one. Downtown has a lot of character and is great for a more urban look. The new murals by We Live Up Here provide us photographers with some pretty cool, creative backdrops. But being in Sudbury we also have a complete variety of settings, whether it be going to a lake, camp, local hiking trails, etc. We also have 4 full seasons, each providing us different themes throughout the year.

Choosing a location is something I personalize for each client. I definitely have my go to spots, but also try to find a new place for each session. Allowing them to choose some locations that mean most to them can help too, because it makes it a lot more personal. I also spend a lot of time on Google Maps. Looking on there first and then going for a little drive to view it myself.

Tell us about one of your most memorable shoots?

Definitely hard to choose. I’ve been able to work with some amazing people, both creatively and professionally. One of my most memorable shoots was probably the High Fashion Wedding Shoot I did back in 2014. Here’s a link to the blog I wrote.

After attending an Emily Soto workshop (one of the top fashion photographers in the world), I wanted to bring the experience and feeling to Sudbury. Being able to apply all the skills I had learnt over the weekend workshop was extremely special. This was the first time I held a full day on location photoshoot with a complete team of other creative people. Coordinating my vision with the makeup artist, hairstylist, stylists, models and behind the scenes photographer took a lot of planning and time.

The end product was more than I ever could of asked for. Here is a link to the video put together by Lynne Dupuis (BTS photographer)

You do a lot of different types of photography, from events, family portraits, weddings and even boudoir. What type of photography is your favourite?

Weddings. Definitely weddings. There’s nothing more special than being able to capture one of the most important days in a couple’s lives. Seeing the reactions at their final viewing always makes me so happy. It’s a great moment, the day flies by so fast, it’s a blur to the couple by the end of the day. Being able to relive their day through what I capture is priceless. This is something no other photo session can give, at least at that same level.

Weddings are also probably one of the most stressful types of photo sessions, making sure you don’t miss a thing is a lot of pressure. I can’t exactly ask them to re-do their first kiss haha!! I like the added pressure; it keeps me on my toes. If time is taken to plan and organize, you can always be sure it will be executed properly, and be a lot of fun at the same time. The variety of shots throughout the day also make it exciting. You don’t just take one style of photos, but many. From lifestyle and candids, to couples and family portraits, the variety is huge. You even have the opportunity to get creative, which is what I love about all my clients.

What artists locally or beyond keep you inspired?

Stacey Lalonde (Mirthphotography), Mel and Dave Rollins (Nova Films, previously Rollins Photography) and, Jamie and Rosie Parent (Photocaptiva) have been a huge influence in where I am today. They have inspired and guided me in a lot of ways as I grew. From one-on-one lessons, to ongoing mentorship and advice, having them in my life has helped a great deal.

Other local photographers and friends that inspire me for their unique styles and creativity are Alex Filion (Filion Photography), Tennille Heinonen (Flofoto), Gerry Kingsley (Gerry Kingsley) and Rebecca Bose (Rebecca Bose Photography). They keep producing such amazing work, so it continues to influence me to try even harder. There are a lot of other talented photographers in Sudbury too, I know I’m missing a lot, I just can’t list them all here haha.

When it comes to photographers abroad, I actually don’t follow many. My inspiration comes from the ability to be creative on my own. Although, some of the key photographers I do follow are Jerry Ghionis (Wedding Photographer), Emily Soto (Fashion Photographer), Dani Diamond (Portrait Photographer) and Sue Bryce (Glamour Photographer). Their tutorials on posing, lighting, post processing and more makes them some of the best in the world!

What is your favourite thing about being a part of Sudbury’s creative community?

Sudbury has an arts community that is continually growing and growing. A lot of events are happening every year. It makes me really happy to see that. I think just being part of it in some way is special on its own.

What would be your best advice be to a newcomer looking to get into photography?  

There’s a lot of stuff I wish I would have known when I first started, but I guess figuring everything out as you go is just part of the learning process. The hardest part for me was (and still is) the business side of things. It’s a side that most people don’t think about when they first start and is probably the most important. Honing your skills is always first thing (which makes sense), but making sure to have the proper business structure (or vision) to start will play a big role in the long run. Value your time and skills.  It’s a good idea to plan far ahead!

Business and photography aside, I think one of the most important things to tell new people is to stay passionate. Definitely grow and learn your skills, but also find that one thing you really love to photograph, something to build around. You need to specialize in ONE thing and target your skills around that one style. Specializing in EVERYTHING is just not possible. You can get everything done at Wal-Mart, but would you go there if you were looking for the best product available? I wouldn’t.

You can check out more information about Michael Kaiser and his work at www.akaiserphoto.com . Follow for updates on aKaiser on Facebook and Instagram.

Jessica Lovelace

Jessica Lovelace is a Public Relations and Communications grad, musical theatre enthusiast, lover of live music and part-time unicorn tamer. Some have said that the Big Dripper from Sub City is a regional delicacy and the perfect end to a Sudbury Saturday Night – Jessica is definitely one of those people. No, the hair is not a perm.

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