Mike Black PhotoWorks

I'm a freelance composer to picture of thirty years, and I needed the services of a professional photographer to finally get some proper shots that would be the centrepiece of my redesigned website and social points of contact. And I really wanted to up my brand with this go-around.

It's never an easy thing to do, deciding on a service provider through just a Google search of local photographers without the benefit of a personal reference. And there's a big difference in cost when hiring A PRO, and not some kid with a camera and crack of Photoshop. AND, being a creative professional myself, I was looking for someone not only a pro, not only with clean technique, but also someone who can bring something different and exciting to the photos without blowing the brief -- and unintentionally subverting the brand. Frankly, this is IMPORTANT STUFF for a business!

With browser tabs open for SEVERAL photographers in my area, I came across Mike Black's work. This guy immediately grabbed me by the eyeballs with something different than the other commercial photographers I found. It's tough to articulate exactly why. Yes, the photos I saw online were striking in their clarity and depth (that's gotta be a given with a pro). Yes, his use of colour and light/shadow was certainly above the norm. And the composition of his shots were not milquetoast. But when you put all of that together you see that Mike has a wonderful philosophy that guides his work. The work is never audacious or off-message -- unless "audacious" is what the client wants, of course -- but the brand message is elevated to a hight beyond expectation, thanks to this philosophy that guides his eye.

Mike also captures the shots in the most fluid way. It was never really, "Alright -- YOU'RE ON!", and the results are shots that say more about you, the subject, than all the light, shadow and technical aspects can proffer, alone.

And, finally, Mike has a warm personality, a real Steady-Eddy throughout the shoot, was responsive to requests (and I AM a control freak) and NEVER resistant to those requests during the post-process. I NEVER got a bad vibe from him. Not once. The result of all that, which informs his personality and temperament? I LIKE the guy!

So, I was THOROUGHLY happy with the results, it was the best decision I could have made, EVERYONE who sees the photos says the same thing ("he was worth every cent"), and I recommend him to anyone for any job, regardless of its magnitude. He's FANTASTIC and you will be THRILLED with the results!

What an incredible experience. Mike was not shy about telling us where to stand, placement of our feet, hands, people, nor about trekking through the woods with his gear to get the perfect shot. He was patient and fun to work with. The end results were beyond perfect. Thank you so much, Mike for your dedication to perfect pics. I can't wait to show everyone your work, and to go through this experience again. - The Fost Family.

Mike Black is the best photographer I have ever had the pleasure of working with. For anyone interested in digital photography or videography, Mike Black is your solution. Mike’s professional manner, timeliness and ability to work with light and the natural surroundings is nothing short of genius. He is a magician with the camera!

"It had been a few years since we had a family portrait done. With 2 teenagers, they wanted it to be quick and painless. Mike was amazing. We had a winter wonderland photo shoot. My family was happy it didn’t take long and I was thrilled that Mike was able to capture amazing and natural looking photos. I would highly recommend him ….even for the moody teens!"

Mike has a natural talent for photography that isn't easily found in any photographer. He has an eye for light, colour, and composition, etc. And if you're photo shy, his calm demeanour puts you at ease. Highly recommend his services!