EP 6 • Michael M. Santiago
ABout Michael
Michael M. Santiago is a Pulitzer prize winning photojournalist with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Michael received his B.F.A. at San Francisco Art Institute and a Master's of Science degree from S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. His work focuses on issues ranging from health, race and identity, family relationships, youth empowerment and more.
SHOW NOTES
Website: msantiagophotos.com
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Camera Brand: Nikon
Most Influential Photographer:
Like a lot of photographers Gordon Parks played a huge role in my work. His book A Choice of Weapons, is a book that I read over and over again. I try to emulate how he interacted with the folks who he photographed and the empathy that he carried with with in every photo he took. Visually another photographer who inspired me was Roy DeCarava. This might sound corny but when I first saw his images, it made me realize that we can make visually poetic images. When I was in undergrad, I spent a lot of my time at my school's library just looking at photo books and his book The Sweet Flypaper of Life, a collaboration book he did with Langston Hughes, is one that I would spend the most time with. I legit wanted to steal that book.
Biggest Industry Hurdle for Black Photographers:
The biggest hurdle I think in my opinion, because I dealt with it is honestly how expensive this career path is. Gear is expensive. And while we can make anything happen with what we have, there are some things that are needed for certain assignments. Like longer lenses, a laptop, the programs we use. After that I would say networking. A lot of that happens when you attend workshop and conferences and those can be expensive, for anyone, not just Black photographers.
Which field of photography is the most diverse? Least diverse?
I can't truly say for sure because I don't know a lot of folks who are in different fields to be honest. But I would love to see more folks who look like me covering politics. That's the only one that comes in mind.
Favorite Lens:
My favorite lens is a 28 mm prime lens. I like to show wide scenes in my photograph. I'm partial to showing as much as I can because to me I feel that the environment is a much as important as the individual that I'm photographing. I also like to use prime lenses because it forces me to think different and use my feet more. If I need to be closer, I just use my feet instead of zooming in. That also tends to give more of an intimidate feeling to my images.
Instagram: @msantiagophotos
Twitter: @msantiagophotos
