Meet Mike Avilotte | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mike Avilotte and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mike, how does your business help the community?
In our current state as a society, we’ve lost our sense of community and in a way, we’ve lost touch with the reality of the world. When I began practicing photography I came to realize how difficult it can be to capture a scene without something that is man made. We’re surrounded by wires, pavement, concrete, cars and of course phones. They litter out surroundings creating a subtle sense of tension. We are more insulated from our immediate surroundings than ever. We desperately try to connect on virtual platforms and yet the majority sense the insufficiency of that connection. Many people feel a pull towards the outdoors whether they consciously identify it or not. The tranquility of the woods, the sounds of the waves, and the warmth of the sun all bring us that deeper sense of connection. As a species, we can obtain a deep sense of connection when immersed in the natural world. It reminds us of the true reality of our existence, that is to say we are part of the whole big beautiful thing and not separate isolated worker bees.

Today, to make a living, we need to work, to buy groceries and we simply can’t spend all of our time outside. But we can still catch glimpses of that connection and that wholeness when we see photos of a beautiful place. For a moment we can transport there, to experience the beauty and serenity of that connection even in our office at work. So I work to find captivating places and immersive natural scenes to transport the viewer into that environment.

On a larger scale, by capturing photos and sharing them with others, I hope a few things happen. First, awareness of these places spreads and with that, interest and motivation to preserve the natural world will hopefully increase. Second, people will be motivated to spend more time outside maybe join a hiking club and increase the interconnectedness of their local communities. Third, and more intimately, it offers an opportunity to step away for a moment of peace and solitude during the hustle and bustle of daily life, Lastly, I work with people as they adventure into the wilderness to capture their moments of connection and peace. When they return to their 9-5 with a big beautiful print on the wall, they can relive those moments all over again. To look at a well captured photo of a beautiful landscape, I mean really look at it, we’re provided the prospective that the world is so much bigger than ourselves and life is much more important than rushing back to that next email.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In the day of point and shoot phone photography, I think it is easy for many to overlook the importance of technique and perspective when taking photos. At every popular scenic viewpoint, you’ll be guaranteed to see plenty of folks with their phones snapping away poorly framed selfies. Sure some get lucky with some good enough shots but their mostly posting to social media. Most of these fail to truly capture the character of the scene.

There is a reason many hire a professional photographer for weddings, engagements and other special moments and that is because the professional photos “feel” different. They reproduce the scene in a way that brings all those feelings flooding back. Photographers hone their skills over years of paying close attention to light, framing, perspective and even weather patterns to get the results they desire. Researching locations, view points and camera settings takes time and practice so when the right opportunity arises we’re ready to capture it just right. Having a photographer on an adventure can also help to keep you in the moment rather than focusing on pulling out your phone to snap proof of where you went.

It can be challenging these days to convince people to pay for the experience or results of a photographer when they have phones. I think it’s also challenging to keep up with the ever improving technology whether it be website management or the latest gadget. But its all about continuing to learn and improve.

I want those who look at my photos to feel the urge to take a moment, to take a breath and to connect with a special place at a special moment. I try to provide context with my photos, whether it is notes about the location or the specific type of flower, to help the viewer really step into that moment a bit more. I want viewers to feel a release of some neck tension and inspire people to get outside away from the man made.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I think dinner in the city for a night or two is always a must to see it. I’m a sucker for a cozy coffee shop or an old book shop. But truthfully, I’d also love to get outside the city to go for a hike or two. There are so many beautiful places nearby that can create lasting memories. To experience the unique geographic features and ecosystems in the area would be much more valuable to me than a week in the city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d have to give my wife a lot of credit for the years of encouragement and support. Also for being my muse and subject as I worked out my techniques and styles. She’s been adventurous and very patient on our hikes as I line up shots and pause to capture a trailside flower. I wouldn’t be where I am without her. I’d also give a lot of recognition to friends and family who have encouraged and supported me.

Importantly, I think the shout out should mention the guides who have intimate knowledge of their natural environment to educate those who are visiting, In addition the numerous naturalists, conservationists, and personnel who work to maintain our precious ecosystems.

Lastly, I’d like to encourage those who visit our landscapes to care and respect these places by picking up trash, following local rules, and please please please don’t play loud music while on your hikes.

Website: https://www.avilotte.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avilotte.photo/

Image Credits
Avilotte Photography