MIKE COLON
"Any given image makes apparent his obvious talent for rendering everlasting life in his subject; all are extraordinary vignettes brimming with pure emotion." - Grace Ormonde
"His images are beyond the power of speech." - Rangefinder Magazine
"His emotional images taught us the new look of photojournalism." - WPPI Monthly
Mike Colón is an international wedding and lifestyle photographer based in Newport Beach, California. He has been shooting professionally for twelve years and has traveled the world photographing extravagant weddings, fashion, and editorial assignments for his discerning clients. His resume of celebrity clientele boasts some of the biggest names in Hollywood, the music industry, and professional sports.
Mike's gift for capturing life has been recognized by numerous publications worldwide including Grace Ormonde Wedding Style, Marriage, People, Us Weekly, Instyle, Rangefinder, Photo District News, Popular Photography, American Photo, Shutterbug, and dozens more. His work also appears in many of the Amherst Media and fine art photography books found in bookstores today.
Colón travels the world teaching professional photographers the latest techniques in digital photography. He is a regular speaker for the wedding industry teaching at virtually all of the major photography conferences in the country. He has taught classes for several accredited photography schools including the prestigious Brooks Institute of Photography in Santa Barbara. Mike is also a spokesperson and on the advisory boards of top corporations like Apple, Epson America, Lexar Media, Pictage Inc., and Tamrac Inc.
Mike resides in Newport Coast, California with his beautiful wife and four children. Mike is a man of faith who exhibits integrity and generosity in his business and personal relationships. In his free time, he enjoys surfing, snowboarding, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and most anything else that keeps his body and mind active.
"Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. He's my role model, mentor, and provider." Mike Colón
"Therefore everyone who confesses me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven." Matthew 10:32
"But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Matthew 6:33
"Let your light shine before men so they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16
KAT HARRIS Kat's Blog - Lifestyle - Engagements - Weddings - Bridal Fashion
Photography is something that I have always loved and been drawn to, but never thought I was good enough to pursue. Growing up I allowed myself to be put into this box that stamped me as ‘athlete’, so I spent little time exploring the tiny voice inside me that was moved and inspired by images.
After graduating college I decided to leave the comfort of real sweet tea, my family, and my hometown Dallas, to move to Southern California and work for the NGO, Invisible Children. Throughout this move I promised myself that I would pursue the things that I had always wanted to, but never quite got the guts up to try. Over the last couple of years I have taken hip-hop classes (yes I was the tall white girl in the back of the class that had no idea what was going on), singing lessons (thank you Groupon), and gulp…I started taking pictures…and lots of them.
Here’s the thing that I’ve learned so far on this journey…we’re all creative beings. We just have to tap into our own unique creative bent. For such a long time I allowed fear to keep me from pursuing photography, but I have decided that I don’t ever want to make a decision based on fear.
So what if I happen to fall flat on my face and embarrass myself? Well, ok that happens. But what if I end up loving it, and what if my pictures can move or inspire someone? What if my soul comes alive more when I take pictures than when I don’t?
One of my favorite photojournalists, Dan Eldon, said ‘The journey is the destination’. There is such beauty and freedom in that statement. It’s not about me finally getting to a point where I have arrived in photography, or life for that matter; it’s about being present with each moment that I’ve been given and resolving to live it to the utmost.
To my parents, to my 5 brother and sisters, to the Farrar's, to Mamma J, to the Colón family, and to my community of friends that continually challenge and provoke me to live a life of depth, meaning and purpose: thank you. Thank you for fighting for this dream with me.
So I may fall on my face, but maybe I won’t... Here’s to the journey.
To view my work please click below:
Kat's Blog - Lifestyle - Engagements - Weddings - Bridal Fashion