Michael Bowlin is a Central PA based media specialist. Since graduating from Messiah University in 2019, it has been his goal to share stories of the community and world around him through his images. Read his bio
 

Tell us briefly about your background & how you got started in your medium.

I graduated from Messiah University in 2019 with a degree in Film and Media Arts. Since then I have been trying to expand on my skill set, from outside of what I learned in my program. Landscape photography was a perfect mesh of my love of the outdoors and film, so it was a natural next step as an outlet for my creativity.

How does your medium inform your viewpoint? Or what do you like most about your medium?

I love the fact that every place I go to take photos has a unique aspect about it. There is beauty in the grandest vista, as well as in the tiniest corner of a forgotten road. This medium allows all to see that the world outside of our own day to day lives is full of surprises, you simply have to look around and take notice.

Who or what have been your artistic inspirations?

Peter Jackson and his Lord of the Rings trilogy has always had a huge impact on me. In terms of photography, I had never known a place like New Zealand existed on Earth. So, I am interested in the grandeur of the world, and how to frame that in an image. The other person who is always on my mind is Stanley Kubrick. Kubrick, before he became a world renowned director, was a photojournalist. He learned how to master the craft of beauty in a single image before adding the dimension of movement. So, in my work, I try to be as exacting as I can with the images I capture so they can have the most impact on whoever views them.

Do you have a favorite piece in your portfolio?

I would say the photo that means the most to me would be my image of Ricketts Glen State Park as the early morning sunrise shines into the valley of waterfalls. It was a first of many for me as this was the first trip I took specifically to a destination to take photos. I got up at 3 am to see the early sunrise and spent the day wandering around the park. Also, this day was very spiritual for me as I was in a rough mental and physical spot. Being disconnected in nature helped to begin my healing journey. So, this photo is a reminder of how far I have come, both creatively and personally.

What would be your advice to artists just starting out in your medium?

My one piece of advice would be to go out there and take as many photos as possible. That’s the only way you will get better at using your camera, and finding what you enjoy taking photos of. Also, always try to learn something new. That could be a new technique, or studying an artist you find intriguing. This will always ensure that you are growing as an individual, as well as in photography.