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Michael Kish Photography is driven by a passion for light, landscape, and story. Each image is crafted to reveal not just what a place looks like, but what it feels like to stand there. The work invites viewers to pause, reflect, and connect with the beauty that surrounds them.

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Michael Kish - Fine Art Photographer

Black and white photograph of Michael Kish photographing the snow-covered Teton Range mountains with a camera on tripod in winter.

Michael’s connection with photography began with a borrowed camera in 1999 while working at Grand Teton National Park. After finishing high school in Oregon, he searched for a cool summer job and settled in northwestern Wyoming, quickly falling in love with the rugged mountains, deep valleys and silent forests of the Rocky Mountains. Michael spent his free time exploring the northern Rockies of Wyoming and developed a deep connection and appreciation for the raw beauty of the area.

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On one particular hike in the Tetons, Michael borrowed a camera from a co-worker, hoping to capture some images of his explorations. That experience hooked him on photography as both a creative outlet and a way to explain his relationship with the natural world. An interest that started as a casual hobby eventually grew into a life-long passion and pursuit for Michael, allowing him to express what he witnessed in the natural beauty of the mountains.

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As his connection with photography grew, Michael developed a philosophy about the art form. "Feelings and emotions can't be photographed in the literal sense. The sun's warmth, as it breaks the eastern horizon at sunrise, simply can't be felt in the form of a print," he noted. Through his work, Michael hopes to evoke a sense of belonging, connection, and purpose with the natural world. "Each day the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, but no two sunrises are the same and each sunset evokes a different quality. Each new day brings a new beginning and an opportunity to discover something never before seen. The beauty of the natural world is all around us, just waiting to be explored."

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Michael strives to capture the raw beauty of natural landscapes. Focusing on simple, minimalist shots, he emphasizes the basic elements that make his photographs unique. Michael's passion for nature and its beauty drives him to make pictures that highlight the essence of the land. His images — often taken in their most raw and untouched form — showcase the beauty of nature without added distractions. Michael seeks to capture the landscape in its simplest, most powerful form and share it with others.

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Aside from photography, Michael is a bit of a pizza connoisseur — at least he likes to think so. Whether it’s a small-town pizzeria tucked off a rural highway or a well-known local favorite in a big city, he makes a point to try new pizzas whenever he travels. From classic Neapolitan-style pies to deep-dish experiments and creative local twists, Michael treats each slice as part of the adventure — another way to experience the flavor and character of the places he visits.

Folks often ask me what kind of camera I uses or what type of tripod I prefer. I asked the same questions when I first started photographing back in 1999, but I soon realized that the camera didn't make the image, but rather the photographer did! In my film days, I viewed the camera as a light-tight box and nothing more. The lens is an extension of the camera, and both are controlled by me. If the images don't turn out, I have no one to blame but myself. So what did I do? I learned how to use my camera. I recommend starting with the camera manual because it explains all of the various camera features in detail. Knowing how your camera works is one of the most important steps in the creative process. 

 

Camera Body

Nikon D850

 

Lenses

AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.8G ED

AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G ED

AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G

AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.8G

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Support

Kirk L-Bracket

Kirk LRP-3 Multipurpose Rail

Benro GX35 Ball Head

Benro Tortoise Carbon Fiber Tripod

 

Storage

Lowepro Whistler BP 350 AW 

 

Filters

NiSi, Singh-Ray, & Misc. others

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