Hi Everyone!  I'm Michael Thompson, many of you know me as "Mikey" from Lightenupandshoot.  I'm an international photographer, entrepreneur, and permanent world traveler.  I love to go to new places, capture the adventure and excitement in photos.  I love to help others live the life I have found too.  That's why I started Lightenupandshoot.  This site is all about sharing my story with you, and showing you how you can enjoy exceptional experiences using your camera and passion of photography...All you have to do is "lighten up and shoot."  And, before you tell yourself, "I can't" let me remind you that only 3 years ago I never took a professional photo - EVER!  I never recruited or managed fashion models, I never conducted model workshops or photo seminars.  So just take a deep breath and tell yourself, "Maybe I can."

READ MORE AFTER THE JUMP...

In just the past year, I have traveled to 7 countries, hosted creativeLIVE, lectured at B&H Photo, shot some of the most incredible models around the world, hitchhiked in Colombia, shot a music video, taught lightenupandshoot workshops, created several new instructional videos for Lightenupandshoot (coming soon), and had a slew of commercial work around the globe.  You can too!

I consider myself a student of the world, and I believe that travel has been my greatest teacher.  Three years ago I felt "boxed in."  I was a business success, but the predictability of life was killing me inside.  The economic crisis gave me what I need to cut loose, and follow my dreams.  I want to hep you do the same thing.

Register to my newsletter right now to get the latest of my travels, workshops, videos and industry tips on beaing successful in photography.  My blog is dedicated to helping photographers overcome the fears of complicated lighting, approaching beautiful people and give confidence in forming an individual voice in photography.  Who knows?  Maybe you and I will be taking photos together by the end of the year!  In my life anything is possible.

I look forward to personally meeting you.

Talk to you soon,

Mikey