Check Out Michael Cheyne’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Cheyne. 

Hi Michael, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am one of the few people actually from Nashville who hasn’t yet moved away. I was raised in Nashville & Franklin by my two moms- both of whom have (mostly) encouraged my creativity throughout the years. Growing up in the south, I at times felt like an outsider in many ways, however, my creativity was one thing that always allowed me to connect with people I often disagreed with. 

I have always had three loves- music, photography, & cooking. 

I grew up playing music at a very young age & never stopped. I went on my first tour right out of high school and immediately fell in love. I currently play drums, piano, guitar, bass, clarinet, mandolin, & some violin. I have been on multiple U.S. tours, played festivals, interviewed/performed on multiple radio stations, and still perform live on occasion – something I have been missing lately. 

I have recorded in most of the studios around town & still work from time-to-time as a studio musician. Of all the instruments I play, drums are what I am best at & most enjoy playing. 

It is rare to find a musician in Nashville that hasn’t also worked in the restaurant industry at some point- I am no exception. 

I started working in restaurants at the age of 16. I got my first job as a busboy and worked my way up to line cook. I have cooked for 10 years now, working jobs as both a savory & pastry chef/baker. I have worked for James Beard winning & Michelin starred chefs, briefly attended culinary school and accomplished my personal goal of working at the Catbird Seat, one of the top restaurants in Nashville. 

Food still plays an important role in my life even though I no longer work in restaurants. 

Most recently I worked as Creative Director for a start-up, where I found my skills as a chef, photographer, & business manager were able to come together. 

My love for photography also started when I was young. Early in high school, my best friend & I would scavenge all the antique stores/yard sales we could find looking for old film cameras. 

It wasn’t until the last 5 years or so that I started to actually take it seriously. 

I bought a TERRIBLE point & shoot from Mckay’s and used it to make my first portfolio. 

For some reason, a company liked it and put me in charge of their food photography. I had no idea what I was doing but I used what little I was making, sold my point & shoot, and bought a decent mirrorless camera. I couldn’t afford a lens at the time but I had a couple of old canon lenses from the 80’s so I used an adapter and shot manually with those for at least a year. 

I shot everything I could; artists, food, product, etc. Anything to get experience. 

I didn’t know what my goal or style was, I just knew I wanted to keep taking photos. 

Then I met my mentor & current boss – Joseph Llanes. 

Joseph has photographed every artist you can imagine in the music/entertainment world and has been published just about everywhere a photographer could want to be published. 

His mentorship changed my work drastically; I had to completely relearn the way I shoot and think about photography. After my first year with him, he asked me to work for him & we currently run his business together. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like Maya Angelou said, “What you’re supposed to do when you don’t like a thing is change it. If you can’t change it, change the way you think about it. Don’t complain”. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I primarily photograph artists, fashion, and products. I have been published every month this year and hope to keep that going. I am often told that my lighting, presence, & creativity on set is what stands out when someone works with me. 

What’s next?
I am hoping to work more in New York & L.A. this year. 

Contact Info:

• Email: Michaelolivercheyne@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.michaelolivercheyne.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelolivercheyne/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRukKDwCTg5VLBGNepERKbg

Image Credits
Rachel Schulman