Meet Max Sechrest

Today we’d like to introduce you to Max Sechrest.

Hi Max, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I got started back in 2012 with the idea that I wanted to be in the film industry. I ended up starting with photography as an easier way to learn the basics and eventually went to film school and pursued a career as a photographer and filmmaker.

Throughout the years I developed my creative talents in many different aspects with a camera. Post covid I changed my business strategy to become a creative consultant that specialized in visual services, rather than the label of the photographer to help encompass more of the creative talents I’ve crafted.

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?
It’s been horrible to put it easy lol.

Starting out as a photographer there’s a lot of glam that is idolized that’s not really spoken about. There are many struggles that come with starting like a paywall (lord help you when you want that new lens or camera), the over-saturation of the industry with others, the immense amount of time that needs to be spent on just education and practice, the networking is the worst of it in my own opinion.

Struggling is part of the process, that’s where growth develops. Selling a car is one thing, selling art is completely different. Once you’re past the art then there’s you and how you sell yourself. I’ve spoken to hundreds of new and upcoming photographers and a lot think it’s as simple as just picking up the camera and pressing the button. I mean sure it is that simple, but how do you pay rent doing this haha.

An artist wants to be paid for their art, how do you get people to do that? You’ll find more questions than you have answers to when becoming a professional in photography. It’s not just as simple unless you just want to do it as an art form, but if you want to make a living out of it, you have to think about this in other ways than just taking pictures.

The main questions people ask are, what camera do I get, how do I get in the industry, and how do I get my look from my pictures? No one has answers for how you combine your art style into a business deal, then how do I consistently do that lol.

There’s so much more I could go on about, but the fact I’ve done this over 10 years and haven’t given up yet, you have to kinda appreciate the struggle you have to go through. That’s what being an artist is kinda about.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in portrait, commercial, and wedding photography. I’m known for my fashion and personal projects that I put on. I’m most proud of working with a luxury magazine that gave me a lot of opportunities to collaborate with many brands such as Bently, Rolls Royce, and a few others.

Okay here’s what makes me unique. I’m interested in making what I see in my head, and I’m constantly chasing that. There’s constant experimentation, I’m always learning and I’m always asking questions. I’m not interested in staying stagnate. I’m an artist at heart, and an artist creates. As long as I’m creating something, it’s something of art to me.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Art comes in many different forms. The camera is mine and I take pictures and videos. Conversations are a major key

Pricing:

• General Shoots are 500$
• Studio starts at 750$
• Weddings start 1500$
• Video projects start at 1000$
• Consultations range from 100$ to a couple of bucks.

Contact Info:

• Website: theworkofmax.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/Max_Sech