Rising Stars: Meet Mike Thurk of Boulder

Rising Stars: Meet Mike Thurk of Boulder

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Thurk.

Hi Mike, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I began taking photos in the mountains of the Alps and Alaska, with an iPhone. I had no aspirations to become a photographer, but I admired those who were in these spaces and making images. I developed my eye for composition and stories in the mountains. My life eventually pivoted and I found myself living in Boulder, CO working as an EMT, still making photos as a hobbyist, but now with a hand me down Canon. With the encouragement and support of friends and family, I began photographing for small businesses in town until one day I took the plunge and made it a full time endeavor.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has the road been smooth? Who’s to say. What I can say is that everything that has happened along the way, good or bad, has been necessary.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a true freelance photographer and am drawn to projects and individuals that have stories to tell. Some of my work that I find to be the most recognizable as my own is my high contrast, minimalist black and white imagery, as well as my portrait work.

To this day, the work I am the most proud of is my work documenting the Black Lives Matter movement, because of how the work and experience affected me professionally, and personally.

It’s difficult to distinguish yourself as a photographer these days, but I find solace in the fact that in a room full of photographers, we will all see the subject differently. I won’t stop from doing something if it’s already been done, because it hasn’t been done by me.

What matters most to you? Why?
The Story. Find the Story and you’ll find Inspiration.

Contact Info:

• Email: info@mthurk.com
• Website: www.mthurk.com
• Instagram: @mthurk
• Other: https://vero.co/mthurk

Image Credits
Image of me taken by Kelly Halpin