Rising Stars: Meet Michael Her

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

Hi Michael, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My parents and grandparents were born in Southeast Asia. During the Vietnam War, my grandfather served as a guerilla warfighter and guided the U.S. troops through the mountains of Laos. Because of his service, my family was given the opportunity to take refuge in the United States and we have been living in Colorado ever since.

At the age of 20, I started photography and videography as a hobby. I bought my first DSLR for a mission trip to Taiwan in 2016. Soon afterward, friends and family started to see the quality of my work. They started asking me for my services for events like weddings, competitions, commercials, and more.

Even after the events of COVID-19 in 2020, I was fortunate enough to still have the means to pursue my passion by reaching out to colleagues, peers from college, and local businesses. My business with these people has placed me where I am today.

I’ve just recently started shooting commercials and ads for local businesses, one of which was recently featured on the Denver Westward. In addition, I am now finishing up a commercial for MaDonna Collingwood’s trade school Studio Institute Denver (SID) that will be aired on 9news.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been the smoothest road. Starting up my own business and selling my services was a very daunting pursuit. Shortly after my business was just starting to gain momentum, Covid-19 struck and I had to put my ambitions as an entrepreneur on hold. This was the biggest struggle I’d faced so far.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Storytelling is a key element in my family’s history and culture. I therefore see photography and videography as my own form of storytelling. It is my goal to bring visions and dreams to life behind the camera. I have mainly focused on telling other people’s stories through short films, family gatherings, and weddings.

I am most proud of my wife who supports my passion and motivates me to grow and improve on my craft. She has an eye for beauty and even helps me in my endeavors to add new ideas and dynamics to my work.

I love to see people thrive, whether it’s through special occasions, accomplishments, local businesses, or families. That is why I do everything I can to create unique, high-quality media for those who have a story to share.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I was born and raised in Denver Colorado. What I have always adored in Denver Colorado is the view of the mountains.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xyuzongmichael/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelher967