Michael Moriarty: A Lifelong Photographer’s Journey

Art serves as a powerful medium of expression, and throughout my life, it has allowed me to communicate in various forms. Surrounded by artists in my upbringing, I drew inspiration from family members engaged in painting, cross-stitch, and photography. As a child, fantasy artists like Boris Vallejo and the Brothers Hildebrandt fueled my imagination, leading me to carry a sketchbook everywhere.

Building on this creative foundation, at the age of 10, I received my first camera, setting the stage for a lifelong passion. A pivotal moment occurred at 12 when I met commercial photographer Robin Perry, who mentored me and emphasized the importance of imagination in achieving success.

 Following this influential encounter, investing earnings from my first job into camera film, I established a darkroom in my basement. My artistic journey continued at Norwich Free Academy, a specialized art high school in Connecticut, where I explored various mediums, including pottery, woodworking, and jewelry.

Expanding my creative horizons, photography opened doors professionally, landing me a full-time role as an optical imaging technician. Later, my photography skills facilitated success on eBay and teaching others how to enhance their online listings.

However, life has its twists and turns, upon relocating to Tucson, Arizona, my love for photography rekindled, capturing the captivating desert landscape. As a member of the Sonoran Desert Museum, my work found a platform on their social media.

Moving into the digital realm, being part of Generation X, my affinity for computers led me to embrace social media early on. Starting with a Facebook page for a UPS store, I witnessed its impact on business growth. This experience inspired the creation of Michael Moriarty Photography & Social Media, catering to the visual needs of local businesses.

Specifically, specializing in social media content, I discovered the power of images, particularly in the food industry. My photos, featured at farmers’ markets, attracted attention from local restaurants, initiating collaborations and showcasing my photography skills.

As my online presence expanded, engaging in various social media platforms, creating over 90 photography groups on Facebook. Pinterest played a crucial role in promoting clients, with features in local magazines like Tucson Happenings, Zocalo, Green Living Arizona, and Edible Baja.

Riding the wave of global recognition, as my audience grew globally, I launched www.MichaelMoriartyPhotography.com, featuring my portfolio and services.

Evolving with the times, art, like life, evolves, and I constantly seek new techniques and ideas. Recent experiments include the application of an oil-paint effect, reminiscent of my mother’s paintings.

Looking to the future, with a commitment to learning and evolving, I look forward to exploring different locations and capturing diverse subjects. The demand for video content has led to requests for promotional videos, showcased on YouTube.

Diversifying my offerings, now, my images are available for purchase in various formats through my Print on Demand stores.

For those interested, explore and enjoy a visual journey through my lens, where each image tells a unique story.