New Research: Michael Alan Ross

Michael Alan Ross has led a remarkably charmed life. As one of the most respected automotive photographers in the business, Michael’s ability to capture and accentuate the personality and attitude of his subjects is unparalleled. The images Michael creates are powerful, cinematic, and capture the very essence of the cars and people he shoots. They often become the definitive photos of that car–particularly in the worlds of Porsche and American hot-rods, where Michael is considered first-call.

While part of the magic in his work stems from his genuine love of the subject matter, Michael takes an intentional approach to preparation and composition that forces him to slow down and craft a vision for each shoot. It’s a way of working that increasingly feels like a lost art in the run-and-gun world of contemporary photography, and one any creative can learn from in the turbulence of the digital age.

As intentional as he may be as a photographer, Michael will be the first to tell you nothing in his life was planned. His origin story has the makings of a screenplay; he’s been a professional musician, a model and actor, and he cut his teeth shooting still life for luxury brands before finding his calling as an automotive shooter. In each situation, Michael’s intuition and openness to new opportunities led somewhere unexpected.

David Von Bader spoke with Michael about his uncanny path to automotive photography, how intentionality and slowing down make a difference in his work, and how to define your own creative voice while still making a living.

David: The backstory of how you transitioned from a career as a musician, to a model and actor, to a photographer is really incredible. Could you give a little synopsis of how you wound up behind the camera?

Michael: My father gave me two things when I was nine, a camera and a guitar, and I’ve made a living with both of them. I was a full-time musician for almost 25 years. One day I was recording in NYC, singing on a song for a Chevy commercial, and the producer’s wife said “Have you ever thought about being in a commercial?” I said “I’m singing in one right now” and she goes “No, like in one!”

So she scouted me. I ended up with the Ford Agency and Don Buchwald’s agency doing commercials, soap operas, and print work. I wasn’t the fashion