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My Friend Told Me To Post My Photographs On Bored Panda And It Kickstarted My Career
I never planned to become a photographer. It just sort of happened.
I was working as a brand strategist at the time, but I didn’t like working in a big company and so one day I decided to quit. I had no plan when I left. All I wanted to do was, well, figure out what I wanted to do.
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That’s when I bought myself a camera. I’ve always been a big fan of Humans of New York so I decided to do something similar. I grew up in Paris but I moved to Montreal when I was 20, so that’s where I decided to base my project. I started a page with a couple of friends and soon we had 20k likes. We were even featured in newspapers and on TV.
It was around this time that a photographer friend of mine told me about Bored Panda. He’d published a series of pictures on the site which were then used by many other media websites. He suggested I do the same and so I decided to take his advice.
My first post was a series featuring portraits and stories of homeless people I met in Montreal. After appearing on Bored Panda the series went on to be featured in the Huffington Post. It also appeared on Mic.com, Aplus.com and a few other online publications.
The series that really changed everything however was the project I did of my girlfriend hiding from the camera. Before I knew it the pictures were being shared from Bosnia to Brazil, from China to South Africa. Even Ashton Kutcher shared the project on his Facebook page!
In just a couple of weeks my Facebook page went from 800 likes to 8000. It was amazing. I now have people following my work from all corners of the world. I also have a lot of people from across the globe asking for pictures of my girlfriend!
What I love about Bored Panda is that it’s almost entirely user-generated. It’s a collective of really creative initiatives, introduced directly by the people who made them happen. I like learning about projects from the people behind them. It’s so much more emotionally engaging than hearing about something from a journalist who might not have any personal interest in the idea.
Posting my work on Bored Panda has gained me some massive exposure. It’s dramatically increased my online following and it’s really fueled my credibility as a photographer. A couple of media agencies that saw my work on the website have been in touch offering to sell my work, and I also received a picture from Hungary where my series on homelessness had been published in a magazine there.
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StuartBulman 8 years ago
This happened to me as well, my Bored Panda post about birdwatching was shared globally and featured on international publications. To anyone considering posting to BP, DO IT! show the world, your world.
MelodyLanzatella 8 years ago
i couldnt live without BoredPanda! I log on everyday to see whats new!
MelissaP 8 years ago
This is extremely inspiring!!! I'm in a similar situation and am on the verge of making the decision to leave as well. Thanks for sharing!!!
Josephine Casanova 6 years ago
Do it! :) best decision I ever made :) good luck!
Load More Replies...
Jason Whitehead 8 years ago
The man sitting on the sidewalk in the rain just breaks my heart. Thanks for capturing this.
Billy The Kid 4 years ago
Looking at the picture it looks like the people walking passed dont even want to acknowledge him!
Load More Replies...
Dana Decals 8 years ago
You also take some wonderful pictures, Mikaël. You use black and white photography to not just create a beautiful image, but to also really focus on your subjects, wrapping yourself around the moments you capture.
Geoff Moore Photos 7 years ago
Inspiring post and congratulations, I wasn't even aware of BP until this morning, perhaps I have been living under a rock or something or perhaps BP isn't on the radar as much in the UK as elsewhere in the world, I'm probably way off the mar on that last point, however, I thought id give it a go and post my first item to BP which I have done. So far i'm really enjoying the differing stories etc.. Wish me luck! Regards Geoff Moore
CynthiaProetzel 8 years ago
This is amazing! It's an inspiration for many ppl including myself who is also trying to get my work out into the world
Madison Unger 7 years ago
These are wonderful pictures! I love how they show all the different types of people, the rich, poor, gay, straight, black, white, they all matter in the pictures and I love that.
Matthew Deal 7 years ago
I've shown the world to a small degree that of my world. I'd noticed mine & all her AUTHENTIC & WHIMSICAL Beauty doesn't mesh at all with that of the typical modern-day broken man or woman, let alone mesh WELL, thereby/thereof/there with, SADLY. However & alas; I'm quite humbled, content & HAPPY with tranquil satisfactory! Love All with much respect and no sarcasms, phobias or judgments, MPSD <3
PhillipeKnippel 8 years ago
To quit a job seems to be easier in Europe or North America. People from this continents seens to have a completly kinda life than us, brazilian. I hate this country!!!
Talis Matreshka 1 year ago
Love this for you! I finally got brave and posted my artwork here, hoping for something good to happen now.
Adam Pagria 3 years ago (edited)
Inspired by this story, I quit my job to be a photographer. Now, I'm almost broke. I hate you!
Ramona Rhein 4 years ago
These are beautiful. I have always been a lover of black and white photography, especially of people. Things like mood, setting, and time are undistracted by color. It is a lovely thing to see humanity in its purity. Thank you.
Billy The Kid 4 years ago
A work colleague would send out a post to the the team about a certain story. they were good so i signed up to it. The problem is, is that i spend more of my time on BP that i dont get a lot of my work done and then get questioned by the boss for slacking! Its addictive.
Dutch VanZandt 4 years ago
I always find portraits- especially ethnohistorical ones- very moving. I can still vividly recall various pictures I have seen of historical happenings, like the Great Depression of the 1930s in America.
Kevin Jair Posada Martínez 4 years ago
Articulo que te muestra las facetas para poder llegar a ser un reconocido actor, entre las cuales se destacan la motivación y empeño que se debe tener. https://sites.google.com/aprendizajesignificativo.org/actor/p%C3%A1gina-principal
mermaidgirl960 4 years ago
Wow, talented! My dad once told me I would make a good photographer after I snapped a few photos of our backyard on his phone since mine was dead and I wanted to capture a perfect moment. I figured since my phone's camera was such bad quality and that my hand was so shaky, I could never become a photographer and while I probably won't make that my career, maybe with a better camera, I can get some nice pictures. (Not of any people though XD I always take pictures when people blink or it just doesn't end well, maybe of some plants)
Steve Cruz 5 years ago
These photos are massively editorial and provoke thought and study. Congratulations!
Mary Rose Kent 5 years ago
I wish Bored Panda had a more robust platform; so often I’ll be enjoying something like Mikaël’s photos and it’ll just fritz out and make it impossible for me to continue. Does anyone else have this problem?
Michał Gałczyński 5 years ago (edited)
After my first post here, someone from biggest local photo portal made with me a interview! That was amazing!
Bon Nagam Sims 5 years ago
What is the easiest app for copyrighting your photos? I am quite the amateur.
Todd Chesser 5 years ago
This is awesome and it is further fuel to the little fire I have burning to create something like this with my camera. Thank you for posting your wonderful photos
Layla Brown 6 years ago
Amazing, as soon as I saw the first pic I'm like, that guy looks like he's from Montreal! And behold, man I know my city!
The Human Pulse 7 years ago
How to post? Where are the instructions on where to send the photos? I am also a photographer (and diplomat) and would enjoy sharing my work more widely. http://bit.ly/thp_book
Martin Cápal 7 years ago
What lens is he using, what do you think? I think FF camera for sure with a 35/1.4.
Violet Oliveira 7 years ago
Brilliant photos! I recognize that great 1st shot of the young lovers kissing from the show Sense 8, isn't it? I could swear it's the same couple at least a very similar one. Bravo!
Marcos Zamarripa 7 years ago
I love them, your photos doesn't need colours to express the feeling. <3
PaparazSea 8 years ago
Very chic...love the story...even more your images..they are so soulful
Erin Nadeau 8 years ago
Beautiful captures; I'm particularly fond of the coffee shop, and the person kicking snow. They are two distinctly different styles, but both really capture the energy of the subject very well. Excellent work, and congratulations!
Anne Marie LaBrèque 8 years ago
The pic in the snow, is it Montréal near Laurier metro station?
Jon Lisle-Summers 8 years ago
I'm going to see if I can rediscover my courage after this. Thank you.
THE SLAVE PREACHER 8 years ago
Congratulations friend. Wish you could continued success. Your photos are wonderful.
GeraldineRobb 8 years ago
Humans of New York is an inspiration to many. My friend just started a similar project in the city of Nantes, France called Humans of Nantes- HON. https://www.facebook.com/humansnantes/ Do not hesitate to check it out and keep up the good work Mikaël!
Ernest Wilkins 4 years ago
To hack any website, email, mobile Phone( call ,text,whatsapp, kik,hangouts, gallery etc) social network (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Snapchat), Change your Grades, Examination hacks, Recovery of Password. Find Someone's Password(friend, wife, boss, gf or bf) to know if they are cheating or not..........contact: mtravis039@gmailcom
Audrey Cooper 7 years ago
you can't just enjoy the photos can you? I hate people like you who always have to post something hateful. By the way two people in love isn't disgusting you're disgusting.
Load More Replies... StuartBulman 8 years ago
This happened to me as well, my Bored Panda post about birdwatching was shared globally and featured on international publications. To anyone considering posting to BP, DO IT! show the world, your world.
MelodyLanzatella 8 years ago
i couldnt live without BoredPanda! I log on everyday to see whats new!
MelissaP 8 years ago
This is extremely inspiring!!! I'm in a similar situation and am on the verge of making the decision to leave as well. Thanks for sharing!!!
Josephine Casanova 6 years ago
Do it! :) best decision I ever made :) good luck!
Load More Replies... Jason Whitehead 8 years ago
The man sitting on the sidewalk in the rain just breaks my heart. Thanks for capturing this.
Billy The Kid 4 years ago
Looking at the picture it looks like the people walking passed dont even want to acknowledge him!
Load More Replies... Dana Decals 8 years ago
You also take some wonderful pictures, Mikaël. You use black and white photography to not just create a beautiful image, but to also really focus on your subjects, wrapping yourself around the moments you capture.
Geoff Moore Photos 7 years ago
Inspiring post and congratulations, I wasn't even aware of BP until this morning, perhaps I have been living under a rock or something or perhaps BP isn't on the radar as much in the UK as elsewhere in the world, I'm probably way off the mar on that last point, however, I thought id give it a go and post my first item to BP which I have done. So far i'm really enjoying the differing stories etc.. Wish me luck! Regards Geoff Moore
CynthiaProetzel 8 years ago
This is amazing! It's an inspiration for many ppl including myself who is also trying to get my work out into the world
Madison Unger 7 years ago
These are wonderful pictures! I love how they show all the different types of people, the rich, poor, gay, straight, black, white, they all matter in the pictures and I love that.
Matthew Deal 7 years ago
I've shown the world to a small degree that of my world. I'd noticed mine & all her AUTHENTIC & WHIMSICAL Beauty doesn't mesh at all with that of the typical modern-day broken man or woman, let alone mesh WELL, thereby/thereof/there with, SADLY. However & alas; I'm quite humbled, content & HAPPY with tranquil satisfactory! Love All with much respect and no sarcasms, phobias or judgments, MPSD <3
PhillipeKnippel 8 years ago
To quit a job seems to be easier in Europe or North America. People from this continents seens to have a completly kinda life than us, brazilian. I hate this country!!!
Talis Matreshka 1 year ago
Love this for you! I finally got brave and posted my artwork here, hoping for something good to happen now.
Adam Pagria 3 years ago (edited)
Inspired by this story, I quit my job to be a photographer. Now, I'm almost broke. I hate you!
Ramona Rhein 4 years ago
These are beautiful. I have always been a lover of black and white photography, especially of people. Things like mood, setting, and time are undistracted by color. It is a lovely thing to see humanity in its purity. Thank you.
Billy The Kid 4 years ago
A work colleague would send out a post to the the team about a certain story. they were good so i signed up to it. The problem is, is that i spend more of my time on BP that i dont get a lot of my work done and then get questioned by the boss for slacking! Its addictive.
Dutch VanZandt 4 years ago
I always find portraits- especially ethnohistorical ones- very moving. I can still vividly recall various pictures I have seen of historical happenings, like the Great Depression of the 1930s in America.
Kevin Jair Posada Martínez 4 years ago
Articulo que te muestra las facetas para poder llegar a ser un reconocido actor, entre las cuales se destacan la motivación y empeño que se debe tener. https://sites.google.com/aprendizajesignificativo.org/actor/p%C3%A1gina-principal
mermaidgirl960 4 years ago
Wow, talented! My dad once told me I would make a good photographer after I snapped a few photos of our backyard on his phone since mine was dead and I wanted to capture a perfect moment. I figured since my phone's camera was such bad quality and that my hand was so shaky, I could never become a photographer and while I probably won't make that my career, maybe with a better camera, I can get some nice pictures. (Not of any people though XD I always take pictures when people blink or it just doesn't end well, maybe of some plants)
Steve Cruz 5 years ago
These photos are massively editorial and provoke thought and study. Congratulations!
Mary Rose Kent 5 years ago
I wish Bored Panda had a more robust platform; so often I’ll be enjoying something like Mikaël’s photos and it’ll just fritz out and make it impossible for me to continue. Does anyone else have this problem?
Michał Gałczyński 5 years ago (edited)
After my first post here, someone from biggest local photo portal made with me a interview! That was amazing!
Bon Nagam Sims 5 years ago
What is the easiest app for copyrighting your photos? I am quite the amateur.
Todd Chesser 5 years ago
This is awesome and it is further fuel to the little fire I have burning to create something like this with my camera. Thank you for posting your wonderful photos
Layla Brown 6 years ago
Amazing, as soon as I saw the first pic I'm like, that guy looks like he's from Montreal! And behold, man I know my city!
The Human Pulse 7 years ago
How to post? Where are the instructions on where to send the photos? I am also a photographer (and diplomat) and would enjoy sharing my work more widely. http://bit.ly/thp_book
Martin Cápal 7 years ago
What lens is he using, what do you think? I think FF camera for sure with a 35/1.4.
Violet Oliveira 7 years ago
Brilliant photos! I recognize that great 1st shot of the young lovers kissing from the show Sense 8, isn't it? I could swear it's the same couple at least a very similar one. Bravo!
Marcos Zamarripa 7 years ago
I love them, your photos doesn't need colours to express the feeling. <3
PaparazSea 8 years ago
Very chic...love the story...even more your images..they are so soulful
Erin Nadeau 8 years ago
Beautiful captures; I'm particularly fond of the coffee shop, and the person kicking snow. They are two distinctly different styles, but both really capture the energy of the subject very well. Excellent work, and congratulations!
Anne Marie LaBrèque 8 years ago
The pic in the snow, is it Montréal near Laurier metro station?
Jon Lisle-Summers 8 years ago
I'm going to see if I can rediscover my courage after this. Thank you.
THE SLAVE PREACHER 8 years ago
Congratulations friend. Wish you could continued success. Your photos are wonderful.
GeraldineRobb 8 years ago
Humans of New York is an inspiration to many. My friend just started a similar project in the city of Nantes, France called Humans of Nantes- HON. https://www.facebook.com/humansnantes/ Do not hesitate to check it out and keep up the good work Mikaël!
Ernest Wilkins 4 years ago
To hack any website, email, mobile Phone( call ,text,whatsapp, kik,hangouts, gallery etc) social network (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Snapchat), Change your Grades, Examination hacks, Recovery of Password. Find Someone's Password(friend, wife, boss, gf or bf) to know if they are cheating or not..........contact: mtravis039@gmailcom
Audrey Cooper 7 years ago
you can't just enjoy the photos can you? I hate people like you who always have to post something hateful. By the way two people in love isn't disgusting you're disgusting.
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