Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Boyd.
Hi Michael, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I served in the U.S. Army Infantry from 2000 to 2013, with two combat tours in Iraq. My first tour was in Ramadi and on the outskirts of Fallujah with 1/503rd Infantry. My second tour was at Al Asad Air Base with 1/16th Infantry. Shortly after returning, I was stationed at Fort Polk, Louisiana, as a Combat Advisor.
After several long conversations with Army doctors, they felt it was best for me to be medically retired from the military. After retiring, I stayed in Louisiana and finished my Criminal Justice degree. Once I graduated, I moved back to Minnesota, the state where I grew up.
I struggled with PTSD off and on. There was a time when I was on several different medications, and I had a scare when one of them caused my blood pressure to drop dangerously low. That was the moment I knew I wanted to get off the meds and find a different path forward.
One day, I went to Duluth with my Canon Rebel T7 camera and found real enjoyment in taking photos. I still had some education benefits remaining, so I enrolled in photography school. After graduating, I started my own business in Faribault, Minnesota.
It started with sports action photography and working with the Faribault Hockey Association, photographing teams and individuals. Since then, my business has grown quickly within the Faribault community. I now photograph association-level youth baseball, softball, soccer, football, and high school sports. The Northfield Hockey Association also hired me four years ago, and I’ve continued working with them since.
Beyond teams and individuals, I also photograph senior sessions, with most of my seniors being student-athletes. Most recently, my work was featured on the cover of Senior Year Magazine, and I was named one of the Top 100 Elite of 2025.
Photography has truly changed my life after the military and has helped me work through PTSD. I do not photograph just for profit. Everything I earn goes right back into the business, helping me continue to grow, create, and give back to the community.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Nothing in life is a smooth road, but in a strange way, that can be a good thing. The struggles, setbacks, and challenges all play a role in personal growth and development.
My biggest struggle is self-doubt. I constantly ask myself: Is my work good enough? Does it meet industry standards? Will my client love the photos?
I feel like every photographer deals with this at some point, but as a former military infantryman, my perfectionist mindset plays a huge role in how I approach my photography. I put a lot of pressure on myself to get things right, to pay attention to the details, and to keep improving with every session.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Student-athletes live a busy life. It is not easy to juggle school, sports, work, family, and everything else that comes with being a teenager. They have to keep their grades up so they can stay eligible to play; many work jobs to pay for their car or other expenses; and some even help support their families when needed.
That is why I knew I wanted to showcase student-athletes differently. These kids put in years of hard work, early mornings, late nights, practices, games, injuries, wins, losses, and sacrifices. Many of them have played their sport since they were four or five years old, and that dedication deserves to be captured in a way that feels bigger than just a regular photo.
What sets me apart is that I do not just see an athlete standing in front of my camera. I see the work behind the jersey. I see the pressure, the commitment, the confidence, and the story they have built over the years. My goal is to create images that make them feel proud of who they are, what they have accomplished, and the athlete they have become.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
On a personal level, I have learned that art can be therapeutic and can bring joy back into your life. For me, photography became more than just taking pictures. It gave me a positive outlet and helped me find another way to manage my PTSD symptoms without relying only on medication.
On a professional level, I have learned that photography is an ongoing process. You are never truly done learning. There is always new equipment, new editing software, new techniques, and new trends, especially when working with student-athletes. What worked yesterday may not be what stands out tomorrow.
This journey has taught me patience, creativity, and the importance of continuing to grow. It has also shown me that photography is not just about the final image. It is about the story, the emotion, the connection, and the impact that an image can have on someone.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michaelboydphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelbphotog
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michaelbphotogrpahy
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-b-54a920125
