Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Coats
Hi Michael, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up as the son of an enlisted Air Force father, I experienced a world of opportunity and adventure, living in places like England and Turkey. These early years shaped my worldview and taught me adaptability and resilience. In 1999, inspired by my upbringing, I enlisted in the United States Air Force. Fatefully, my first duty station in 2000 brought me back to England, a place I already cherished.
However, my military career was cut short due to medical reasons, leading to my retirement. Rather than dwell on this setback, I redirected my energy toward education. In 2003, I enrolled at Mississippi State University, where I discovered a passion for understanding people and justice. After years of dedication, I proudly graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Criminal Justice.
I then moved to Texas, working as a Juvenile Detention Officer, but my passion for helping others extended beyond the confines of my job. In 2009, I began teaching, motivated by a desire to inspire and encourage the next generation. Around this time, I reconnected with some of my Air Force friends who had found a shared love for photography. Their passion reignited a spark within me, but financial constraints meant I could only admire from afar, occasionally borrowing their cameras and soaking in their conversations.
In 2016, I finally purchased my first camera, a Nikon D500. While modest by professional standards, it symbolized the start of my journey into photography. I initially focused on capturing my oldest daughter’s athletic events and exploring landscapes. Photography remained a hobby until 2022 when I witnessed my friends photograph a major event. This was a turning point—I resolved to take the craft seriously.
In 2023, an unexpected moment of accountability came from one of my students. During a class, they called me out, observing that while I encouraged them to pursue their dreams, I hadn’t pursued my own. Their candid words struck a chord. How could I inspire others if I wasn’t living my truth? Motivated by their honesty, I finally committed to launching 3MV Photography LLC in May 2023. From the mouth of babes, their challenge became my catalyst.
Once I started, there was no turning back. I gained recognition with model shoots but soon realized the challenges of shooting outdoors in the Texas summer. A brief market analysis revealed a need for affordable, well-equipped studio spaces in the area. This insight led to a bold decision. For my birthday on December 27, 2023, I gifted myself a studio space, investing in flash triggers, lights, backdrops, and other essentials to create a haven for photographers at all levels.
In January, I officially opened the studio doors, offering a space not just for myself but for the community. From humble beginnings to professional growth, 3MV Photography LLC represents perseverance, passion, and the importance of listening to those who believe in us—even when it’s a student. I didn’t give up. I’m in the game, ready to create, inspire, and help others pursue their photographic dreams.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The road hasn’t been smooth, but every challenge has been an opportunity for growth. Growing up in a military family meant frequent transitions, and being medically retired from the Air Force required me to find a new sense of purpose.
Venturing into photography came with financial constraints, self-doubt, and the complexities of building a personal brand. Establishing 3MV Photography LLC brought additional struggles, like finding new clients for my work while also promoting the studio space to other photographers. Branding and marketing have been ongoing challenges, especially in a tough economy where disposable income is limited, and people are cautious about spending on non-essential services.
Despite these hurdles, I’ve stayed focused on adapting and finding creative ways to connect with clients and the photography community. While the journey hasn’t been easy, it’s taught me resilience and reinforced my commitment to success.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about 3MV Photography LLC?
3MV Photography LLC is more than just a photography business; it’s a certified veteran-owned creative hub designed to cater to photographers and clients alike. We specialize in capturing life’s meaningful moments through personal photography services, including portraits, model shoots, and events. Additionally, we provide a well-equipped studio space for photographers to bring their creative visions to life.
What sets 3MV Photography apart is our commitment to excellence and innovation. Unlike other studios, we offer a state-of-the-art digital lab featuring an iMac 24-inch display that has been professionally calibrated by Digital Pro Lab using custom ICC profiles. This allows us to produce prints with true-to-life color accuracy through the Monitor Match Print Workflow, ensuring that every project achieves professional-grade quality.
As a certified veteran-owned business, we bring a spirit of resilience, discipline, and dedication to everything we do. We’re proud to offer a studio fully stocked with professional lighting, backdrops, and equipment, making it accessible for photographers of all levels—from beginners to seasoned professionals. Our focus is on creating a space that inspires creativity while removing common barriers in the industry, such as access to affordable, high-quality resources.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of building a name that represents resilience, community, and excellence. Whether you’re looking for someone to capture your special moments or a space to create your own, 3MV Photography is here to make it happen with professionalism, passion, and a commitment to empowering others.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising that most people don’t know about me is that I have a deep love for gardening! While I’m often behind the camera or in the studio, you can usually find me tending to plants, flowers, and a little vegetable garden in my spare time. Gardening is my way of reconnecting with nature, and I find it incredibly rewarding to watch something grow from a seed to a full bloom. One day, I also dream of having a chicken coop—maybe to enjoy fresh eggs or just to add a bit more charm to my backyard. It’s a different kind of creativity that helps me recharge and find balance in my busy life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.3mvphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/3mvphotographyllc/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/3mvphotography
