Michael Shanks

Michael Shanks has spent three decades making photographs that sit between journalism and art.

His work is observational, unhurried, and honest.

Over the years he has worked across creative direction, product design, video, and marketing. The through line remains simple: pay attention. Get close. Don’t over-direct.

That instinct shapes his portrait work. He is not interested in flattering or constructing an image. He is interested in what is actually there.

Michael lives in Arizona with his wife of nearly 30 years and their five children.