MPIXEL: Making Memories More Memorable
TEENage is always on the look out for young, talented Jamaicans, who are forging their way through adversity.
Two such people are Michael McLeish and Roxanne Schurton, owners and operators of MPIXEL.
The entrepreneurs started MPIXEL simply out of a natural love for photography and videography and a vision from God.
They have done work for Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, Grace Kennedy & Company Limited, Digicel, Word Time Ministries of Jamaica and many other members of corporate Jamaica and shot the recent GCV spread for TEENage Observer. But here s a little more about MPIXEL.
TEENage: What is MPIXEL?
MPIXEL: MPIXEL is young company that provides photography, videography, graphic designing and other services.
TEENage: What does photography/videography mean to you?
MPIXEL: Capturing memories, moments, scenes that otherwise might have been forgotten or that you might never see again it s a piece of history. There are shoots that if you miss, it s like losing a million dollars & it s very disappointing.
TEENage: What as been the single biggest obstacle against growing as a photographer/videographer?
MPIXEL: There are many obstacles that come along from time to time, not just as a photographer/videographer, but in operating a business. The challenge is being persistent and determined to overcome the obstacles time and time again.
TEENage – What are your favourite subjects to capture?
MPIXEL: Nature (plant and animal life), children/babies, unusual and unique places, objects or people.
TEENage: How do you decide on locations and subjects?
MPIXEL: Well, usually we work on assignment, but for special shoots the theme or purpose of the shoot guides the choice of location and subjects. The uniqueness or aesthetic appeal of the setting is very important.
TEENage: Share with us some of the most memorable occasions that MPIXEL have worked with or on?
MPIXEL: Wow, Sumfest 2007! A team of us had the responsibility of taking and printing 3,000 pictures in 3 nights. We worked all night; stocked up on energy drinks… it was a very interesting venture. And events where we get to meet well-known or high-profile individuals and the track & field super stars. Those are most memorable.
TEENage: Do you rely on lighting (natural, or artificial), or do you rely on computer manipulation?
MPIXEL: Natural shots are the best, sometimes a little computer manipulation is necessary but we try to get the right shot so that we don t have to manipulate the photo.
TEENage: What is the one lasting impression you want to leave in your photographs?
MPIXEL: Quality
TEENage: Do you feel that your photographs have impact (on people)?
MPIXEL: Definitely; they say a picture is worth a million words, but a lot of times a picture expresses what words would not have otherwise expressed. Our photographs usually cause people to take a second and third and sometime fourth & fifth look.
TEENage: What type of cameras do you shoot with?
MPIXEL: Nikon Digital SLR for photography and the Sony High Definition for videography.
TEENage: What other thoughts would you like to share?
MPIXEL: What we do is fulfilling, we love what we do, and we love taking pictures most of all and its great to be paid to do something you love. On the other hand it is hard work, it requires long hours, a lot of preparation and post production work and it is a very expensive venture.
Contacts: Michael McLeish, Roxanne Schurton, 323-6699/815-5538, mcleishproductions@live.com, Facebook: MPIXEL