Having photographed the likes of John Farnham, Delta Goodrem, Elton John, Queen, the cast of The Sopranos, Owen Wilson, Pink, Christ Hemsworth, Sneaky Sound System, and more big name celebrities; Logan City photographer Michelle Cop has a few industry secrets up her sleeve.
Michelle has well over 20 years experience photographing some big names, after getting her start at just 14 years old.
“I used to go around to shopping centres and celebrity appearances with my camera when I was about 13 or 14 years old,” she said.
“Through doing that I was able to build up a reputation as a reliable and respectful celebrity photographer.
“Through those connections I was then able to get my name out there more and was invited to photograph more celebrities. Whether that be at signings, concerts, festivals, on set, behind set, or at red carpet events like award shows.
“There’s a few celebrities I’ve been photographing for over 20 years, all through their careers.
“I remember first photographing Delta Goodrem when she was just 16 and to get to continue photographing her through her entire career has been really enjoyable.
“I first photographed Chris Hemsworth back when he was on neighbours.”
Michelle said one of the highlights of her career has been following John Farnham throughout his career, around Australia, and internationally.
“I’ve been photographing him for about 20 years. I first photographed him when I was 18 years old in Sydney,” she said.
“We have a really good relationship and he lets me take photos backstage as well as when he’s on stage.
“I think that’s what it’s really about, just being respectful of the celebrity and providing quality photos. If you do that then they will pass your name on and you will start to build up more connections in the industry.”
Michelle said her advice for younger aspiring celebrity photographers was to get a camera and just give it a go.
“Get yourself an average quality camera and start putting your hand up to take photos at smaller gigs for free,” she said.
“Then as you get better and build up a portfolio and get your name out there, you will be able to charge for your time or sell your photos. There are many ways to go about making money in the industry.
“An example of how a good reputation and respect can get you far is when I was touring with the cast of The Sopranos. I became their main photographer and they were really happy with me.
“So then they suggested me as a photographer to Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson when he was here filming a movie and I got to photograph and meet him which was exciting.”
Despite her success, Michelle remains grounded, and said she loves photographing smaller local gigs.
“I love living here in Logan and am always up to photographing any local event or concert,” she said.
“It’s great to do things locally and there’s some really lovely venues and great up and coming talent here in Logan.”
