Michael
Bankston

Hello! My name is Michael Bankston, and I am a photographer based in Savannah, Georgia. My work spans across multiple genres, including fashion, documentary, and fine art photography. I am currently a senior at the Savannah College of Art and Design, majoring in Fine Art Photography.

When I first started college, I felt uncertain about my direction and pressured to stay in journalism. I had yet to discover what art meant to me and the broader artistic potential of photography. For a year and a half, I dedicated most of my time to researching artists, attending photoshoots, and assisting with lighting and set design while shadowing upperclassmen photographers. One of these colleagues introduced me to the work of Richard Avedon, which inspired me to develop a unique style that reflects who I am.

Through this journey, I realized that art isn't something you live for but something you live through. My work is a reflection of my identity and the experiences that have shaped me. I embrace every moment in life with acceptance and unconditional love, which naturally manifests in my aesthetic. My photographs capture both the 'brighter days' of nostalgia and the 'darker days' of adversity, aiming to evoke a sense of timelessness. I constantly strive to create images that resonate with viewers, hoping they connect with the emotions and stories behind my work.