Michael-Ryan-Ballard

I'm back, DeviantA

I put a lot of love into creating my website so please make sure to take a look! :)

Website: nilasphotography.com
Instagram @xnilasx & @wastelandearth
Business Facebook: www.facebook.com/NilasPhotography/
Personal Facebook: www.facebook.com/MichaelRyanBallard (Shoot me a FR)

My name is Michael R. Ballard, but I am also known by Nilas.  Or perhaps, Nilas Sr. would be a more appropriate suffix, due to the existence of my first born.  Born in California, late October of 1994, I grew up with a strong interest in photography.  Ever since my first disposable camera.  Although, it wasn't until about 2012 that photography shifted into a full-fledged hobby.  Over the span of a few years, I slowly taught myself everything I know about the art of photography, eventually turning "Nilas Photography" into my full-time career at the beginning of 2016.  

While I shoot subject matter of all forms, my main focus at the beginning of my career has been weddings.  Weddings not only allow me to meet amazing people, exercise my skills and pay the bills, but they allow me to travel with pay and visit amazing new locations, just about every weekend.  Once I've had the time to lead my young family of four to comfortable stability, I plan to decrease my wedding intake and focus my efforts mainly on dark editorial, surrealism, and conservation photography.  My family and I are currently located on the West Coast of the United States, and I am open to performing my services anywhere in the entire world.

As a young artist, though I have already experienced successes and great hardships, I know that there is still so much to be learned. My grandest adventures are yet to be had, many interesting people left to encounter, and there are many great challenges still to overcome.  I know that with a career in photography, I'll be able to carve myself a unique and enriching pathway. With my camera strapped around my neck, I'm prepared and excited to capture and share the entire journey.