The GOOD Life: Mike Schreiber

In the past 1+ years that I have been running this blog, I have been afforded the absolute privilege of interviewing some of the most awe-inspiring individuals from all around the world. To call this experience incredible would be an understatement. Amazing does not even begin to break the surface either. This feeling I have is worth more than a 1,000 words, much like a photo. It's no secret that I am a lover of photography. I am captivated by a photographer’s ability to catch a singular moment in time and to have that moment live on for eternity. This brings me to today's The GOOD Life feature, hip-hop photographer Mike Schreiber:

I had seen samples of Mike's work all over the web; they were these breathtaking black and white images of major, major hip-hop icons. The photo that caught my attention initially was of my favorite rapper Mos Def (Yasiin Bey). I love Mos Def. 

Scratch that, I love Mos Def.

There was something so vulnerable about this photo that tugged at my heart the first time I saw it. Perhaps it was the manner in which Mos’ hoodie & hat obscure some of his face. Maybe it was his furrowed eyebrows and slight smile. The far off look in his eyes could have been it too. Whatever it was, I knew that I had never seen Mos Def captured this brilliantly and that I had to identify the individual who took the photo. The photographer was none other than the incomparable Mike Schreiber and after viewing the rest of his work, I was 100% certain that I needed to interview him for this blog. I sent him an e-mail, crossed my fingers in the hopes that he'd respond, and did a lil' dance the next day when he e-mailed me back saying he'd love to participate. 


Please enjoy my interview with Mike accompanied by a few of the stunning photographs from his photo book entitled True Hip-Hop.

What is your definition of a “good” life? Do you feel as if that is what you are living?

To me, a good life is one with as little stress as possible, staying true to yourself and living peacefully. I really hate drama, so I try to stay away from people who cause drama and mayhem everywhere they go.

To me, having peace and love is the good life.

How important do you feel it is for people to follow their passions, even if doing so doesn't seem like a "secure" life choice?

Well, I don't think there is such a thing as a "secure" life choice. Everyone with a job can lose that job. Then what? I'd rather have at least some control over my destiny. I think it's important for people to follow their passions, but it's equally important to be realistic. It's one thing to be passionate about something, making a living doing that thing is a whole different animal.

What aspect of your work makes you the happiest? What aspect do you like the least?

The process makes me happiest. The process of interacting with people and shooting. Travelling, seeing new places and people and cultures. That's what being a photographer means to me. The thing I like the least is the game of trying to get work. It's exhausting.

If you could photograph anyone in the world that you haven’t photographed yet, who would it be? Why?

Hmmm...there's not really anyone in particular. I'm happy shooting anyone that I think is interesting. It really makes no difference to me who they are or what they do or if they're famous or not. Maybe Tom Waits or Keith Richards.

What’s your favorite song lyric?

"I am what I am, thank God" -Jimi Hendrix from "Message to Love"

Is there anything you know now that you wish you knew a few years ago that could have helped you along your life path?

Nope.

Where do you see yourself and your photography in the next 5-10 years?

I see myself doing personal projects, having shows, selling prints and making little books.

I think that'd be cool. I'd like to just keep moving. Doing things. Seeing new places and people.

If you could give someone a quote to live by, what would it be?

"Live every week like it's Shark Week." Tracy Jordan, 30 Rock or

"The single most important component of a camera is the 12 inches behind it." Ansel Adams

www.mikeschreiber.com