March 14, 2023

We are pumped for this new blog in our series of interviews with some of the world's most talented photographers. This time we're featuring Mike Carroll, a professional landscape and night photographer who has a passion for moon photography, astrophotography, concert photography, long exposures and cityscapes.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Mike is a former musician who started his craft by photographing live music performances. His dedication towards photography has taken his journey from the sun to the moon and even the Milky Way — It’s all about getting that once in a lifetime shot!

Mike will plan his shoots a couple of weeks in advance. Preparation is key to capturing that big moon or that lightning shot — Even if he finds himself running in a thunderstorm to a location or navigating in the dark to shoot the moon.

Mike was recently featured on the TV station News 12 NJ for his time lapse of the SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket over New Jersey. In addition, the rocket was also published on Accuweather, Yahoo and MSN.

In this interview, you'll get to know Mike and learn about his approach to photography, his favorite subjects and techniques, and his inspirations. Enjoy!

 

Vallerret: Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to yourself when you started learning photography?


Mike Carroll: I’ve learned a lot from making mistakes out in the field. It’s the best way to perfect my craft. I’ve also learned a lot about the weather. I use many apps to determine the cloud coverage and I look outside to see if the forecast matches up! You will miss all of the shots that you don’t take, so it’s best to just go out and shoot and to have a back up plan!

Mike Carroll 1

 

Vallerret: What is your favorite subject to shoot?

Mike Carroll: I enjoy shooting the moon and the Milky Way. It’s really tough to decide as I have a love for both of them. I usually align my subject with the moon, such as a famous landmark in NYC or a lighthouse.

 

Mike Carroll 2

Mike Carroll 3

 

Vallerret: Do you think that you have a unique style and how did you develop that?

Mike Carroll: Great question! I started out shooting concerts because of the candid moments. I’ve always been interested in shooting the moon so I downloaded PhotoPills and started planning moon alignments with the NYC skyline. The unique part of my shooting is that all of my moon images are single shots without bracketing, stacking, etc. I’m also a mixed bag and I cover all types of photography such as: Abandoned, Macro, Portaits, Wildlife, etc.

 

Mike Carroll 4

 

Vallerret: If you could only shoot with one body and one lens for a year, what would you choose to use?

Mike Carroll: That’s a very tough question! I own a few different bodies. I would choose the Sony a7 IV with the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 DG DN Art Lens.

 

Mike Carroll 5

Mike Carroll

 

Vallerret: Which is your most memorable/favorite image that you have captured and why?

Mike Carroll: Back in 2021, I captured the Spacex Falcon 9 Rocket over the Judges’s Shack at the Jersey Shore. it’s my favorite image because the aligment was perfect, it was a single image and there was a glipmse of the Milky Way in the image.

 

Mike Carroll

 

Vallerret: How do you stay motivated and consistently get great shots?

Mike Carroll: I’m constantly making new plans for alignments of the moon and the sun. It keeps me busy with my workshops as well as my personal images. There are times when I go out and my my plan is unsuccessful due to inclement weather.

 

Mike Carroll

Mike Carroll

 

Vallerret: When you go out to shoot, do you take any essential items other than a camera and lens?

Mike Carroll: Yes indeed. I always take extra gloves, batteries, memory cards, portable chargers, micro fiber towels, filters to name a few! In addition to the above, I’ll bring along a second camera body in case I want different composition and to use a different lens.

 

Mike Carroll

 

Vallerret: Any news/events/projects you want to share?

Mike Carroll: I’m working on a couple of blogs and interviews that should be released this year.

 

Vallerret: Where can we find you? (channels, social handles, youtube, website, or similar)

Mike Carroll: Instagram @jerseyportraits Facebook @mikecarrollphoto
Web: www.mikecarrollphoto.com
Email: mike@mikecarrollphoto.com

 

Mike Carroll photo

Mike Carroll photo 2

Mike Carroll photo 3


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.


Also in Vallerret Articles

Niklas Mattsson by Daniel Bernstål Handplant in the pipe in Kläppen
From Darkness to Spotlight: Flash Photography in Action Sports

March 13, 2025

Snowboarding at night, in the middle of a snowstorm, or deep in the backcountry — Daniel Bernstål doesn’t just capture the action, he lights it up. Using flash and lighting, he creates jaw-dropping snowboard shots that stand out. In this interview, Daniel shares how he got started, his lighting techniques, and the stories behind some of his most epic shots.

Read More
ICM Photograph of the Moon above a forest by Kaisa Sirén for Vallerret Photography Gloves
ICM - A PHOTOGRAPH OR A PAINTING?

February 21, 2025

ICM aka. Intentional Camera Movement transforms motion into art, blending light, color, and movement for stunning painterly effects. Discover expert tips to master this creative technique.

Read More
Cliffs of Mother in Ireland by Joshua Miravalles for Vallerret Photography Gloves
Ireland Road Trip: Top Photography Spots and Travel Tips

December 20, 2024

When do you guys usually plan your trips? Joshua Miravalles was already talking about his next adventure in 2024 while he was heading back from Canada in October 2023. And he had it pretty clear: 2024 would be the year of Ireland. The Emerald Isle. Let him take you through his approach on enjoying photographing this amazing Island. 
Read More