Press & Media
Resources for journalists, podcast hosts, event organizers, and anyone looking to feature or collaborate with Michael Schacht.
Bio
Short (50 words)
Michael Schacht is a Chicago-based headshot photographer, photography educator, and founder of 312 Elements. He teaches photographers nationally through workshops and his Headshot Hotsauce marketing mastermind, and serves as a mentor in Peter Hurley's Headshot Crew.
Full (150 words)
Michael Schacht is a headshot photographer, photography educator, and entrepreneur based in Chicago's West Loop. He founded 312 Elements in 2010, a portrait photography studio specializing in headshots and personal branding for entrepreneurs, executives, and actors. His client list includes teams from Airbnb, Salesforce, Mastercard, Nvidia, LinkedIn, Uber, and Morgan Stanley, as well as cast members from Dick Wolf's Chicago franchise, the Chicago cast of Hamilton, and Netflix's production department. Michael teaches portrait photography workshops nationally, runs the Headshot Hotsauce marketing mastermind for headshot photographers, and serves as a mentor in Peter Hurley's Headshot Crew. He is the Editor in Chief of The Scoop and the creator of 312 AiSEO.
Headshot
For use in event materials, show notes, articles, and media coverage.
Download high-res ↓Speaking Topics
Michael is available for conferences, panels, workshops, and private events. Topics include:
Building a Headshot Photography Business
What it actually takes to go from side hustle to full-time studio — the 80% that isn't photography.
The Business of Personal Branding Photography
Why personal branding is the fastest-growing segment in portrait photography and how to position yourself in it.
Marketing for Photographers
Client acquisition, positioning, pricing, and the marketing strategies that actually move the needle for photography businesses.
AI and the Photography Industry
How AI is changing search, client acquisition, and visibility for photographers — and what to do about it.
Direction and Connection in Portrait Photography
The craft of getting real expressions from real people — how to direct without dictating and connect without performing.
Entrepreneurship in the Creative Industry
Running multiple businesses, building communities, and finding the intersection of creativity and commerce.
Podcasts & Guest Posts
Michael is available for podcast interviews, guest articles, and collaborative content. He's comfortable in both audio and written formats and can speak to any of the topics listed above.
To book Michael for your show or publication, reach out via email or LinkedIn.
Past Appearances
Finding the Connection — An Interview With Portrait Photographer Michael Schacht
Episode 342 — Why Personal Branding Photographers Should Pursue Headshot Photography First
Episode 37 — Refocus Your Photography Business
Meet Michael Schacht
Be More Photogenic with Michael Schacht