Meet Micky Wu | Photographer & Videographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Micky Wu and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Micky, how do you think about risk?
I’ve never considered myself much of a risk taker. For most of my life, I’ve been afraid of the unknown—whether in relationships, education, creative projects, or my career. I often chose the safer path, not because it was what I truly wanted, but because it felt more predictable and comfortable.

But as I’ve gotten older, my perspective on risk has started to shift. I’ve realized that avoiding risk comes with its own cost: missed opportunities, regret, and staying stuck. The fear doesn’t fully go away, but I’ve learned to question it instead of letting it decide for me.

Recently, I’ve been more willing to take chances—whether that’s sharing more of my work publicly, pursuing opportunities that feel intimidating, or making choices that aren’t guaranteed to succeed but feel right for me. I’m learning that growth often starts with uncertainty, and that taking the risk to bet on myself is sometimes the most necessary step forward. It a nice change of pace to embrace that feeling rather than running from it.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m a photographer whose work is rooted in storytelling. Whether I’m shooting people, cars, businesses, or live performances, I’m always chasing the feeling behind the moment—emotion, pride, nostalgia, and energy. I want every photo I take to feel authentic and personal, like something that brings people back to a specific memory or moment in time.

Although I’ve photographed everything from weddings and senior portraits to restaurant content, corporate head shots, brand work, and concerts, I don’t consider myself bound to one niche. I genuinely enjoy the challenge of adapting my creative approach to different people and environments. But no matter what project I take on, I always find myself returning to car culture. That space feels like home to me.

My connection to cars runs deep. It’s where my love for photography first began and the community that continues to fuel my creativity. There’s something special about capturing the soul of a build, the pride of an owner, and the culture that surrounds it. Documenting cars never feels like work—it feels like I’m honoring something I’ve always been a part of.

That same lens of curiosity and connection led me to discover an unexpected passion for live music. I never used to care much for concerts or live shows, but that changed when I got the chance to photograph mxmtoon and Juliet Ivy on their Liminal Space Tour. It was my first concert ever, and seeing the energy between artist and crowd from behind the camera gave me a whole new appreciation for the experience. That moment opened the door to more concert work, and reminded me that photography can be more than just a career—it can be a way to discover new passions, meet new people, and be part of something bigger than yourself.

My goal has always been to create work that connects. I don’t shoot just to make something look cool—I shoot so people can feel seen. Whether someone’s behind the wheel of a car they’ve built from the ground up or standing at the altar on their wedding day, I want my photos to reflect the emotion of that moment and the story behind it.

The journey hasn’t been easy. I lost a job that felt stable, and that pushed me to take a leap into full-time photography. There have been moments of fear, financial uncertainty, and self-doubt—but also moments of growth, clarity, and a deep sense of gratitude. What I’ve learned is that betting on yourself, even when it’s uncomfortable, is often the only way forward.

If there’s one thing I carry with me, it’s that consistency and community matter just as much as talent. You can have all the skill in the world, but if you’re not showing up, connecting with others, and staying open to growth, it’s hard to build something meaningful.

I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I know this is just the beginning. My ultimate dream is to cover all aspects of motorsports—from the Pikes Peak Hill Climb to IMSA, Formula Drift, F1, and everything in between. At the heart of it all, I’m building something rooted in passion. My brand and my work reflect who I am: someone driven by the love of documenting culture, people, and the moments that bring us all together.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In all honesty, I don’t ever really go out much. If I do, its mostly out in nature. But one non-negotiable is that we have to go bowling. This one is mostly just for me as I am an avid bowler. That, and its always a good time when we could have a couple of drinks and just hang out for a couple of hours.

I know this is probably pretty typical for anyone in Colorado, but sun rise or sunset at Red Rocks is also a must. There’s just something very surreal about climbing to the top of the amphitheater, granted its not a very long hike, but still nice nonetheless. Its very peaceful, and keeps you grounded. Never fails to be a good time.

We’d make a trip to Pikes Peak. Not just for the scenic views, but also because its home to one of the most iconic automotive events of the year, The Pikes Peak Hill Climb. While the views are stunning and beautiful, the drive up there alone, is worth it in itself.

You can’t be in Colorado and not visit one of the MANY beautiful hiking trails around the state. You’ve got Emerald Lake, Hanging Lake Trailhead, Eldorado Canyon Trail, Garden Of The Gods, and that’s just to name a few.

As a car guy, it would be a disservice to not take a road trip and just cruise the many beautiful roads that Colorado has to offer. Even taking a day trip up to Aspen is always worth it. I never get tired of the long and curvy roads through the mountains, its very much intoxicating, ripping through the corners and listening to engines roaring into the mountains and valleys.

Lastly, there’s nothing like sharing a meal with the people you love. Especially when it’s something like KBBQ, hot pot, dim sum, or even just cooking something together at home. Any meal where sharing is built into the experience. There’s a sense of hospitality, generosity, and connection in those moments that reminds you what it’s all about: good food, good conversation, and being present with the people who matter most.

For me, it’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things with the right people. Whether it’s a drive up a mountain pass, a chill night bowling, or just sitting across the table sharing hot pot, the best moments are usually the simple ones.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Definitely my parents. While they weren’t always fully supportive of me pursuing photography as a profession, they were absolutely the foundation that sparked my love for both photography and car culture. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have been able to combine two lifelong passions and begin turning them into a career.

My passion for photography comes from my mom. Though she never pursued it professionally, she was always—and I mean always—taking photos. She documented nearly every moment of our lives. I remember looking back at old photo albums, feeling joy and curiosity as I relived memories from the past—or even from before I was born—all captured in a single image. That’s when it clicked for me: photography is powerful. And now, when I get to show someone a photo I took of their car or even a portrait of them on their wedding day, and I see their face light up, that same magic is there. It never gets old.

My dad, on the other hand, was the gearhead. I remember the late nights in the garage, just hanging out with him, pretending I understood everything he was explaining. I had one of those battery-powered Little Tikes Jeeps, and every time he worked on his car, I’d jack mine up on jack stands and “work” on it too—taking off the battery, messing around underneath with a screwdriver and a wrench, just so I could be like him. He’s the reason I had old-school JDM Option and AutoWorks calendars on my walls, and the reason I fell in love with games like Need for Speed and Gran Turismo. My love for cars started early, and it’s grown into a true passion for car culture that drives my work today.

Of course, I’m also incredibly grateful for the support of my family and friends—those who keep encouraging me to pursue my dreams, even when things get hard. I’ve made so many new friends and connections throughout this journey, and I can’t wait to continue growing alongside them.

I want to give a special thanks to my good friends Paula and Ali. When I lost my job and made the decision to pursue photography full-time, they were the first to reach out and offer me work, without hesitation. That support meant (and still means) the world to me, and I am forever grateful for that.

To everyone who’s believed in me, supported me, or shared a kind word along the way: thank you. This journey isn’t easy, but their belief in me keeps me going.

Website: https://www.mickywumedia.com

Instagram: @mickyywu , @mickywumedia

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MickyyWu (I will start posting more here, I promise!)

Image Credits
Micky Wu (Myself)