Artist
Mike Ring
Coastal Landscape Photographer
Award Winning Fine Art Photographer
My Story
Mike Ring is a Florida native and fine art landscape photographer. Mike started taking pictures after his mother bought him his first Nikon camera at age 15. He took his camera with him on his surfing trips and took photographs of his friends riding the waves in Florida, California and Central America.
Soon after he graduated High School, he was hired by Ocean World (Marine Park) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and worked in the dive department. He got to ride the dolphins in the underwater Dolphin Show; it was a thrill he will never forget. To this day it was one of the most memorable jobs he ever had.
Eventually, Ocean World was sold to the Art Institute and they built a brand new facility on the property called the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale. Mike knowing that he wanted to pursue his passion for photography, signed up for the photography course. This course gave him solid training in lighting, developing and camera operation. He interned with a local professional commercial photographer where he was mentored. Upon graduation, Mike opened his own commercial photography business in Fort Lauderdale.
He found out soon how difficult it was to get clients but persistence paid off and his career flourished. Mike took photographs all over the country for ad agencies, public relations firms, magazines, and large manufacturing companies. Some of these clients were North Broward Hospital District, Motorola, South Florida Manufacturing Association and Wide Light. He had the opportunity to photograph even some famous people such as Dan Marino, Jay Leno, Bill Cosby, and other celebrities.
Once digital photography appeared on the market place, he decided to switch gears from commercial to art photography. To supplement his income during this transition, he worked in his second passion the boat world with some major companies (Bass Pro Shops and Marine Max). He became a Boat Sales Manager, Yacht Broker and got his captain license. On the weekends he continued to pursue his passion for photography by participating in local art festivals to display and sell his landscape photography. Eventually, he moved his family to New Smyrna Beach because it reminded him a lot of the Florida Keys. The new beautiful surroundings sparked even more inspiration. In 2011, he began to focus his full-time energy on art photography by opening his own gallery.
His photography is always evolving as he explores and photographs the beautiful coastal scenery. Mike finds himself drawn to subjects which are along the coastal areas that reflect the peaceful feeling that comes over him when he pulls up to the beach and gazes out upon the endless expanse of the ocean.
Come along the journey with Mike and view his work online or at his gallery in New Smyrna Beach. His photographs are in collections throughout the United States and abroad. All of Mike’s photographic prints are limited edition pieces of art and personally developed by him.
All of Mike's gift merchandise is offered exclusively at Funky Flamingo Gift Shop. These gifts include coasters, ornaments, cutting boards, notecards and a lot more. https://funky-flamingo.com/collections/mike-ring-gifts?page=1
Art of Craftsmanship
Mike's Photographs evoke a feeling of tranquility and serenity which encourages physical and mental relaxation. His photographs have a three-dimensional look and draw you in. His work has been compared to Thomas Kincaid because of the lighting in his photographs. He was professionally educated in the field of photography and has won numerous awards. He prides himself by focusing on the quality of his artistic craft.
All the photographs are "Limited Edition" printed on the highest quality archival canvas, fine art paper, and aluminum. Mike prints are developed in-house on the state of art Epson Stylus Pro 9900 Printer. All prints are developed by him personally.
Behind the Scenes
Photo Size Chart to help you make your decision is shown below:
