On April 1, 1996, Michael left his job as a Public Information Specialist to go into the photography business in Nashville, NC. A few months later, his wife Kristi joined him and they operated Brantley’s Studio — Fine Art Photography for 18 years, until 2014.
The studio offered custom framing, photo frames, and limited edition prints in addition to portraits, commercial photography, copywork and restoration and wedding and event photography.
Michael won state, regional, and international awards for his work, including Best of Show in the Professional Photographers of North Carolina (PPNC) competition in 2003, three Distinguished Awards from the Southeastern Professional Photographers Association and three Fuji Masterpiece Awards. He earned his Masters Degree and Craftsman Degree from the Professional Photographers of America and served as President of PPNC.