“Her Majesty” ©Michael Potthast
Few honors are valued more than recognition of your work by your peers. One of the highest compliments that can be paid a professional photographer is to have his or her work featured on the cover of, what else, Professional Photographer. Add to that a feature entitled, “Portrait of a Legacy, Michael Potthast Carries on the Family Tradition” and you have a special tribute to four generations of family artisans.
Of note from the article, Potthast’s forefathers, German immigrants, founded the renowned Potthast Brothers Furniture Company in 1892. There are antique pieces of the company’s furniture in the White House today. “Part of what my great grandfather did before that furniture business came around was photography,” says Potthast. “I’ve got 8×10 glass negatives he’d taken of the Great Baltimore fire in 1904.”
The cover photo, “Her Majesty” (upper left) is part of a series Potthast is creating. It has won many awards. He notes that his late father, William “Bill” Potthast was stirred by the classic compositions of the old masters. It was that classic influence that led Mike to create “Her Majesty” as a tribute to his father. (Portrait styling and make up by Lynda Whitney and Elvin Velez.)
Potthast has been recognized as a Florida Top 10 photographer two years in a row, and won Best of Show Portrait for the Florida Professional Photographers.
As evidence of his expertise, Mike brings the classic influence — and a bit of whimsy — to the portrait below of Doak, faithful companion of Chad and Keira Lennox.
Doak © Michael Potthast
Mike Potthast says of the recognition, “It is an honor to be featured nationally on the cover of Professional Photographer Magazine. The magazine includes a great article about the studio and a deserving tribute to my father who I wish were here to share this with me. My dad and mom established this business in 1964 and built the foundation I work hard to live up to. Thanks and congratulations to my team at the studio and my family that permits me to put in the long hours.”
You can read the entire Professional Photography article and view more of Potthast’s featured photographs here.
Congratulations to Mike and his staff.
Way to go Mike!
Well-deserved honor for a very talented guy! Congratulations, Mike!!
Congratulations, Mike, for a well-deserved honor! Bravo!
Winter Haven is so fortunate to be the home of Mike and his studio, and Doak is one fortunate dog, as well!!!
Wow, Mike, congratulations! But of greater significance, your photos reveal an incredible creative imagination that everyone enjoys as they pass by the windows of your business every day in downtown Winter Haven. Thanks for all you and your staff do to make our community a better place to live for all of us. Keep up the good work.
Much deserved recognition for one of Winter Haven’s Jewels.. Congratulations to Mike, Amy, Robin and all the crew..
Well deserved honors and recognition continue for Michael Potthast and for Potthast Studios. Michael learned well from his Dad, Bill Potthast, another Master Photographer, who now brings new techniques and artistry to their profession. I am proud to be Michael’s friend and wish him all continued success.
Congratulations Mike!!!
Congratulations!!!! Well deserved honor.
A great honor for a great guy! Congrats Mike ;)
Congratulations Mike! You have certainly carried on the family tradition and talent and excelled beyond expectations! Your presence downtown with creative displays is a destination for visitors and residents alike! We are all so proud to have you in our community!
Congratulations Mike, way to go! Your dad would be so proud of you. I’m sure that almost every home in Winter Haven has a family portrait made by your dad, or you. If they don’t, they should! I do!