A man crouching on a wet pavement, wearing a straw hat, glasses, a plaid shirt, a navy cardigan, and jeans, adjusting his camera mounted on a tripod, with a cigarette in his mouth.

Hi, I’m Mike Hensley — a Cincinnati-based photographer who’s brand new to the craft but fully hooked. I picked up my first camera in early 2025 looking for a creative outlet (and a little stress relief), and photography quickly turned into a passion. It’s become a great excuse to spend more time with my family — my daughter, an art student who keeps me honest with her critiques and challenges me to weekend photo competitions, and her Mom who makes a fantastic assistant!

Most of my work is rooted in the landscapes and places that feel like home: the Appalachians, quiet trails, rural roads, and city corners that catch the right light. I also have a soft spot for the night sky and the sense of stillness that comes with photographing it. Whether it’s a mountain ridge or the lights of the city, I hope my photos spark an emotional response — something that invites people to not just see the scene, but feel like they’re stepping into it.

I shoot digitally, take a laid-back approach (with growing appreciation for planning and precision), and while this is still a hobby, it’s one I’m diving into with a full heart. When I’m not out with my camera, I work in technical solution consulting for a customer experience software company, and I’m proud to serve as a Shriner, supporting the life-changing work of Shriners Children’s, the world’s greatest philanthropy.            …..(And yes, I really need to quit smoking)