Drinks with Mike!

Each month, Root Realty sits down with a mover-and-shaker, someone who is cool, captivating, and a consistent contributor to our Jacksonville community! We bring their favorite drink and a list of questions, and at the end we cheers to the city we love.

This month we sat down with Mike Hall, owner of Residential Photography Solutions.

What are you drinking?

This is a home brew that I made for my daughter's first birthday called Harper's Hibiscus Hops.  It's a pale ale that starts with a hint of tartness and finishes a little more than a facepunch of hibiscus.

Man of many talents I see.  So, what is it that you do?

I am a real estate and architectural photographer.  I work with realtors and home owners in the surrounding areas to provide top-notch marketing photos that help homes sell quickly.  I also offer licensed drone operation, videography, and Matterport 3D scanning.

Do you do any other types of photography work?

Yes, I offer head shots and some lifestyle photography, which I also thoroughly enjoy.  

What’s a day in the life of Mike/RPS like?

Usually I wake up, help get the kids ready for school, and then start my day.  I tend to do my shoots in the morning when the light is best then head back to the office to edit.  Once I wrap up work it's quality kids time - we like to spend time at the zoo, beach, or just hanging out at the house.  Once the kids are asleep, Chef Mike whips up a meal, enjoys a beer, and usually watches TV with his wife (that's me).  

How did you get started?

I've been interested in photography since I was a kid and my answer to "what do you want to be when you grow up?" was always a National Geographic Photographer.  But, reality set in and upon graduation from Florida State I found myself in the finance industry working as a mortgage originator and then a financial adviser.  Once my son was born I decided that A) I wanted to spend more time with my family and B) I wanted to pursue my passion of photography.  So, my company Residential Photography Solutions became a great fit for both.

When you're not out shooting beautiful homes, what do you like to do?  Any hobbies or favorite spots you like to hit up?

Well, I have lots of hobbies and lots of favorite spots.  I enjoy woodworking and general carpentry, cooking, brewing beer, and Disney World.  My favorite restaurant here in Jax would be Hawkers due to the fact that you can eat any type of Asian-infused meal, but a close second would be Fifth Element, the Indian restaurant on Baymeadows.  For beers, Main and Six brewery here in Springfield and Aardwolf in San Marco and Town Beer Co for.. and oh damn, Grape and Grain Exchange too.   

What do you love most about JAX?

I love that my favorite things are easily accessible here.  I love a good beer and great food.  And I love my neighborhood.  I've never lived somewhere quite like Springfield- the community is great, our block is filled with kids, and Main Street keeps getting better.