Michael Ballard has been a force in photography, music, art, and skateboarding, helping to guide and shape these cultures during some of their most influential periods. Working continuously in media since his first photographs were published in the 1980s, Michael’s early images quickly drew the attention of editors at Poweredge, Thrasher, Skateboarder, Big Brother, and Transworld Skateboarding.
His keen eye, work ethic, and deep immersion in skate culture led him beyond still photography and into directing, where he went on to helm iconic skateboard videos such as Rolling Thunder for Foundation Skateboards. As DC Shoes rose to prominence, Michael was brought in as photo director for what was then skateboarding’s preeminent brand, helping define its visual identity during a pivotal era.
Following a period as a director of photography for Time-Warner Publications, and through work with The Robb Report, Michael rediscovered a lifelong passion for cars and co-founded the ID Agency. The agency specializes in original marketing and advertising campaigns for luxury automotive brands, with a focus on engaging high-end audiences through authentic, visually driven storytelling.
More recently, Michael has expanded into short-form filmmaking, working on projects featuring Billie Eilish, Margot Robbie, Robert Downey Jr., Natalie Portman, Bradley Cooper, and countless other A-list talent. Across decades of work, his versatility, professionalism, and enthusiasm have continued to attract clients and collaborators, earning him an extensive and diverse list of credits, including:
• Billboard Magazine
• The Hollywood Reporter
• Adidas
• Sony Cinema
• The Robb Report
• Big Brother Magazine
• Jackass
• Footlocker
• Playboy Magazine
• Skateboarder Magazine
• DC Shoe Co
• Sundance+.
His keen eye, work ethic, and deep immersion in skate culture led him beyond still photography and into directing, where he went on to helm iconic skateboard videos such as Rolling Thunder for Foundation Skateboards. As DC Shoes rose to prominence, Michael was brought in as photo director for what was then skateboarding’s preeminent brand, helping define its visual identity during a pivotal era.
Following a period as a director of photography for Time-Warner Publications, and through work with The Robb Report, Michael rediscovered a lifelong passion for cars and co-founded the ID Agency. The agency specializes in original marketing and advertising campaigns for luxury automotive brands, with a focus on engaging high-end audiences through authentic, visually driven storytelling.
More recently, Michael has expanded into short-form filmmaking, working on projects featuring Billie Eilish, Margot Robbie, Robert Downey Jr., Natalie Portman, Bradley Cooper, and countless other A-list talent. Across decades of work, his versatility, professionalism, and enthusiasm have continued to attract clients and collaborators, earning him an extensive and diverse list of credits, including:
• Billboard Magazine
• The Hollywood Reporter
• Adidas
• Sony Cinema
• The Robb Report
• Big Brother Magazine
• Jackass
• Footlocker
• Playboy Magazine
• Skateboarder Magazine
• DC Shoe Co
• Sundance+.