Make a killer first impression with photos that actually reflect who you are. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all photo session—no posing awkwardly in front of a wall for, uh, no reason.
Instead, our work begins way before I pick up the camera. It starts with getting to know you and dreaming up creative ways to capture your unique light.
1. Your Personality, Front & Center
A bad experience makes a bad photo. Period. If you feel uncomfortable, unsure of yourself, or defensive during a shoot…. you’re going to look that way in the photo, no matter how much fancy editing is added.
My goal is to help you feel your most comfortable and confident. We’ll meet over drinks to really get to know each other beforehand, and I’ll provide you with an easy posing tutorial. Not to mention, it’s pretty much guaranteed that I’ll crack a lot of nerdy jokes along the way—probably about the physics of lighting.
2. AN EXPERIENCE AS IMPORTANT AS THE FINAL PHOTO
Here’s an insider secret: It’s all about lighting. Stunning, dead-of-night photos? Bold, cinematic drama? The perfect shot in the perfect place—even when the lighting sucks? Snapping a candid image during golden hour is one thing. Making you look rosy and carefree when the natural light is awful requires someone who really knows their stuff….like, say, a photographer with 10+ years of experience (hey, that’s me).
Over the past decade, I’ve invested in becoming an expert in lighting and flash so that I can bring my clients’ wildest visions to life.
3. Expert Lighting for powerful images
Everyone loves these images. My previous headshots and portraits really didn't reflect my personality, but all my friends have said, "Now that's you," with the images taken by Mike. He was great to work with and I'm already thinking of bringing him back when my team expands!
Bill, Palmer House Properties, Lifestyle & Brand Portraits
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We asked Mike to do our Engagement Session and couldn't be happier! Mike was incredibly professional but still managed to bring excitement, creativity, and a comfortable atmosphere to our shoot. He was receptive to our ideas and suggestions and also had a great eye for clever framing that we would never have thought of ourselves. We did our shoot in the early evening, and Mike's ability to handle the quickly changing lighting was spot-on. And the photos - WOW! They look absolutely perfect. Not only that, Mike put together a very cohesive, consistent look that still had variety, so we have lots of very different shots to show off. Thanks Mike, we are incredibly happy!
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Savannah & Craig, Engagements
Mike is an amazing photographer. He listened to exactly what I wanted for my pregnancy announcement photos, and man did he deliver! (Pun intended, ha!) I had a specific vision that I wanted for my pictures, and Mike completely brought my vision to life. He made it even better than I imagined. He was patient and listened to me, was willing to work with me to get the perfect shot. Not only that, but he is reasonably priced and has quick turn around time. I had my pictures back very quickly. My husband and I are completely thrilled! I would happily work with Mike again in the future, and I have already recommended him to several friends.
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Lauren & Scott, Portraits
Mike was amazing to work with for my wedding at Cloudland Canyon State Park. He was a great resource while we were planning our wedding and was always available and eager to help. Everyone enjoyed his presence during the day--he is extremely friendly, keeps things fun and light, stays on schedule, and was good at juggling his photography duties while being asked a lot of questions by curious nieces. All of my family and friends raved about him the day after the wedding. He maintained a perfect balance of seamlessly getting all the important moments without being intrusive. We cannot recommend him highly enough.
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Erica & Amy, Wedding Photography
What past clients are saying:
Hi, I'm Mike
Photography first came onto my radar when my wildlife photographer uncle let me tag along as a teen to one of his shoots. We were standing on a grassy hill, when, out of the blue, this fierce, wild osprey came gliding through sky. So, I tried to photograph it….and failed (hey, I was only 14).
Even so, the experience sparked a lifelong passion. I found in photography an outlet for both my creative expression and my endless fascination with technology and technique.
I’ve since discovered that shooting the beautiful, fleeting moments lived by people, not wildlife, comes with an even greater reward: an extraordinary opportunity to help people celebrate what makes them special.
My mission is simple: To tell people's stories through vibrant, personal photographs, forever memorializing a time and place that's important to them.
When I’m not taking photos, I’m probably watching football (go Jackets!), reading Harry Potter (for the bajillionth time), or listening to podcasts about why people do what they do—all with a glass of wine or cold beer in hand. And sometimes, you might just find me dancing and singing my ass off in a musical theater production.
Bottom line: Hiring a photographer is an investment, and finding someone who gets your style and personality is incredibly important. Feel free to peruse my blog, check out the process, and ask some questions. After that, send me a message and let’s find a time to grab some coffee (tea for me!) or a beer and chat about your vision.
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