inspired by in-between moments
I see you the way your loved ones see you; quirks and all. And we celebrate that uniqueness, together. HOW? By creating a FUN photo experience for all involved (cross my heart). Kids think I'm all kinds of cool. Parents think I'm a superhero of some kind. Modern entrepreneurs think I MUST be reading their minds. And the moms (+ even the dads) think I must have magical powers of some sort. Because everyone walks away smiling... for real.
Yes, we'll be taking pictures. But by the end of it, I swear you'll forget I have the camera in my hand... cross my heart and pinkie promise. So, let's PLAY!
hey there... I'm Michelle...
the person behind the camera.
In my spare time you'll find me hanging out with my husband, wandering the local trails with my trusty sidekick Jasper (my mini-wienerdog), starting conversations with strangers, geeking out to the latest Marvel movie, and singing at the top of my lungs along with the car radio. Because the motto I choose to live by is simply this: find joy every day.
Long story short:
The camera has been an extension of my hand for most of my life, and I've been running The Suitcase Studio for 11 years now. My dad was the one who used to document our everyday life, and that became my norm, too. With my Bachelors Degree in Psychology, I spent a few years working in children's group homes, art camps, and I've seen the difference that art therapy can make. Funny enough, I still use my psychology training and insight on each & every photo shoot, as I calm the nerves of parents and maneuver kids out of meltdown mode, and help everyone connect in the most genuine of ways.
And as a self-taught photographer with an entrepreneurial mindset, I’ve handled ALL of my own marketing, messaging, social media + website design along the way. I’ve also dabbled in the digital marketing world, and understand how branding needs require soooo much MORE than simply “pretty pictures,” but photos with PURPOSE. So I offer branding photography with a marketing mindset, to get the most from your marketing dollars.