Not taking on new clients at this time
I’m stepping away from the business for awhile, and quite possibly forever.
Thank you to all my past clients for being a part of my story, as much as I was a part of yours.
Specializing in branding photo services
with a MARKETING mindset…
so that solopreneurs + small businesses can make the most of their marketing dollars
Servicing Bend, Oregon and surrounding areas.
Get photos that serve a PURPOSE while stretching your marketing dollars
You KNOW you need new photos. But you aren't sure where to start.
I GET THAT. And I take care of it all so you don't have to stress.
With lots of pre-planning included, I’ll take a deep dive into your target market and all your actual marketing needs to guide you toward getting exactly what you need for now as well as a plan for moving forth in the future, and will even show you how to repurpose your photos to make the most of them.
With plenty of tips on making the photo session go smoothly and quick + easy delivery of the final images... you'll actually get the chance to relax + ENJOY the experience!
And the photo session itself... yeah, it's all kinds of fun + totally STRESS-FREE. Cross my heart. Here's why: I keep you informed every step of the way, go in with a solid plan for shots to capture, keep things running smoothly, style things as we go along, and will even bring the music with me (because music makes everything better, right?)
And utilizing my background in psychology, I'm able to read moods and body language, tweak anything necessary as we go along, and will keep everything running smoothly. We'll get the shots you want, and you'll have fun along the way.
And rather than feeling like a boring business transaction, the experience will be kinda like hanging out with a friend.
brand photography is great for ALL industries
No matter if you’re in a creative industry or a corporate one, having great photos for all your marketing needs can make a world of difference!
Regardless of your industry, you need great photos for your website, print marketing, online advertising, social media content, newsletters, and more.
And while many people turn to stock imagery for this, it means that you might be using the exact same photos as your competitors. Stock photos won’t showcase what YOUR unique brand is about and can often cost just as much as custom photography.
So why not hire ME instead… to tell the REAL story behind your brand and help distinguish it from the crowd.
product photos infused with PERSONALITY
DID YOU KNOW...
Photos that showcase products in a lifestyle setting (actually being used, stylishly displayed, or that include people) get waaaay more online interaction than the old-fashioned white-background "catalog" shots!
Lifestyle + styled product photos help potential customers better VISUALIZE themselves actually using your items + living that desired lifestyle… making them want what you’re selling sooooo much MORE!
So let’s SHOW them what they’re missing out on so they can start buying!
so why ME?
I get it. You've got a limited budget, and you're scouring the web looking for the photographer that will fit you juuuuuuust right. So why should you hire ME?
Because I'm MORE than just a photographer. With my degree in psychology + years spent in social media marketing, not only do I know how to uncover your unique voice + style, but SHOW IT OFF for the world to see your brilliance, too. I understand the subtleties of color choice, image placement, and visual/written content that will leave them wanting MORE. Don't believe me? Check out what my nearly 10k Instagram followers have to say.
I've also personally been there, too. I've built my own business from the ground up, and have been running The Suitcase Studio for over 14 years now, handling all of my own branding, social media content, marketing materials and web design, too!
And on top of that... my photography style is totally FUN + stress-free. So if you're not comfortable in front of the camera... no worries! I actually prefer REAL people over models any day, and will have you feeling like the million bucks (and more) that you're worth.
And a few technical details (in case you're a biz geek who's into that sort of thing)... I'm a member of Professional Photographers of America and carry liability insurance, have been published in places including OC Metro, Bend Magazine, The Source Weekly, and have even had my images seen on The Today Show.
My name is Michelle Simmons, and I'm here to capture all the authenticity of who you are and what you do... whatever that might be. Cross my heart, pinkie promise, and all that jazz.
“WOW!...All I can say is that the work that Michelle has done for me is priceless. She is so prepared and very professional...with room to laugh off any awkward moment of trying to pose for a shot. But posing is not necessary...she will capture you at your finest moment.
She truly captures the true “me” in the photos. I have a very branded business and she understands how to capture it the best. I definitely recommend The Suitcase Studio for anyone who wants to LOVE their pictures. The hardest part...is picking the best shot because there are so many!”
digital images INCLUDED with each branding session
But it gets even better...
You'll receive high-resolution digital images (for PRINT purposes), as well as WEB-READY images, already resized and ready to go! Images will also come properly named for SEO purposes. (Your marketing guru will thank you for this one.)
Digital images are delivered as downloadable files, presented to you in an online gallery which will remain securely backed up online for one year and is accessible at any time. Images are safe + sound, and always at your fingertips. And the gallery can easily be easily shared with the rest of your team (your assistant, web designer, marketing guru, etc.), so that they have access when they need it, and you won't be bothered.
feeling nervous about being in front of the camera?
“If you don’t already know Michelle from The Suitcase Studio, she is an incredible photographer. Meaning, if you are at all nervous about having your picture taken… you can breathe a huge sigh of relief. Michelle does an amazing job bringing out your inner model!! You will be seriously happy when you see yourself in these photos.”
-Kristi C.
so what's it gonna cost?
I get it... you have a marketing budget + need to get the most bang for your buck! That's why I help customize each session so that it fits juuuuuust right.
I won’t just show up and take pictures. We’ll spend time talking about your brand, creating a custom shot-list, and making sure you end up with photos that serve an actual PURPOSE in your business.
Business/branding photography sessions start at $1250, with 3 hours of camera-time and 50+ digital images.
And YES, payment plans are available.
Pssst... don’t forget that this can be a business write-off.
"okay... but do you photograph (fill-in-the-blank)?"
My answer to this is MOST LIKELY YES.
I work with solopreneurs + small businesses who are heart-centered and PASSIONATE about what they do.
So if you like my style + feel a connection, then that's a great start. Just schedule a phone call with me so we can find out for sure!
Here are just a few of the client types I’ve worked with: life coach, blogger, social influencer, interior designer, artist, teacher, photographer, hairstylist, real estate agent, restaurant/brewery owner, lawyer, doctor, aesthetician, dentist, massage therapist, musician, clothing designer, retail store owner.
Click through the gallery below to see just a few of my happy clients.
get the conversation started!
Not taking on new clients at this time
I’m stepping away from the business for awhile, and quite possibly forever.
Thank you to all my past clients for being a part of my story, as much as I was a part of yours.
