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.
Kids + Family Lifestyle Photography
with less posing + more PLAY!
Servicing Bend, Oregon + surrounding areas
it's the no-stress solution to getting family photos you'll LOVE!
HOW?
By creating a FUN photo experience for all involved (cross my heart).
Kids think I'm all kinds of cool, and even parents think I'm a superhero of some kind.
Because everyone walks away smiling... for real. From start to finish, this will be the most STRESS-FREE photo experience you've ever had. Cross my heart, pinkie promise and all that jazz.
less posing. more play.
Let's face it... it's all kinds of awkward being in front of the camera.
And sometimes it's a headache just trying to get the family to cooperate.
I GET THAT.
And I take care of it all so you don't have to stress.
With lots of pre-planning, tips on getting the entire family involved, and easy sharing of all your final images... you'll actually get the chance to relax + ENJOY the experience for a change!
And the session itself... yeah, it's all kinds of fun. (And the GUYS are the ones to tell me this when we're done. For REAL.) Here's why: Using your answers to the in-depth questionnaire I provide as guidance, I go in with a plan for shots to capture, how to interact, and I’ll even have a custom Spotify playlist ready for us, too. And utilizing my background in psychology + years spent working with the kiddos, I'm able to read your moods and body language, tweaking things as we go along to make sure that EVERYONE has fun. We'll get the shots you want, all while PLAYING GAMES + interacting in fun ways... and often without you realizing I'm actually posing you along the way.
I'm well versed in getting cooperation and avoiding the meltdowns... for both the kids AND the guys. Ha!
“I couldn’t be happier with the outcome. We’re awkward. We don’t like being in front of the camera. Yet Michelle managed to keep us laughing & even got Guz comfortable enough that he was picking out photo spots. Thank you SO much for keeping us laughing + for the amazing pictures of my little family.”
fun family photography in bend oregon - the suitcase studio
digital files are INCLUDED in each purchased collection
Because I KNOW you’re wanting digital images for sharing online + with family.
So I make things EASY for you, by sending digital files in an online gallery. And with one click of a button, you can share that gallery with your entire family so they have immediate access, too!
you’ll also get a BOOK, too
Because I know you’ve got great intentions of getting prints up on your walls and creating a photobook of your own. Someday.
So until you can carve out some time to do so, I’ve got you covered! Family photo sessions include an 8x8 photobook filled with 20 of your favorite images. Additional copies can be purchased, too.
and that’s just the BEGINNING of what you’ll be getting out of this unique experience…
Think of this as a family time capsule.
Yup, there’s a portrait session. But that’s just the start.
We’ll set aside a chunk of time to get those posed pics that can adorn your holiday cards and make the grandparents proud.
And then we’ll PLAY.
Whatever that looks + FEELS like to you… let’s DO IT. From water balloon fights to paint wars, fairy-seeking in the forests, private picnics with personal vow renewals, adventuring downtown, or whatever else sparks your heart + imagination, let’s do it.
so... why ME?
Because I'm MORE than just a photographer.
With my degree in psychology and years spent working in children's group homes + art camps, I've learned to instantly connect with a range of personalities and work with all sorts of moods.
I work hard so that you don't have to... creating the most stress-free and FUN experience from start to finish, and one that even has the most shy guys saying “hey… that was FUN!”
I'm Michelle Simmons, and I’ll be your personal paparazzo + STORYTELLER.
The camera has been an extension of my hand for most of my life, and I've been running The Suitcase Studio for over 14 years now... providing FUN + stress-free photo sessions for the adventurous, authentic + AWESOME. And I still use my psychology training and insight on each + every photo shoot as I calm the nerves of parents, maneuver kids out of meltdown mode, and help everyone connect in the most genuine of ways.
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). Yes, we'll be taking pictures. But by the end of it, I swear you'll forget I have the camera in my hand.
So let's PLAY!
“Wow! This was such an amazing experience from the beginning. I emailed Michelle with some questions when I was still researching photographers for newborn and family photos. She got right back to me with a personalized video answering all my questions and providing even more info that I hadn’t thought to ask. When she showed up the day of photos she had toys for our toddler to play with, and went at our pace. We felt like we were just hanging out as a family with no stress. I’m so happy to have gotten such precious memories captured with no stress, which with a toddler and newborn I thought would be impossible.”
feeling a little 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.
“Seriously- book her!!!! You will NEVER regret what she captures!!!!!!!!!”
-Lauren F.
wanna SEE for yourself?
Check out the videos below to see what a FUN photo experience is actually like…
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.
