Let's do a vibe check...
I live in Northeast Iowa with my husband (who is a Fred Hoiberg doppelgänger), doggo, two cats and our human kiddo. In my free time I'm usually working on our 1920s house or finding local events to attend. I can always make myself laugh, and I try not to take anything too seriously because life is already serious enough.
I've been in the photography industry for over a decade, and finally opened my books to the public in 2023. I started out taking senior photos for all my friends in 2011, and I shot my first wedding in 2014.
Growing up I had a lot of "dream jobs" and picking one thing to do for the rest of my life sounded like the end of the world, so now I'm in my 30s and do a lot of different things to keep myself busy. Thankfully I grew up with very supportive parents and have since went on to acquire a partner who is always cheering me on from the sidelines (or carrying my gear for me at sessions).
My life has never felt so hectic, but I've started to thrive in the chaos and truly find the beauty and appreciate this season of life.
I appreciate all forms of art and creativity. Yes, that even includes the room designs at IKEA. I've recently gotten into reading books, and I've been told that I'm a harsh critic, but it all comes from a place of love.
You'll find me my happiest when I'm traveling with my fam. I never traveled much as a kid, so once I turned 18 I hopped on a flight and made it a priority to see the world. If you want to work together while I'm traveling to your area, check out my travel schedule which is listed right below.
Great Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado
"Michelle DELIVERS each time. Every single shot she has captured, I look at and truly feel beautiful. She’s so supportive, kind, and patient."
Emily V.
Travel Dates
The following locations are trips that I already have planned in the future. If you would like to book a session while I'm there, my travel fees will be waived (what a deal!). If you want to work together somewhere near where I'll be traveling, travel fees will be discounted (also a massive deal!).
France
September 2025
TBD
TBD
TBD
TBD
I know you were wondering...
...a little more about me
Using too many exclamation points is a strong skill I have that I'm always actively working on.
I'm a certified "chatter". I can talk to anyone about anything for days. Sometimes I think I should change my career to interviewing. Which I kind of do on the side actually! I have a podcast with one of my besties, where we talk a lot...about nothing.
If you're interested in any of my hot takes, I would definitely recommend giving it a listen.
hitting you with the facts (the fun ones)
Alcohol-Free since 2021
I'm allergic to alcohol, so I (mostly) cut out drinking in 2021. Having an ice cold sour beer on a warm summer day is missed greatly, but it wasn't worth the full body hives and the tinlgy lips.
Cadet Michelle
I planned on joining the military when I was applying to college. I wasn't sure how I could afford going to a university, but thankfully I ended up obtaining scholarships and grants which helped me to graduate debt free.
quick sand
I love beach views but hate the feeling of sand. When I'm at the beach you can expect me to stay mostly dry just so I don't have a reason for sand to stick to my skin.
What I want to be when I grow up...
Here are the various jobs I thought I would have one day when I was a little kid (through college):
- Veterinarian
- Ballerina
- Military Mechanic
- Music Supervisor
- Talent Scouter
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