Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaela Harle.
Hi Michaela, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
For the longest time, I’ve struggled between a passion for medicine and creativity. I went to school for nursing but always had photography at the back of my mind. My sister-in-law is a wedding photographer and sold me one of her old cameras to learn on while I was still in school. Despite an interest for it, nursing school left me with little time to explore it so I put in on the back burner. It wasn’t until I graduated from nursing school and decided to take the summer off before starting a full time nursing job, that I picked my camera up and really started learning. I started taking photos of friends, and strangers while traveling- everything I could use for experience. Since then, I began my own business (Photos by Mich) and I’ve been shooting weddings, couples, families, events, and everything in between! I started a job as a neonatal ICU nurse and have been taking on as many photography sessions as I have the capacity for.
While I enjoy nursing, photography is truly where my soul feels excited. I gravitate towards warm, whimsical moments. I’m passionate about authenticity and helping my clients be as present as possible. My hope is to eventually transition my photography business to be full-time.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I think one of the biggest struggles I’ve faced is having confidence in my business, skills, and ability. It can be super intimidating being trusted to capture people’s most important moments. There is so much that can go wrong during a session or event and there is so much you are constantly learning. From gear to editing styles, locations, composition, and so much more. I’ve started to just recognize photography as a journey where you are constantly evolving, learning, and growing.
Comparison is another issue so many in this industry struggle with, including myself. There will always be people with more experience, better gear, or seemingly fresher ideas. I’m learning so much about not comparing my work to others, and truly just showing up for each session with excitement and genuine presence. There is something super beautiful in being excited about your work and having confidence in how you showed up for your client.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a freelance photographer, specializing in capturing warm & whimsical moments. I want every photo session to be a memory in itself, and have the focus on the people being captured instead of the focus being on the photos themselves. The more present my subjects are, the more authentic the photos turn out. I love movement and incorporating things people love into their sessions.
I am proud that I am a photographer that cares about people more than anything else and makes sure they have the best time they can. Weddings are about celebrating love, not having cool photos. Portraits should make people feel empowered, not uncomfortable because I was trying to do something that they don’t want. When you are people focused, the photos will reflect how you’re feeling in those moments. Having your ideal portfolio or instagram feed is never worth ruining a special moment for someone.
It is so important to me that the experience of taking photos with me is fun, meaningful, and special.
How do you think about luck?
When I think of luck in my life and business, it has come in the form of the people in my life! I’m so lucky to have a supportive husband, family, and friends. Without them, their confidence, and encouragement, I would never have the confidence to take the jump and start my own photography business! I’ve had a ton of luck when it comes to mentorship. My sister-in-law is an incredible photographer (Cait ‘n her Cam)! She has worked so hard to learn what she has, and has been so gracious to answer any and all questions I have. There is nothing more valuable to me than learning from someone who has walked through the same thing.
Pricing:
- Weddings start at $1,500
- Basic package for lifestyle (30 photos) starts at $250
- Advanced package for lifestyle (60 photos) starts at $400
Contact Info:
- Website: https://photos-by-mich.squarespace.com
- Instagram: _michaela_harle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photosbymich
Image Credits
Photos by Mich
