Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Gould.
Hi Michelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been interested in photography since I was a kid but it wasn’t until I went to college that I got my first DSLR and took my first photography class. I officially started my business 12 years ago and as I was starting out I took every free photography course I could get my hands on. If it had anything to do with photography I watched it. There were also incredible photography groups in the area that focused on teaching new and aspiring photographers how to excel and get better in the industry. This helped me a lot as I watched other photographers interact with clients and picked up tricks on how to pose and position clients. I would often pick up jobs as a second shooter for other wedding photographers in the area. It felt like slow progress at the time but looking back there was a lot that I did to build upon my skills and perfect my craft. It was really intimidating getting started but one of the biggest things that has encouraged and pushed me as a photographer is having a really good photographer friend on the same path. Our relationship has never felt competitive—she genuinely celebrates my work, hypes me up like no one else, and constantly pushes me to keep learning and growing. It has made a huge difference in where I am today.
Throughout my career as a photographer I’ve slowly learned what I like to photograph and what I don’t. When I started out I thought you had to be a wedding photographer to be successful. I quickly learned that I don’t love the long days and mostly weekends that come with weddings, especially after my son was born. I’ve learned that I love working with families and high school seniors. I also love working with couples I just don’t get to do it as often since I don’t do a lot of weddings.
As my family has grown and changed throughout my photography journey, it has also shaped the way I approach my work. When my sons were born, I started looking at newborn and family photos differently. The power and impact these photos can have and the importance of preserving these little moments—really started to sink in. When my grandfather passed away, I found myself looking at the photos I had taken of him and my grandma in a completely different way. They became more than just photographs. They became pieces of their legacy that I will use to tell my kids about them some day.
That experience has made the heart behind what I do even more meaningful to me. Knowing that the memories I capture today can be treasured by my clients and their families for generations to come is something I don’t take for granted.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Photography can be very competitive and overwhelming. There are so many great photographers and technology is always changing. I think I struggled with imposter syndrome for a long time. I don’t know when it stopped but suddenly I realized I’ve spent a lot of time and money to improve my skills and deliver work I can be proud of to my clients.
Another thing that probably held me back from starting even earlier was the business side of photography. Starting a business was so scary to me. Having other people I could trust in the industry to ask these kinds of questions really helped.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in natural light newborn, family, and high school senior photography. I don’t do a lot of props or staged settings. I really like to focus on the details that make each family unique. While the location can be important I want to make sure that what I’m capturing are the family dynamics, the goofy kid smiles, the snuggles with mom, the airplane rides with dad, and that favorite stuffy or toy they just won’t let go.
When it comes to high school seniors, I work really hard to get their personalities to shine through their photos. I want them to look at their gallery and feel like they were seen. These are some of my favorite sessions because there’s a lot more flexibility to try new things and be creative.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
My goal is to make clients feel as comfortable as possible in front of the camera. I will guide you through every step of the session so you don’t need to feel worried about what poses to do. I’ve worked with kids of all ages (and since I have too boys myself) so I know how to stay flexible! I always do my best to read their cues and see what we can do with what they are willing to give me.
I’m incredibly grateful to all my clients who trust me to capture their family memories and moments. I love that I get to do this and provide for my family while I do it.
Pricing:
- Portrait Sessions $450
- In-Home Newborn $525
- High School Senior Session $450
- Mini Sessions $300
Contact Info:
- Website: https://michellegouldphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michellegouldphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichelleGouldPhotography/
