Photography Lessons with Michelle

Do you have a camera that's been sitting in your house collecting dust because it feels too daunting to use? You're not alone — I hear it all the time: 'I've had this camera for a year and I just want to start using it.'I teach beginning film and digital photography for people who are ready to pick up their camera and start creating finally. I structure my class around the three things you need to know to start using your camera and capturing the images you've always wanted to take. We'll go over composition, what makes a great photograph, and how to organize and store your photos — then we'll head out into the neighborhood to practice everything you've learned. You'll walk away from this class ready to start taking photos.

I get immense joy from taking photos, and I have for the past 10 years. It's such a wonderful moment when you can bring to life the images you see in your head. I want to help people learn more about photography as a way to express themselves, and also how to play with light.

I have been taking photos for most of my life. For the past 10 years I've been working as a freelance photographer, working on everything from large commercial jobs to intimate one-on-one portrait sessions. I'm constantly learning from my peers and classes I take on lighting, editing, and diving deeper into film photography. The next thing I'd like to learn is how to do tintypes, a photographic process that dates back to the Civil War era. My passion for taking great images pushes me to keep learning more and more.

My teaching style is kind, patient, and empathetic. I remember how difficult it was to wrap my head around my camera and how long it took me to figure out what all the settings do, so I channel that experience into how I teach. I never want a student to feel overwhelmed or intimidated.

I take into account the kind of photography each student wants to do and tailor my teaching around that, so what they're learning feels immediately relevant to them. When we're out practicing, I put students in situations where they can play around with their settings and different lighting styles, giving them the space to explore and find their own eye.I know the feeling you get when you take a photo that you love, and I want every student to feel that. My biggest hope is that they walk away not just with technical knowledge, but with the confidence to use their camera as a way to express how they see the world.

Over the years, I've been lucky enough to work with amazing creatives whom I can now call friends. We constantly inspire and push each other to dream bigger. I'm also inspired by music, movies, interior design, fashion, and a good day of thrifting.