We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Michelle Dorion a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

For most of my life, “risk” wasn’t in my vocabulary. I was the person with the five year plan, the detailed budget, and a future that was pre-calculated and secure. My career trajectory started early in healthcare, a field I was drawn to for its stability and inherent ability to help people. I began working in the field at a young age, following a deeply laid path that promised a secure, full-time position and predictable future.

The context for my biggest risk, ironically, was a time defined by uncertainty: the COVID-19 pandemic. As a healthcare provider, the daily environment became incredibly challenging, demanding, and emotionally taxing. The security I had always cherished suddenly felt fragile, and the relentless pressure led me to seek an outlet. That outlet was photography, a long held passion that had always been relegated to a “someday” hobby.

The camera became my escape. What started as a small creative endeavor quickly grew into something undeniable. I poured all my remaining energy into this passion, and it gave me back so much joy and fulfillment. For the first time, my perfectly thought out plans started to feel like a cage. The thought of trading my stable and secured, full-time position in healthcare, that I’ve worked so hard for, for the unpredictable world of freelance photography was terrifying.

This was the biggest risk I had ever faced. I am, by nature, someone who rarely takes risks, yet I was contemplating diving into the unknown, with zero guarantees, to become a wedding and family photographer. I knew the statistics; I knew how hard it was to start a creative business. The decision to leave my guaranteed salary and benefits felt like stepping off a cliff.

In the end, I took the leap. It was the hardest, most gut-wrenching professional choice I’ve ever made. Although I still occasional have my doubts, it was still the best decision I’ve ever made.

Taking that risk didn’t just lead to a new job, it led to a profound sense of purpose. Today, I am proud to call myself a wedding and family photographer, and I’ve never been happier or more fulfilled. I finally found a deeper, more enduring kind of happiness. The once-calculated life has been replaced by a life rich with meaning, creativity, and the joy of capturing others’ most cherished moments. That leap of faith proved that sometimes, the greatest security lies not in a safe paycheck, but in living a life that is truly your own.

Michelle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Hello! I’m Michelle, the owner and heart behind MDG Photography, based in Ottawa, Ontario, and its surroundings. I specialize in documenting couples, engagements, and weddings. Simply put, my niche is storytelling through authentic emotions, and candid moments. I have an eye for catching the moments that are easily overlooked, as well as the fleeting glances, the belly laughs, and the unexpected tears that truly tell your story.

I’m a hopeless romantic who is (a little… ok very,) obsessed with a good love story. While that may sound cliché, the sincere truth is, I find nothing more beautiful than the moment a couple make their dedicated promises to cherish each other for the rest of their lives. Realizing this, I knew working in the wedding industry was where I belonged.

As a photographer, I’m committed to authenticity. My approach is ‘true to tone and colour’, meaning I refrain from altering the original hues and tones of the images. Instead, I make subtle enhancements and precise adjustments to refine the details, ensuring the photo remains faithful to the moment it was captured. This approach preserves the integrity of the image, allowing my clients to relive the memory exactly as it unfolded.

Of all the achievements in my business, I am most proud of the moments when a client tells me I captured an image that instantly transports them back to the feeling of a special moment they thought was gone.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

When I first started MDG Photography, I hadn’t fully grasped the depth of how impactful social media would be. Like many new business owners, I initially viewed it only as a space to share my portfolio. However, I now understand that it is such an important tool because it allows me to provide genuine insight into who I am as a person.

I don’t just want to sell a service, I want my clients to be able to relate to me, on a personal level, and not just as another wedding vendor. Showing snippets of my life and letting them see my face helps my clients feel more at ease and confident in choosing me. In an industry built on intimacy and trust, that human connection is everything.

I’ll be the first to admit, I haven’t by any means perfected the craft of social media. It doesn’t always come naturally to me, and I’m definitely known to record a story ten different times before posting it! But it has proven to be an invaluable way to connect with my clients and potential clients. It allows me to follow along their milestones and journeys, often leading to them inviting me back to capture another important time in their lives, which is the ultimate compliment.

My advice for beginners: Lead with Authenticity, Not Perfection.
The biggest mistake you can make is trying to look polished all the time. Your audience wants a relatable person, not a slick marketer. If you’re nervous or make a mistake on camera, it actually builds trust faster than perfectly produced content. Your humanity is your strongest selling point.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

My reputation in the Ottawa market is something I owe almost entirely to the amazing creative community here. While passion and skill are essential, in this industry, building genuine, supportive relationships is what truly allows you to thrive.

The most impactful strategy for me has been collaboration. Working closely with other photographers, videographers, content creators, and models on various projects hasn’t just broadened my network; it’s allowed me to learn, grow, and consistently elevate my craft.

In particular, I must recognize Farrah Sanjari. She is an incredible photographer who has provided so much pivotal support in my journey. In fact, her support and recommendation are the direct reason I have the honour of sharing my story with your readers today.

Ultimately, my reputation is built on the strength of these professional relationships. Supporting each other’s businesses, rather than viewing one another as competition, has played a huge part in building my photography business, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mdgphotography2022.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/m.d.gphotography/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087147459022
• Other: Google Profile: https://share.google/69rXL34LhC7g5yUBS