We recently connected with Michelle Johnson and have shared our conversation below.

Michelle, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.

As a small photography business, it is extremely important to stand out and get noticed. I credit my successful 29 year career in photography by having high standards, personalized and attentive service. I go into each photoshoot with a creative and new perspective.
I am well known for my positive energy, loving and easy going personality. I have honed my craft and my skill of photography through years of practice, education and experiences. I do not consider myself just a photographer, I am a storyteller.
I am not simply taking pictures, I am telling stories and creating an experience for my clients.
I take time to connect with my clients and give them the personal attention that their photo story deserves.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I first fell in love with photography shooting film as I captured my children growing up and have been behind the lens ever since! Over the years my work has grown into a blooming wedding photography and lifestyle portrait experience with a team of talented associates by my side. Having an easy going and playful personality is key to wedding and event photography and my upbeat personality and attention to even the smallest detail sets me apart from others in my field. My clients always tell me how much fun they had and that they saw me smiling and laughing the entire day. Positivity and laughter are contagious and it shows in the good energy I bring to each and every photo shoot!
I am extremely proud of the longevity I have built with my photography business and it is very exciting to be in my 29th year as a wedding, event and portrait photographer. I have photographed hundreds of weddings and thousands of photo shoots. My work has been published in many publications such as Ceremony Magazine, Orange County Bride, The Knot and many more. Storytelling is my passion and I do it well.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

Burning the candles at both ends was very hard for me to unlearn. I never wanted to say no to any opportunities which was fine for a while but then over committing was starting to give me the feeling of being burned out and uninspired. Knowing when to re evaluate my work life balance was key. I used to work over 60 hours a week and at all hours of the day and night. It was not a good work life balance and I was starting to feel burned out. I committed to having set office/work hours and taking quick breaks in the day and it has been a game changer. I also started scheduling in time for hobbies, family and friends and it has increased my productivity and energy levels. I I have always prided myself on under promising and over delivering to my clients so learning to say no and not take on too many projects at once is key!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My goal as a photographer has always been to capture the essence and individuality of each subject through my camera lens. I want each and every photo session to tell a story and highlight storytelling through my images.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michellejohnsonphotography.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/michellejphoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellejphoto
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/michelle-johnson-photography-upland
• Other: Wedding Wire:
  https://www.weddingwire.com/biz/michelle-johnson-photography-upland/b57ec184505b8926.html

Image Credits

Michelle Johnson Photography