We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michelle “Mo” Ousset. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michelle “Mo” below.

Hi Michelle “Mo”, thanks for joining us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

Choosing the name “Maiden, Mother, Crone Photography” came about from my desire to connect with those looking to honor the beauty and strength inherent in every stage of life. I liked embracing the symbolism the architypes represent and their innate connection with each other. The softness of the feminine, the depth of living life through multiple stages – there is something to honor with each phase of growth we encounter. I strive to celebrate and immortalize the diverse and profound experiences that define us as humans.

Photography, to me, is more than just taking pictures; it’s a journey into the heart of human experience. Many individuals yearn for a platform to express themselves authentically. It provides a medium for true, filter-free expression, allowing clients to tell their unique stories and redefine their narratives. I am facilitating a client’s need to be their own storyteller, thus making visible the poetry that exists in every chapter of life.

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 specialize in two forms of photography, the first focusing on the full spectrum of labor and birth – I use the term Birth Story Photography. Here, my camera becomes a witness to the miraculous moment when a new life is brought into this world. In this transition, a new version of the birthing parent is simultaneously born (or reborn). It’s a sacred journey, and I approach it with the respect it demands.

Birth Story Photography is a visual narrative serves as a timeless reminder of the strength and vulnerability inherent in the birthing process. I truly believe every birthing person deserves this legacy not only for their child, but also for themselves. There is an incredible amount of empowerment to be had in seeing this once-in-a-lifetime event from outside of one’s body. It’s the magic in seeing yourself with so much raw beauty, in basking over the transformative power of new life coming into this world.

Additionally, I also offer an experience involving what I describe as therapeutic portraiture. Part photoshoot, part body image coaching, it is affectionately named The Malachite Experience. This service goes beyond traditional portraiture, and aims to provide a healing experience through the art of photography and self-reflection. I have conversations with my clients not only about their intentions, but about the journey they have taken with their body in their life up until then. We talk about what it means to be in their body, and how they want to move forward with a closer relationship to it. It’s only after then that we have a photo session! There are some quite phenomenal images created from these sessions. By fostering a safe and empathetic space, I photograph not just their physical appearances but also the emotions, stories, and resilience that shape an individual’s journey, where wisdom and experience are etched onto the canvas of a person’s face.

Offering photography to me means offering “imagery throughout all phases.” It’s my commitment to preserving the profound moments in life, especially those related to all parts of life – the full spectrum. It’s about that visual story that transcends time, embracing the entirety of the human experience with warmth, empathy, and an unwavering dedication to authenticity.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Honoring the various phases of life, in all facets of light. My goal is to go beyond conventional photography, to capture the essence of each individual’s unique journey, and to create visual narratives that resonate on a deep, emotional level. I also embrace the full spectrum of life, even with families who experience loss.

Ultimately, my creative journey is about being in a space where vulnerability is celebrated, authenticity is embraced, and each photograph tells a story that goes beyond the first glance.

I’ve always wanted to do something that lights up my soul – this has been the thing that has been the brightest next to my family. My creative journey is guided by a profound mission to illuminate and celebrate the multifaceted beauty of the human experience. Through being a photographer and as a body narrative coach, I am driven by the belief that everyone’s story deserves to be told with authenticity, empathy, and reverence. I seek to empower, heal, and uplift individuals by immortalizing the sacred moments of birth and fostering body positivity and self-love through therapeutic portraiture.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Hands down, it’s the ability to change a person’s life. Every client that has stepped in front of my camera has expressed how their images have made a shift in their lives that opens them up to so much more than they had before. Whether it’s seeing their power, finding a version of themselves they love, or celebrating their body as it is in this moment, there is something that blossoms in people and gives them a new look on life.

This result of evoking emotions, sparking introspection, and inspiring a sense of connection to self is what makes the creative process deeply rewarding. Art has the capacity to resonate deeply with the human spirit, providing solace, joy, and a shared understanding of our diverse experiences. The moments when my work leaves a lasting impression, fostering a deeper appreciation for life, beauty, and individual stories, represent the pinnacle of reward in my creative journey. It’s the profound impact on both the creator and the audience that makes being an artist an incredibly enriching and fulfilling pursuit.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.maidenmothercrone.net/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maidenmothercronephoto
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maidenmothercronephoto
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/18939407/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/maiden-mother-crone-photography-san-jose-2

Image Credits
Personal photo by Belen Fernandez.. Other photos by Maiden, Mother, Crone Photography