I have the best job in the world (well, gourmet food critic and Terry Gross might beat it - but just barely). Growing up in the Bay Area, it was just me, my 2 sisters and my dad. He was an amateur photographer and we were his favorite subjects. Photography was his way of saying that our family (our story) is important. It matters. It's worth documenting. A family's story is powerful stuff.
So powerful in fact, that though I've been photographing weddings
since 1999 I still cry at every single one. I just can't help myself. My husband and I have been happily married forever, and when you and your soon-to-be spouse see each other for the first time, it brings me right back to my own wedding.
The unique story that everyone has is why I completely fall in love with every couple I work with. It's just my personality... I go all in.
And since I'm invested in who you really are, I don't need to force anything while I'm photographing you... I can sense, anticipate, and document all those little moments that make up your day.
That effortlessness seems to be why people like working with me. It's easy... it's laid back. I don't stop the action. I just step back and let you do your thing and capture it beautifully. The best compliment I can receive is, “I didn’t even know you were there!”
At the end of your day you will have photographs that make you feel. Photographs that have meaning and soul. Photographs that will show your future grandkids just how much Grandma and Grandpa love each other, and how their story got started. These are photos that you will cherish for the rest of your life.
HELLO!
I'm MICHELLE
About
WEDDING PHOTOJOURNALIST, ETERNAL OPTIMIST, AND
UNAPOLOGETIC SAP
What I Love
01. Goats
Someday I'll have a whole herd. And we'll make the BEST cheese.
WHAT I LOVE
I know it's a total cliche, but who doesn't love Paris?!
Our studio pup - Henry!
Especially when it's served at the bar at Bouchon in Yountville.
I'm a huge sap. When I am with you at your wedding, it brings me right back to mine and I fall in love all over again.
02. Bien Sur
03. Hank the Tank
04. Rosé All Day
Back
I have the best job in the world. Well, gourmet food critic and Terry Gross might beat it - but just barely. Growing up in the Bay Area, it was just me, my 2 sisters and my dad. He was an amateur photographer and we were his favorite subjects. Photography was his way of saying that our family story is important. It matters. It's worth documenting. A family's story is powerful stuff.
So powerful in fact, that though I've been photographing weddings since 1999 I still cry at every single one. I just can't help myself. My husband and I have been happily married forever, and when you and your soon-to-be spouse see each other for the first time, it brings me right back to my own wedding.
The unique story that everyone has is why I completely fall in love with every couple I work with. It's just my personality... I go all in.
And since I'm invested in who you really are, I don't need to force anything while I'm photographing you... I can sense, anticipate, and document all those little moments that make up your day. That effortlessness seems to be why people like working with me. It's easy... it's laid back. I don't stop the action. I just step back and let you do your thing and capture it beautifully. The best compliment I can receive is, “I didn’t even know you were there!”
At the end of your day you will have photographs that make you feel. Photographs that have meaning and soul. Photographs that will show your future grandkids just how much Grandma and Grandpa love each other, and how their story got started. These are photos that you will cherish for the rest of your life.
HELLO!
I'm MICHELLE
About
WEDDING PHOTOJOURNALIST, ETERNAL OPTIMIST, AND
UNAPOLOGETIC SAP
What I Love
01. Goats
Someday I'll have a whole herd. And we'll make the BEST cheese.
WHAT I LOVE
I know it's a total cliche, but who doesn't love Paris?!
Our studio pup - Henry!
Especially when it's served at the bar at Bouchon in Yountville.
I'm a huge sap. When I am with you at your wedding, it brings me right back to mine and I fall in love all over again.
02. Bien Sur
03. Hank the Tank
04. Rosé ALL DAY
05. Us
Back
I BELIEVE
IN SHOWING emotion.
because there's nothing sweeter than fulfilling your grandma's greatest wish
I BELIEVE IN kissing like no one's watching.
because there's nothing sexier than showing the world just how much you love each other
I BELIEVE IN the quiet & still moments.
because there's nothing more romantic than just the two of you together
What makes good photography great photography is YOU, in all your you-ness.
So here’s my thing: I never understood the concept of "posing and pretending" as soon as a professional photographer shows up. You know what’s missing in photos like those? You. The people in the photos look a lot like you and your beloved spouse-to-be, except they are making duck faces and posing like bored fashion models. What makes good photography great photography is YOU, in all your you-ness. Letting you just be yourself with the love of your life makes for way more compelling photography than posing you like you’re competing for America’s Next Top Model. And let’s be honest, I’m no Tyra Banks,
Here’s what I won’t ask you to do:
• walk miles away from your reception location to stand in a field of weeds
• “smize” (check the Urban dictionary)
• take three hours of portraits
Here’s what I will ask you to do:
• be yourself
• forget that I’m there
• have the best day of your life
MY PHILOSOPHY
Reviews
PREVIOUS
"she was so much fun.
Michelle is a legend. She was so much fun and captured some amazing candid shots at the wedding - we hardly even knew she was there. She managed our time famously and was able to grab us for all of the group shots without interfering with our ability to enjoy our wedding. She is a beautiful person and a pleasure to work with."
Their words
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PREVIOUS
"her work is flawless.
My family has had the good fortune to have Michelle photograph our lives for the past 14 years. Her work is flawless and she is an absolute kick to work with. She operates in stealth mode - you don't really see her navigating the venue...then poof - stunning photographs! I can't recommend her highly enough!"
Their words
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PREVIOUS
"can't say enough.
If anything in our lives were to come up that required a photographer, there wouldn't be a second choice for us. It would be Michelle. I just can't say enough good things, and honestly I hope she gets to read this because when we said thank you to her and expressed our gratitude, I don't think she knows how deep our appreciation for her actually goes."
Their words
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PREVIOUS
"michelle is just perfect.
She is very professional and knows what works best. When doing something you are not comfortable doing because it is your first time, Michelle is amazing at telling you in a kind way how to get the best shots. I would highly recommend her to anyone in need of a photographer!!!"
Their words
/ NEXT
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faq'S
HOW DOES THIS WORK?
DO WE GET THE HIGH-RES FILES?
WHAT'S YOUR BEST WEDDING ADVICE?
WHAT'S YOUR STYLE?
I MEANT WHAT'S YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?
WHAT ABOUT POSED PORTRAITS?
WHAT YOU CAN YOU EXPECT FROM ME...
WHAT'S A TYPICAL WEDDING DAY LIKE?
HOW MANY IMAGES SHOULD WE EXPECT?
WHEN WILL OUR PHOTOS BE READY?
HOW DOES THE ALBUM PROCESS WORK?
WHAT PRODUCTS DO YOU OFFER?
DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH ANYTHING OTHER THAN WEDDINGS?
WHERE CAN WE MEET YOU?
HOW DO WE BOOK YOU?
DO YOU TAKE CREDIT CARDS?
DO YOU TRAVEL FOR WEDDINGS?
- You fall in love with my work;
- We meet (either in person or via phone/Skype. We adore each other;
- You say YES! I email you a contract.
- On your wedding day, we have the best day (ever) together.
Yes. Delivered with your wedding album.
Be yourself. Be authentic. Be real. Don't follow the trends and look like every other wedding you're seeing on the blogs and in magazines. Be you.
Modern, natural, uncomplicated, fun.
Ohhh... modern, natural, uncomplicated, fun, and REAL. I'll capture who you are and what makes your relationship unique... that look he gives you. The way you snuggle his neck. The way you laugh together. I'll let things happen naturally - letting you be YOU. My job is to create photographs that make you laugh/cry/remember everything when you look at them. Your job is to have the best day of your life.
Your wedding portraits will be uncomplicated and a lot of fun.
Just like you. (Rarely more than 30 minutes.)
- A relaxed & fun photography experience. That's what I do.
- Wedding photographs that don't look like your friend's wedding. As a photojournalist, I don't have a set list of photos - I follow the action and capture what is really happening - not something that I set-up. It's impossible for 2 weddings to look the same.
- Experience... Weddings are unlike any other type of photography - the heightened emotions, the constantly changing light, the fast pacing and strict timelines... I went to art school and I've been photographing weddings a while. I know what I'm doing.
- I never forget the trust that you put in me to create amazing, unique, meaningful photographs.
- We arrive an hour before showtime to photograph you getting ready (my favorite time of the day);
- You see each other for the first time* (this is when we all start to cry);
- Your bridal party & family arrives for portraits (fast, fun painless);
- We spend a little more time photographing you being you together;
- You get married! (We cry some more.);
- You enjoy cocktail hour with your friends & family (and NOT taking 3 hours of portraits);
- People toast you, you visit, cut a cake, dance, and maybe throw a bouquet/garter.
- Optional. It's totally OK to do the portraits after the ceremony - and yes, they'll still be less than 30 minutes.
A lot! Generally 800-1,200 perfectly processed photos. (I've never been accused of shooting too little.)
I will have a sneak-peek up on FACEBOOK and my BLOG quickly after your event. All your photos will be online within 30 days.
You'll choose your favorite images, my designer will create an online layout (making as many changes as you like), and soon you'll receive a special delivery from Italy! It's simple and fun.
We produce insanely gorgeous Italian-made custom wedding albums, beautiful reprints & fine-art cards, canvas prints, frames, and Companion Books (cute little versions of your own album).
I live & work in a converted barn on a 10 acre vineyard in Napa - come over anytime! We can even "meet" via Skype and/or phone.
Email me at info@michellewalker.com or call (415) 235-5400. I'll email you a contract. As soon as it's returned with the retainer (1/3 of the package price), the date is yours!
Yep. Every single kind.
Oui, ja, si, ndiyo, ie, evet. Yes.
Style Me Pretty, Snippet & Ink, Green Wedding Shoes, Bride's California, Junebug Weddings, Ceremony Magazine, The Knot, Martha Stewart Weddings, Grace Ormonde, Today's Bride, Mocha Bride, 7x7 Magazine, and more.
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get in touch
I love a great love story - let's check your date and chat about your big day.
michelle@michellewalker.com
(707) 867-1650 studio
(415) 235-5400 cell
Thank you
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