About Michelle

I’m a photographer, artist, teacher,

and lover of: game nights (why yes, I am an undefeated Boggle champion in my family),

coffee, cheese, and all things pizza,

travel, family, Netflix and dogs.

Not necessarily in that order.
 

I’m also an aspiring morning person,

a recovering perfectionist,

and my favorite movie is Back to the Future
(yes, I’m a proud 80’s kid/Gen Xer!).

I started Luminaria Photography in 2009

and I’m sure it’s NO surprise to hear that a photographer loves photography.

But I’ve been photography obsessed since I was 8 years old

when I sold stuff door-to-door in my neighborhood so I could earn enough points to choose something awesome from a prize catalog.

I had my sights set on the 110 (film) camera with disposable flash cartridges the size of a candy bar that sat on top (if you’re under like 35, I realize this makes me ancient). I got that camera and I took it everywhere and documented everything!

I’m pretty sure I was the only kid in the 3rd grade who was taking pictures of her classmates at recess.

I’ve always been captivated by the beauty of real life,

and I’m on a mission to help people fall in love

with the artistry, authenticity and beauty of their everyday lives

I’m very sentimental and can easily get sucked into

spending heaps of time

reminiscing and looking at old photos.

I’m also passionate about teaching

and I adore witnessing the light bulb moments that happen for my students!

I’ve done private tutoring and taught various photography related classes at the Community Darkroom (at Flower City Arts Center), Lollypop Farm and the Greece Public Library.

Online classes coming soon. Stay tuned!

Besides Luminaria, I also love doing editorial photography and have been a photographer for several local magazines for the past 10 years including:

Lake Affect Magazine, Pup Culture Magazine, and Rochester Woman Magazine

(see my editorial portfolio here)

I’m also a proud dog mom to my adorable dog, Bear, who my husband and I adopted from a shelter twelve years ago.

He completes our family and brings us joy every day. He has my heart, he’s my constant companion and my favorite model.

In another life (aka previous careers),

I was a professional theatrical Stage Manager and a Manager for the High Falls Film Festival. (And proud alumna from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts)

I also lived in NYC for a few years in my 20’s (something I recommend for everyone in their 20’s to try at least once) and worked on several award-winning film & TV productions.

I’m based in Rochester, NY, but I also love to travel

within and beyond New York (road trips are my fav) so if you want to book me, but you’re out of town, just send me a note or call and we’ll set it up!

Okay, enough about me-

I want to hear about YOU, your loves and what you’re looking for!

Give me a shout here, so we can chat.