We all feel washed with sheer calmness when we spend time doing things that we love most. For Michelle, this sense of calmness echoes through her when she picks up her camera. We dare you to look through some of Michelle’s photos without feeling a bit warm on the inside yourself. Read on to see what gets her clicking these amazing shots!
COINAPHOTO: When did you first develop interest in photography?
Michelle: I have always had a love of portrait photography. It wasn’t until seven years ago that I purchased my first DSLR. For the first 5 years the camera lived on the auto setting and it was used only as a tool to take candid photographs of my children (now 3, 4 and 6 years old). I finally realized I wanted to take more than just snapshots and show the world my gorgeous babies through my eyes. Capturing inner beauties and personalities of these amazing little people meant the world to me. Just over 2 years ago, I finally took the plunge and decided to pursue photography as a hobby and explore my creativity – so I started carrying my camera with me everywhere. Two years ago the intimidating move from auto to full manual settings led me to start my never ending journey and allowed me to release my creativity.
Sisters
COINAPHOTO: What if your full time profession?
Michelle: I have a PhD in Chemistry and work full time at an imaging technology company. In addition to my career, I am also a mum to three amazing, hilarious and unique human beings, whose stubbornness can often lead to me to ripping my hair out once in a while. Luckily for me, my passion for photography is an incredible outlet that relieves all kinds of pressures in my life.
Nom
CoinaPhoto: What genre of photography are you the most drawn towards and why?
Michelle: I am extremely lucky in having the opportunity to do a wide range of photography including maternity, newborn, family portraits, event photography, weddings, birthing, product photography and pet photography. If I was pushed to pick a favourite style or genre of photography, I would have to choose portraits. I absolutely love looking at all kinds of portraits, whether they are painted, drawn, sculptured or photographed. Before taking up photography, in my late teens and early twenties I would spend hours every weekend in the portrait section of the Brisbane Art Gallery admiring the skills of artists and their abilities to capture the souls and essence of their subjects. I find people fascinating and love nothing more than capturing their true personality when taking their portrait. The majority of my portfolio images are taken when people are in a ‘natural’ moment and not staged.
Country Love
CoinaPhoto: Why is photography so close to your heart?
Michelle: I don’t think I am able to accurately convey why photography is so close to my heart. It is something that I feel within my soul – no matter how stressful life gets, when I pick up a camera a calmness washes over me and I find inner peace.
Beautiful Mother
CoinaPhoto: Do you have any words of wisdom for budding photographers out there?
Michelle: Love what you do and do what you love. I know it sounds like a cliche but I believe that it is true. Regardless of how much you put into your photography, whether you view it as a hobby or something more serious – your level of passion will always come through in your work.
Having a scientific background I whole heartedly believe that you never stop learning. Read, read and read some more. I am a 100% self taught photographer and I spend a significant amount of time reading anything photography and lighting related. If you are not someone who likes to read, there are alternatives to help you expand your knowledge – for example there is a vast number of tutorials available online.
Grab your camera and play!
Bath time
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