🎉 Happy New Year, friends! 🎉
I’m Michelle, and if we haven’t met yet, let me introduce myself—photographer, finder of funky locations, and someone who believes every session should feel like an adventure. Whether we’re blasting music, chasing golden hour, or just laughing at life, my goal is to make your photos as fun as the day we capture them.
My journey officially started in October 2019 with family sessions and red truck shoots. Then 2020 hit, and, well, PIVOT! (Friends fans, you get it.) Building a photography business during a pandemic wasn’t exactly easy. I spent two years at a camera store, learning everything I could. But something was missing—being behind the camera. So, I grabbed my gear and jumped back into the thing I love most.
My style? Colorful, quirky, and a little nostalgic—kind of like the childhood adventures I had growing up in Ashburn, Ontario, exploring old houses and fields and dreaming up stories about them.
This year, I’m introducing prints and albums because photos should be more than files on your phone. They should be the kind of keepsakes you’d grab in a fire—or at least proudly display on your wall.
In 2025, I’m all about family sessions, high school seniors, headshots, and, of course, red truck shoots. Ready to make some memories? Let’s hang out, explore some cool spots, and create something amazing together. Shoot me a DM, and let’s plan the fun.
#PhotographyJourney #FamilyPhotos #SeniorPortraits #Headshots #RedTruckSessions #MichelleNicholsonPhotography
21 Photography Truths (According to Me)
1. The best poses? Oh, those come to me on the drive home when it’s too late. Every. Single. Time.
2. I have a full-blown panic attack on the way home, convinced every single shot is out of focus. Cue me checking photos at stoplights like a maniac.
3. Playing music during shoots? Total game changer. ADHD taught me that. Now it’s basically a mini dance party.
4. Can’t get the kids to cooperate? Make them move. Have them race, jump, or do superhero poses (99% of the time, it’s Spiderman). Give them sticks if you’re outside—they love sticks.
5. John Hughes rule: Treat kids like they matter. Ask them if they want to sit or kneel, or which spot looks cool. Just don’t let them run the whole show. Balance is key.
6. Troubleshooting is 40% of photography. Whether it’s emotions, mechanical failures, unpredictable weather, or settings—stay cool and figure it out.
7. Photography is like skiing: the more you do it, the faster you improve. Daily practice = exponential growth
8. You are an artist. Don’t let this world of instant gratification water down your creativity.
9. Slow. The. Hell. Down. No one cares if you check the back of your camera. Breathe.
10. If I say, “This is the last shot,” just know I’m lying. Every time.
11. Execution is success. If you thought it, planned it, and shot it—you’re already winning. Even if it’s not perfect, you did it.
12. Marketing is the secret sauce between being a working photographer and a struggling one. Sorry, but you gotta hustle.
13. Your local camera store is a goldmine. Go touch, test, and try the gear. Trust me—weight and feel matter.
14. Rent before you buy. Seriously, RENT. It’s like test-driving a car but more fun. Treat yourself to a weekend with a dreamy lens.
15. Light matters. Learn how it shapes your image—just as much as camera settings.
16. If a two-year-old doesn’t want their picture taken, they win. Every time. Accept it.
17. Forgetting your SD card is a rite of passage. It’ll happen once… and hopefully never again
18. Just start. Kids, plants, flowers, bugs—whatever catches your eye. Your phone + YouTube = photography at any age, with no limits.
19. Don’t promise to “fix it in Photoshop.” Just don’t. Future you will thank you.
20. Get it right in camera. Seriously.
21. The client almost never picks the same favorite shot as you. It’s a mystery we’ll never solve.
Bonus:
22. Photography is equal parts chaos, art, and troubleshooting. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Fun in the Sun: A High School Senior Session at Folsom Lake
Last week, I had a blast photographing an amazing high school senior at the lively Folsom Lake during golden hour. The session was filled with laughter, beautiful scenery, and some fantastic shots that captured her personality perfectly.
As we arrived at Folsom Lake, it was buzzing with people enjoying the sunny afternoon, lounging by the water, and soaking up the last rays of the day. Despite the bustling environment, we found some great spots to work our magic and make the most of the beautiful golden light.
For 45 minutes, we explored different areas around the lake, with her graduation sash adding a celebratory touch to the session. The golden hour light was simply perfect, giving every photo a warm and dreamy vibe. Whether she was flashing a radiant smile or striking a serious pose, the light highlighted her features beautifully.
One of the highlights of the session was getting some really cool close-up shots. The golden light made her eyes sparkle, and we captured a variety of expressions, from joyful and bubbly to thoughtful and serene. These close-ups not only showed off her natural beauty but also added a fun, personal touch to the photos.
We kept things relaxed and enjoyable throughout the session. With the backdrop of the bustling lake and the golden sunset, we shared plenty of laughs and captured some candid moments that truly reflected her fun-loving spirit. It was great seeing her so at ease, which made for some genuinely beautiful photos.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we wrapped up the session with smiles on our faces and a camera full of fantastic shots. The busy atmosphere at Folsom Lake added an unexpected energy to the shoot, making it a memorable and enjoyable experience for both of us.
If you’re a high school senior looking for a fun and memorable photo session, let’s connect! We can create stunning portraits that capture your unique personality and make your senior year truly unforgettable.
Book your high school senior session today and let’s create beautiful memories together! Reach out to schedule your golden hour shoot at Folsom Lake or any of your favorite locations.
#HighSchoolSenior #SeniorSession #GoldenHour #FolsomLake #Graduation #SeniorPhotos #PortraitPhotography #FunPhotoshoot #CaptureTheMoment #PhotographySession #FolsomPhotographer #ElDoradoHillsPhotographer
