Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaela Lemoine.
Michaela, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have to say that my mom sparked something in me as a kid, unknowingly. I remember her always taking pictures of me as a kid with her Polaroid camera and I was so fascinated by how the photos came out the camera; I was so excited to just wave the polaroid so the picture could appear faster and write the date on the bottom white part of the frame. My brother passed away when I was in Kindergarten; one day in third grade I had an episode where I really missed him and made a shrine in my room with all of our photos together. I didn’t know the magnitude of how being able to go back in time to shared moments would be so special to me. In fourth grade, I remembered begging my mom to buy me disposable cameras anytime we had a field trip or special events. I kept this habit through high school. I didn’t know anything about photography, just that I loved to capture moments. Even as an early adult going clubbing with my friends, my camera came with me. At that time, point and shoot cameras were out so I was able to upgrade my club photos from the disposable camera, lol.
In about 2009, I was working in corporate America and one day everything just changed. From an unfortunate situation, I was able to leave my full-time job and pursue my Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts at FIU. I received a monetary gift and I was in between a DJ set or camera. Believe it or not, I chose the turntables. In the midst of trying to learn this whole new system, I took it right back to Best Buy and returned it. I did research on a camera and end up buy my first Nikon DSLR. This learning curve wouldn’t be so much for me and it was something I already loved doing. I took pictures of any and everything! I eventually found a non-credit Photography class Miami Dade College offered on the weekends and those non-credit courses actually taught me how to use my camera. Still shooting anything and everyone; one of my friends got engaged and asked me to take their photos. They ended up using these photos around the room of their Wedding Reception which opened the door for me to speak to their hired Wedding Photographer. I ended up working with that company for a few years and contracted for other Photography companies here and there before deciding to take that leap and pursue myself, my company, on my terms.
This year would be my third year solely independent and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I think because I was able to work for other companies, I learned early on that being an entrepreneur and running your own business truly takes hard work and dedication, but most importantly, consistency. So when I branched off to fully continue with my business full time, it was a huge adjustment financially. I remember crying in the store with my last $10 to my name trying to by my daughter a Christmas gift. I was no longer able to keep my apartment and I had to move back to my mom’s house. The transition really took a toll on me physically and mentally; but I didn’t give up! I did free photoshoots for people so I could have content to post on social media. I took photography gigs for whatever budget the client had and I repeated this cycle until I was able to finally charge prices based upon my work. One of the great things for me was being able to build relationships with vendors I worked with and they started referring me. Some of my friends referred me, and with content from those events/photoshoots (I did at whatever cost) I was able to post and attract new clients. There were times business was extremely slow and I wanted to give up. I promise you, when I was sitting in front of my computer crying because I didn’t know how I was going to pay my bills, I would get a phone call for someone who wanted to book me. God always reminded me, each time, to not give up. Still to this day when I’m like “Okay God, are you sure this is for me? It’s slow right now…” BOOM! He’s like “Here’s another client!”.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Hi, my name is Michaela and I am the Owner and Lead Photographer for M. by Michaela. Although we’re based in South Florida, Miami, we are fortunate enough to travel around the state(s) and country. To some people, I just might be a “Photographer”, but I like to think of myself as a “Business Owner” since I wear all the hats to keep my business running from editing, marketing, customer service, to consultations and more.
I want to say I’m known for Maternity Sessions. I don’t think this was something I planned to specialize in since I have a very versatile portfolio but Maternity Sessions make up a little more than half of my projects. It feels like a blessing just to be able to capture Pregnant Women in such a vulnerable, beautiful moment. I love Weddings, Events, and Kids but I’ve been tapping into more lifestyle shots for influencers lately. My ability to take different types of photos and still be consistent in my look is one thing I’m most proud of and what also sets me apart from others.
I’ve been complimented on my editing style, which I love and have made my own; I like my photos as natural and vibrant as possible. I want the picture to look like how you saw the scenery in real life, with your naked eye! I’m proud of being able to take photos of dark-skinned people; lighter skin can be easier to capture in different lighting situations so I take pride in my ability to photograph melanin skin tones (and keep them their color after editing). I absolutely love photography and my clients and with all these things combined, I think this is what sets me apart.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up was a little bit challenging for me because I lost my brother at a young age, so it’s like a part of me left losing him. I was very reserved and distant. The stories that I’ve heard about myself was that I was shy and quiet and super smart. I remember loving to perform, always being part of the talent shows in school. I cried for everything; I cried when I was happy and when I was sad. I was the only child so I did a lot of things by myself and one thing I remember is always being in love with nature.
Pricing:
- Weddings Starting at $1500
- Photoshoots Starting at $150
- Events Starting at $200
Contact Info:
- Website: www.MbyMichaela.com
- Email: mbymichaela@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/by_michaela
- Facebook: facebook.com/mbymichaela
Image Credit:
M. by Michaela
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