let’s get photos that are
sooooo totally you!
stress-free photo sessions that’ll have you feeling like the badass you are
photo sessions available:
in Bend, Oregon
scroll down for details
BUSINESS/BRANDING PHOTOS
03
slots available
SOLO PORTRAIT SESSION
03
slots available
BADASS MINIS
05
slots available
but first…
are we a good fit?
FULL DISCLOSURE: I don’t want to work with just ANYONE who will pay me. Instead, I’ll be saying an emphatic YES to people who feel like they are “my” kind of people!
Because in order for me to give you my best, and get the BEST out of YOU, I need to make sure that our hearts are aligned.
What this looks/feels like:
You support diversity, LGBTQIA+ equality, trans rights, etc.
You believe in women’s rights, empowerment, bodily autonomy, and equality.
You believe in freedom of speech, and the READING of books over banning them.
WHY THIS MATTERS:
In order to create in the way that I do, I need to be able to offer a SAFE SPACE where my clients can be their most vulnerable selves, and I cannot do that unless I feel safe as well.
You are not a MAGA/Trump supporter.
I’m Michelle Simmons,
(she/her)
your feel-good photographer extraordinaire
Formerly known as The Suitcase Studio, I ran my own photo biz for 15 years before burnout hit HARD & I had to give it up for my own good.
But now that I’m in a muuuuch better mindset, I MISS making magic with people in front of the camera!
Former accolades, if you care: I had an article featured in CLICK Magazine about my self-esteem-building photo sessions for tweens & teens, and was voted one of the HOT 100 Senior Photographers by Senior Style Guide. My biz/branding photos have been seen in magazines, on billboards, and even on The Today Show. And everyone who’s ever stepped in front of my camera has said it was much more FUN than they’d ever imagined.
Utilizing my background in psychology, I work hard so you don’t have to! I’ll make it an uplifting, stress-free photo experience, so not only will you walk away with photos that you actually LIKE, but will make you FEEL GOOD about yourself!
full transparency:
I’m NOT returning to photography full-time, but am opening up just a few photo slots as an EXPERIMENT of sorts.
I’ve been chasing after what makes me HAPPY & brings me JOY, while honoring my body’s physical, emotional, and mental needs. And right now, everything inside of me is saying LET’S DOOOOO THIS!
Will I open up MORE photo session slots in the future?
I honestly don’t know.
So if you’ve been wanting to step in front of my camera for awhile now, and are in an okay $$ place to do so, NOW might be the perfect time.
still with me?
check out the photo sesh details:
option 1:
business & branding photoshoot
Get photos that serve a purpose & stretch your marketing dollars, while still feeling 100% YOU.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
in-depth questionnaire so I can get to know your brand & where you wanna take things
tips on what to wear/bring as props, and tips on coordinating “models” if needed
customized shot-list creation, based on where/how you plan to use your photos
up to 2-hour photoshoot in the location(s) of your choice
only 3 spots available
50+ digital images, lightly edited in my signature style
$350
(payment plans available)
NOTE: These sessions are reserved for super-small businesses that are women/minority owned
option 2:
individual
portrait session
PERFECT for getting high school senior photos, updated headshots, or just treating yourSELF to a powerful, self-expressive experience.
HOW IT’S GONNA WORK:
tips on what to wear & bring as props
in-depth questionnaire so I can get to know you and YOUR vision for the photos
1-hour photoshoot in the location of your choice
only 3 spots available
30+ digital images, lightly edited in my signature style
$250
(payment plans available)
NOTE: These sessions are intentionally priced much lower than my prior rates in order to provide easier access to those who really need/want them.
option 3:
BADASS
group minis
Picture THIS: you + me and a handful of other badass bitches, all CHEERING EACH OTHER THE F- ON as you strut your stuff, step into your POWER, and keep the photos as PROOF that you are an INCREDIBLE being.
The photoshoot will be scheduled for a specific date, time, and location of my choosing (TBD), and will last for approximately 3 hours total
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
each person will get about 5 rounds in front of the camera (about 25-30 minutes total)
which means you can have up to 5 outfit changes (a pop-up changing tent will be available)
only 5 spots available
and you’ll get 20+ digital images, lightly edited in my signature style
$150
NOTE: Feeling nervous in front of the camera is tooooootally normal. And part of my reason for doing this photoshoot AS a group is so you can SEE how it’s not just you feeling this way. We’ll all be cheering each other on & fixing each other’s crowns & gowns as we go. Collaboration over competition, forever and ever.
what they’ve said…
“Michelle is an incredible photographer. Meaning, if you are at all nervous about having your picture taken… you can breathe a huge sigh of relief. Michelle does an amazing job bringing out your inner model!! You will be seriously happy when you see yourself in these photos.”
"I love how she would play music based on how you wanted the photos to come out, and that she let me pick the music. I appreciated how she let me decide where I wanted to have the pictures taken and that she kept things very personal, just between me and her. I felt very comfortable and I was able to be myself."
“She truly captures the true “me” in the photos. I have a very branded business and she understands how to capture it the best. I definitely recommend Michelle for anyone who wants to LOVE their pictures. The hardest part is picking the best shot because there are so many!”
