About Me

2023 update: Over the past 5 or 6 years, my photography has been honed into becoming an extraordinarily versatile content creator. Creative with a reputation that delivers, Fortune 500 companies reach out to me on a regular basis to get photos and video they can use for their social media marketing efforts with fast turnaround times. When I'm not doing that kind of work, I dive into lifestyle and boudoir genres, seeking creative passion projects to push my skills without the normal corporate restraints.

I seek to capture a moment in time - a feeling, a look, a memory. I love how slightly changing composition or shutter speed can completely change the feel of a photo.

The photography style I aim for is simple and direct presentation, with only minor color corrections and lens profile fixes. Occasionally, a healspot on a pesky temporary mark, but never removing or "fixing" the nuances and imperfections on a person. What is seen through the camera viewfinder should be reflective of the end result on the screen or print.

The photos taken of you should capture your genuine emotions and micro expressions. The details of your background and surrounds are carefully considered, while the photo itself feels whimsical and spontaneous.

I used to spend hours looking through Ansel Adams photographs, enthralled by their beauty and studying how they were composed. I want to recreate that kind of beauty, whether it is a landscape, a promotional photo, or a split-second memory from a special day.

I want my subjects to have as much fun as I do when I am taking their photos. I come to all shoots ready to work, with a list of possible shot ideas based on what the model or organization wants to accomplish.

I love shooting people - each person is different, and capturing emotion and energy in visual form is always a fun, exciting challenge. I strive to highlight the unique characteristics and personality of each person. I am currently seeking models who love experimenting and finding new ways to express themselves.

Shooting professionally since 2004, my portfolio is full of variety. These are some general types of shoots I regularly work on:

- Travel publications and agencies
- Lifestyle promotion
- Food for local restaurants on an international scale
- Product photography
- Events
- Photojournalism

These are some of the corporate clients I've worked with:

Pepsi
Campbell's
Toro
McDonald's Corporation
Nebraska Economic Development
Lobos 1707 Tequila
BevMo!
La Crema Wine
PRESS Seltzer
Raleys Grocery
Zatarain's Sausage
Carl's Jr
DiGiorno Pizza
Herradura Tequila
Farmer Boys Restaurant
Slime
Waterloo
Bushmills
Autotrader
Alka Seltzer
Screamin Sicilian Pizza
Shark Vaccums
FitVine Wine
Contadina Foods
Morton's Restaurants
Miracle-Gro
Rockport Shoes


To see more samples of my lifestyle work, visit my Instagram - @themklibrary. I do all my own retouching and post-session photo processing.

To view boudoir photography examples, visit my other site: https://f-64.com

Let's work together! I am using this profile/site as a creative outlet to take photos with spectacular people in unique locations or unusual situations.

Lifestyle models: I do a lot of quick turnaround work and often could use a second person to pose with. If you live near midtown Sacramento and are interested in branded lifestyle work on a very fast and loose basis, reach out.

Credit Notes

"Michael is one of my favorites to work with. Not only is he trustworthy and reliable, he is an absolute delight to enlist for brainstorming sessions and creative projects. We have collaborated together on a number of campaigns over the years, across a number of verticals and industry categories, and I am always impressed by how well he listens to client needs and how eager he is to go above and beyond to delight our brand partners. His name is often brought up in wrap-up phone calls as someone who truly captures the essence. 100% very highly recommend!"
-Lifestyle Agency

Michael is a phenomenal, comforting, and exceptionally well photographer. Having worked with many photographers, his skills, eyes, and guidance are unmatchable. He gives great guidance on postures, and positions, while still being able to capture a natural shot. He has excellent locations for natural, outdoor photos, and also has an eye to capture Kodak photo moments. As someone who has been camera shy for years, he creates a comfortable atmosphere, for boudoir photos, and group photos. Hands down, Micheal is the only photographer who has captured all beautiful aspects of my life, and many others."
-Natalie

Amanda Oldham, promo model - "Thank you so much ... I would definitely recommend you to other models."
Model #3128006 Madam Goregasm
Model #2911876 Megan Kitto - "They are amazing! Thank you so much! You did a beautiful job!"
Model #1980577 Lilith Grey - "Lovin this!"

ADULT., band - "Thank you that is a great photo!"

"Mike was extremely pleasant to work with. He immediately was able to put me at ease, even though it was only my second or third shoot. Mike was able to direct me without creating too much demand, and was very personable the entire time. The photos he shot are to be used for a marketing campaign for my professional career, and I am very happy with the results of my session with Mike. I would definitely recommend him and look forward to working with him in the future."
-Uxia

Winston, musician - "Cannot thank you enough for the great shots !!!!!"

Scott, musician - "A fantastic photo-artist."