Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Castillo.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I was in 6th grade, I bought my first 36mm camera with prize money I earned selling magazines for a school fundraiser. I fell in love with portrait photography and always had a camera in my hand, but didn’t think it would ever become a career. I went to college, earned my Masters degree in Public Administration and worked in Higher education for well over a decade. In 2012, I left my job in higher education to be home more with my then One and Half year old son and in my free time began immersing myself in photography workshops, editing education and anything that I could get my hands on while he was napping. I decided to open my photography business, Michelle Lee Photography, LLC out of my home in September of 2012. I had my second son in 2013 and although it was very challenging, photography gave me the flexibility to be at home for the boys and work to build my clientele at the same time. A few years later, I opened my first small studio and continued to grow from there moving into a larger studio a few years later. In the last few years, I have relocated to be nearer to my aging parents and have opened a new studio in a new town. In some ways it feels like starting all over, so that is challenging, but it’s also exciting meeting new people and seeing where the Lord is taking me on this new journey.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Starting over in a new community has been one of my biggest challenges. The photography industry is highly competitive, with many talented photographers who have been established in this area for years. At the same time the industry is changing rapidly with the advances in AI, phone cameras and expectation that business stay relevant in a digital world.
Another challenge has been rebuilding my client base after relocating my studio. I spent years developing relationships and building a reputation in my previous community and moving meant starting that process again. While that has been difficult, it has also pushed me to think differently about my business, my value and what truly sets me apart.
Social media is both a blessing and a challenge. It provides a great platform to showcase my work and connect with potential clients but it can also be overwhelming and at times very discouraging. I have learned that I cannot control the noise or opinions of others; I can only control the quality of my work, the experience I provide my clients and the way I choose to show up.
Overall, these challenges have strengthened my faith and my determination to keep moving forward. I focus less on competing on price and more on creating meaningful relationships, providing a great experience and offering professional artwork that families can enjoy for generations. Overall, I believe there is still tremendous value in photography when we focus on what a camera (or phone) cannot replace: connection, experience and preserving the stories of people we love.
As you know, we’re big fans of Michelle Lee Photography. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
MLP is known for documenting people through all of life’s seasons-newborns, milestones, seniors, headshots, sports and even some weddings. I think what sets me apart in this business is the relationship that I build with my clients. I want to know the people behind the photographs and create an experience where they feel relaxed and comfortable in my studio and in front of the lens. Nothing makes me happier that seeing a client that I photographed as a High School Senior, get married and come back to me to photograph their baby. I also strongly believe that photographs are meant to be more than files sitting on a phone or computer so I offer beautiful archival quality prints and products that are designed to last for decades. Photographs are really meant to become family history and I’m here to help preserve those memories in time.
What are your plans for the future?
My current studio is a fairly large space and I’m excited for what the future might hold. My goal is to continue growing Michelle Lee Photography, building relationships and expanding into an event and community space. I would love the space to become a place where families, local businesses or church groups can gather for fellowship, baby showers, meetings, workshops and other events. I see it become a community space where people can connect, celebrate important moments and create memories while also creating opportunities to incorporate photography and creative experiences.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.michelleleephotographyaz.com
- Instagram: @michelleleephotographyaz
