Hidden Gems: Meet Skyler Coblentz of Skyler Michelle Photos

Today we’d like to introduce you to Skyler Coblentz.

Hi Skyler, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I first picked up a camera in 2017 as a freshman in high school. I took my first-ever photography class and immediately fell in love. Through high school, I continued taking photography classes and even joined the yearbook team. I won various classroom awards for my photos but only saw them as a hobby.

Fast-forward a couple of years, when I got accepted to Grand Canyon University, I also got a job at the school as an athletics photographer for the D1 sports. It still amazes me that I was able to get the job; I believe it was truly a God moment. I have been on the photographer team for the past two years and immensely enjoyed it.

Throughout this time, my closest family and friends kept encouraging me to start my own lifestyle photography business. However, I knew that athletics photography was not a long-term career I wanted for myself. I am not even majoring in photography! So, in September of 2022, I finally took the long-awaited leap into starting my own business. I learned right away that there is no such thing as starting when you’re ready. If you do that, you’ll never start!

I worked so incredibly hard to learn everything I could about running a photography business. I struggled and lost countless hours of sleep to learn how to be the best photographer for all my clients. Then, in October of that same year, I did my first wedding and learned more from those ten hours than I ever did from YouTube. The experience was everything. Following that wedding, I knew with more certainty than ever before that my place in the photo world was with weddings. Still, I also knew I needed to build my photography experience and credibility. So, for the last eight months, I have photographed everything I possibly could, from families to senior portraits.

At the start of February 2023, I knew I could do this forever. I wanted to go all in with wedding photography, and the best way to put all my energy and time into it was by going full-time. It was not an easy decision whatsoever, and I am currently paying for my education as an Early Childhood Education major at Grand Canyon University. Still, I knew my talents lay with photography, so after tons of prayer, long talks with my fiancé, and phone calls with my mom, I decided to take time off of school and pursue my dream.

As I finish this last semester, I wait in anticipation for the moment I can put all my energy and focus into wedding photography. I have never felt so much peace in a decision that was so difficult.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all, but the best things in life are usually never easy. I learned the importance of a contract pretty early on. There was a mishap with a client that could have been completely avoided had I put a contract in place. Luckily the situation was diffused, but I will never forget those moments, and I will always have a contract to protect both my clients and me.

Another huge struggle was deciding to take time off of school. From a young age, I have always wanted to be a teacher, so it was only natural for me to major in Education at Grand Canyon University. When I realized that education may not be the path for me quite yet, choosing to step way out of my comfort zone was scary. However, the moment I officially decided to go full-time, I have never felt so at peace. It feels more right to pursue photography than to pursue education.

Another struggle that I am choosing to overcome each day is the fear of what other people think. Being a chronic people-pleaser makes running a business hard. It is what originally held me back from starting the business and going full-time. Having to consciously choose to believe every day that I cannot control what other people think and feel is not always easy, but it is always worth it. I have learned that it is possible to love others well without being consumed by what they think about me. I am choosing every day to accept that some people may not like me, and that’s okay!

As you know, we’re big fans of Skyler Michelle Photos. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
I am an Arizona Couples Photographer! I am based in Phoenix but love to travel. I love to freeze time and capture a couple’s memories so that they can always look back and smile.

I desire to be set apart from others through the experience of booking with me. Anyone can be a photographer, but it takes a special person to create memories. My ultimate goal and mission statement is to serve others well. As a Christian, I want to love God and love others. For me, that manifests in creating a positive and unforgettable experience for clients. I don’t want my sessions to just be about getting photos taken, but a date night with the one they love. Going above and beyond for others is my love language.

I would love readers to know that booking with me means booking memories. I always strive to make my sessions fun and memorable. For couples sessions, there is always music incorporated, so there are no awkward silences! I will have my couples doubled over with laughter at the result of a ridiculous-sounding posing prompt or mini-game I have them playing, but the photos I get as a result are so worth it, and the couples love those the most.

When it comes to weddings, I desire to have the bride and groom thinking of nothing other than the fact that they are marrying the one they love, and I am there to capture the love they have for each other. During the planning season, I strive the be available for all the questions they may have, even those that aren’t photography related! Booking with me goes beyond just the photos.

So maybe we end by discussing what matters most to you and why?
My faith and my family matter most to me. As a Christian, it is so important that I communicate how loved we all are and the sacrifice that Jesus died on the cross and was raised again three days later for us. I want my faith to shine through who I am and how I treat other people. As I navigated the world of owning a business, I learned firsthand how valuable it is to put God in the CEO seat. Everything I do is glorify Him and love others the way Jesus does.

My family is always so important to me. Without their encouragement and love, I would not be where I am today. I am so grateful to my fiancé that I get to marry in May and to my parents and grandparents who have supported me through everything I do.

Pricing:

• Couples session: Starting at $175
• Engagement session: Starting at $175
• Wedding: Starting at $500

Contact Info:

• Website: https://skylermichellephotos.mypixieset.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/skylermichellephotos/