Growing up on the beautiful Central Coast of California, I had early aspirations of being the next Ansel Adams but soon realized that while I like a good nature shot, what I really love is interacting with people and capturing images that make them realize just how beautiful they really are. I knew from an early age that people photography was all I wanted to do.
After high school I moved off to San Luis Obispo to go to Cal Poly to study Marketing and lucked into a job at the local paper as a photographer and eventual assistant editor. The paper taught me how to tell a story in my photos without becoming part of the story. However, by far the best part of my college years was when I met my beautiful wife Stephanie; how I managed that one I still can’t figure out! She’s the love of my life and I’m so lucky to have her. Stephanie got her first job out of school near Santa Barbara which was all the excuse I needed to pursue a Masters degree from Brooks Institute of Photography allowing me to really focus on my photography career.
While at Brooks studying commercial photography, Stephanie and I married in a gorgeous vineyard in St. Helena. Everyone says “you must have had an awesome photographer” uh, not so much! But the seed that is my passion for wedding photography was planted. I realized that I could combine all my favorite aspects of photography, be it people photography, photojournalism, fashion and even nature, to have the time of my life and put a big smile on people’s faces. Along the way I get to make new friends every week and share in a couple’s most amazing day. 10 years later I have an amazing wife, 2 great kids (Caiden and Kyla), live in paradise and wake with a smile on my face the morning of every wedding! How many people can truly say that they can’t wait for their 12+ hour work day?!
To sum myself up: I have a passion for nature, playing with my kids, riding mountain bikes and taking silly picture of my friends acting like kids. I don’t take myself too seriously, I love my friends and I love that I get to spend my life with people in love.
Drop me a line, I’d love to hear about your plans for your wedding day.
Colin Michael
2422 Parkland Terrace
San Luis Obispo, CA
93401
If you’re looking for the real dirt, check my facebook page. Be warned; there’s no filters on what gets posted to Facebook!
Special thanks go to:
My high school guidance councilor: For telling me I would never amount to anything; thanks “Mr. Hand!”
My crazy friends: Thanks for showing me that being myself is it’s own reward
Stephanie: Thanks for supporting me when I decided steady paychecks just aren’t my thing
And a special thanks to bridesmaids and groomsmen who keep things interesting!
