Filmmaker, Photographer & Stylist
With 15 years of experience in both film and photography, my career has been dedicated to telling stories through visual media. I hope to create work that is suggestive of full and intentional living, and that leaves viewers endeared to those on screen. Images of movement, inspired places, delicious food, authentic emotions, vulnerability, of beautifully designed objects.
For the better part of 7 years, I honed my craft as a Filmmaker at Belief Agency in Seattle. In this position, I alternated between Director and DP on set, while also serving as Editor in post. Our focus was primarily on short branded documentaries, so I was extensively trained under the mentorship of Brian McDonald, author of Invisible Ink. Throughout my time at the agency, I was involved in all aspects of production - developing scripts, producing, running pre-interviews, casting talent and hiring crew, purchasing props, managing gear and digital assets - giving me a rounded skillset.
Prior to my time at Belief, I freelanced in commercial film and television, working in a variety of roles from AC to DIT but also spent a substantial amount of time in the Art & Wardrobe Departments working as Production Designer, Set Decorator, Wardrobe Stylist, and On-Set Costumer. Additionally, I spent 2 years as a Studio Manager and Photographer at a photo studio, where I captured product, portrait, real estate, and event photos.
While my emphasis has been behind the camera, my career has shaped me to be highly adaptable and able to jump in nearly anywhere that is needed in productions.
I’m currently on a full-time contract building out a studio and crew in Seattle for weekly food content.
Words from Colleagues & Clients
“As a Director I have been working with Michelle for years.
I will note two things that make her a valuable asset and a rare find: First, she is meticulously driven in her craft. Michelle has one of the strongest work ethics I have seen. Not only is she willing and desires to learn, but she actually puts in the hours of study. She has worked along side me on the majority of my projects, and her camera and DP eye can be found throughout my most prized films to date.
Secondly, she is a joy to work with. Always upbeat yet professional, always optimistic but never idealistic.”
- David Faddis, Director & Cinematographer
www.davidfaddis.com
“I've known Michelle for 10+ years on a personal level and also professionally for six. She is by far one of the most inspiring humans I've ever met.
Not only is she kind, loving, graceful and tenderhearted, but she's one of the most talented, creative, driven women I know. I've hired her multiple times to travel with me to Kauai and Bali to document retreats that I host. I choose Michelle every time for her ability to capture the essence of what I do and the women who gather. She sees what others don't and makes magic out of it.
This world needs more storytellers that appreciate beauty in all its forms, the depths of the human spirit and the importance of not feeling alone. Michelle is that person. She is raw, real and vulnerable with everyone she meets because she believes in the power it holds. She has an incredible ability to feel and the talent and skill to be able to create art that heals, I believe that with all of my heart.
I recommend her with every fiber of my being.”
-Janette Casolary, Photographer & Retreat Host
www.janettecasolary.com
“As her supervisor during her time at Belief, I had the pleasure of working closely with Michelle on a wide range of projects and clients, and I can confidently attest to her exceptional talent, dedication, and expertise in the film and photo industry…
As a director, she is adept at developing the story and creative vision, collaborating with cross-functional teams both inside and outside the agency. A skilled interviewer, she is able to connect with the talent and be empathetic to their needs, while also being empathetic to the crew’s needs and leading the set with confidence…
Michelle is an incredibly creative and passionate storyteller. She has a strong understanding of story structure and commitment to continuing education in her craft. Throughout her time at Belief, she consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, reliability, and teamwork. She is one of the most dedicated, hardest-working people I’ve ever met. She is also incredibly kind and supportive. She would consistently go out of her way to mentor others, and find new ways to improve our processes and workflows. Michelle cares deeply about the work she does, and the people she works with. She gives every project her all, and working with her has absolutely been one of the highlights of my career.”
-Hannah Lofgren, Producer / Director of Production
