Why Choose a Professional Over DIY Business Portraits

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Photography by Michele

It’s been three years since I’ve had a new business portrait. After about 200 images this one is my favourite! Thanks to my friend Dave Swiecicki for creating this portrait and being so patient with me!

Key Benefits of a Professional Business Portrait:

  • Establish Instant Trust and Credibility: Research shows people form trust-based decisions within 100 milliseconds of seeing a face. A high-quality photo signals that you take your profession seriously and are a reliable expert.
  • Boost Engagement and Visibility: Profiles with professional headshots are 14 times more likely to be viewed on Social media than those without. They also receive significantly more connection requests and engagement.
  • Humanize Your Brand: Professional portraits put a “face to the name,” making your business more relatable and less like a “humanless” entity. This personal connection is critical for long-lasting client relationships.
  • Consistency Across Platforms: Using the same polished image on your website, LinkedIn, and email signature creates a cohesive brand identity that fosters recognition and trust.
  • Project Confidence and Professionalism: A skilled photographer uses lighting and posing to highlight your strengths, making you appear competent and approachable while minimizing awkwardness common in “DIY” photos.
  • Differentiate from Competitors: High-quality imagery helps you stand out in crowded markets, separating established professionals from those who might be seen as less serious or “side hustles”. 

Why “DIY” Portraits Often Fall Short

While smartphones have powerful cameras, professional portraits offer advantages that are difficult to replicate:

  • Expert Lighting and Composition: Professionals manage lighting to flatter your features and eliminate distracting backgrounds.
  • Professional Editing: Photographers provide high-end retouching that polishes the image while maintaining a natural, authentic look.
  • Posing Guidance: A pro will direct your posture and expression to find your “best angles,” helping you look your most confiden

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Sibling Portraits

Posted on February 24, 2026 by Photography by Michele

Getting a professional portrait with your siblings is a fantastic way to create memories that will last a lifetime. It’s a chance to capture your shared history, how you’ve grown together and the special connection you have. These professional sessions aren’t just photos; they’re real, genuine moments that you’ll treasure and pass down to your kids and grandkids.

Here are some key reasons to take a professional portrait with your siblings:

Tracking Your Journey: Siblings grow so quickly—from our early days, through those rebellious teenage years and into adulthood. A session can help you remember how you looked, acted and interacted at each stage.

A “Before it’s Too Late” Moment: Life can be a whirlwind, and as families expand and distances grow, it’s easy to miss the chance to capture everyone together. A professional photo gives you a lasting, top-notch memory of your connection.  

Gifts: Professional portraits are a wonderful and thoughtful way to show your love to parents and grandparents. 

Decor: A beautifully framed portrait can bring warmth and a personal touch to your home, reminding you of the love and support you share with your family.

A Fun Experience: A great photographer can really make the session enjoyable, taking the pressure off you to handle everything and making sure everyone has a blast. Even if you’re just trying to recreate those awkward family portraits!

Ready to book your sibling portrait? Give me a call to set it up!

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Awkward Family Portraits

Posted on December 29, 2025 by Photography by Michele

Have you ever seen those family portraits that are so hilariously awkward? They’re like a celebration of the imperfections of family life, and they’re so much fun! These photos are intentionally funny or just plain clumsy, capturing families in uncomfortable poses, bad fashion, strange settings, or with hilariously stiff expressions. They’re a way to laugh at nostalgic fashion, family dynamics, and the universal struggle to look good in posed photos. 

Re-creating the pose was a lot of fun, it took a little bit to figure out the pose, but I think we nailed it. This photo was a gift for their mom. But why stop there? We did a few more awkward poses!

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60th Wedding Anniversary!

Posted on November 18, 2025 by Photography by Michele

Ten years ago, I took photos of this couple and their family for their 50th anniversary. It was a joy to photograph their 60th and include everyone. To me, it feels like no time has passed, and they say it doesn’t feel like 60 years either.

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3rd time’s a charm

Posted on November 3, 2025 by Photography by Michele

I love it when past clients call me up for an update! This is my 3rd time photographing Kellie O’Rourke. Kellie required varies updated looks to use for social media, and web site. Kellie’s a Certified Executive Leadership Coach Creating a safe, confidential space. She’s an accomplished Executive Leadership Coach with an extensive healthcare career background as a hospital Chief Operating Officer, clinician, educator, leader and coach. Kellie thrives on supporting leaders through non directive coaching to reach their full potential.

Kellie invites you to join her for a complimentary discovery call to explore how a leadership coaching partnership can support you on your career and personal journey.

For more information click here

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Google Reviews

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Photography by Michele

I recently had the pleasure of photographing Stepan Bilynskyy, MD, MA (SDMP), MA (BIOETHICS)

Stepan is a Spiritual Health Practitioner at Grace Health Campus and a Clinical Instructor at U of M. However, on the day of his portrait, my equipment failed. My studio strobes wouldn’t sync, and no matter what I tried, my trusted flashes wouldn’t work. I had to make do with the flashes as an available light source. Stepan was so patient with me, as I was trying to figure out my lighting. He then left me such a heart warming review that made my day.

“I needed a professional portrait for business purposes and found Photography by Michele online, hoping for high-quality photos. The experience surpassed my expectations: Michele was prompt and punctual in our communication, appeared to be a great reflective listener, and showed a wonderful demeanour. Her studio, which embodies the spirit of old Winnipeg, left a strong impression on me. I loved not just the final photos but also the process of working with Michele, including her artistic style, lighting, composition, colour palette of the backgrounds, and the emotions captured. The final photos exceeded my expectations, and I have already received positive feedback from my friends worldwide on social media. If you are looking for a high-quality, reasonably priced portrait in Winnipeg, I recommend Photography by Michele. You won’t be disappointed!” Stepan

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Sept 1 1990 – Sept 1 2025

Posted on September 1, 2025 by Photography by Michele

Sept 1 marks a truly special milestone – 35 years of capturing the world though my lens. This journey isn’t just about photographs. My lifelong passion is a labor of love, and a dedication that has inspired countless others along the way.

What makes this anniversary even more meaningful is the timing – Coinciding with my brothers birthday and Labor Day. These dates symbolize family, hard work, and the beautiful moments that bring us together, much like the photographs I preserve.

Over the decades, I have turned a simple act into an art form – freezing moments in time. Telling stories behind every shot, and sharing my perspective with the world. Even after all these years, my commitment and passion continue to shine. The years I have ahead will bring even more inspiration, joy, and stunning images.

As I celebrate 35 years of Photography by Michele, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all of my past clients. Your trust, support, and confidence in my work have been the cornerstone of this incredible journey. Without you, reaching this milestone wouldn’t have been possible.

Thank you for allowing me to be part of your special moments and for helping me turn my passion into a fulfilling career. I look forward to creating more memories with you in the years to come!

With sincere appreciation,

Michele

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First Professional Portrait

Posted on June 3, 2025 by Photography by Michele

It was lovely to photograph this young lady, who had never had a professional portrait taken before. She wanted something timeless and classic. Siera brought three different dress’s, and I was able to offer different looks for everyone of them. We had so much fun creating some traditional elegant images for her.

Siera was also kind enough to leave me a 5* google review, which I’m truly grateful.

I had a wonderful experience having my first photoshoot here, there were so many pictures to choose from and my final pictures turned out amazing and I’m getting compliments on them. I will be getting photographed here again! Thank you so much Michele! I’m a client, a happy customer!

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Family Portraits

Posted on January 28, 2025 by Photography by Michele

It was such a pleasure to photograph this lovely family in the studio. The parents were celebrating a 40th wedding anniversary, often referred to as the “ruby anniversary,” is a significant milestone, and capturing this moment through portraits created lasting memories for them.

It was so nice to receive a 5* google review

“Our family experience with Michele was extremely positive. She demonstrates total professionalism in obtaining a wonderful portrait of our family in a well laid out and relaxed setting. We will enjoy our family portrait for years to come”.

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Capturing Family Moments: Newborn Portraits

Posted on November 1, 2024 by Photography by Michele

It was my pleasure to photograph this young family and their new addition to the family. This has to be my favourite pose for a baby under 14 days old. The side view being held by dad in b/w is classic. Babies grow and change rapidly, and portraits capture those precious early moments, preserving memories for years to come. Whether it’s a formal photoshoot or candid snapshots, baby portraits are a great way to celebrate the beauty and innocence of early childhood.

A family portrait when welcoming a new baby can be meaningful for several reasons:

  1. Capturing a New Chapter: A family portrait marks the beginning of a new phase in your family’s life. It captures the joy and excitement of welcoming a new member.
  2. Creating Lasting Memories: Photographs serve as timeless keepsakes that you can look back on as your child grows. They help preserve memories of this special time in your family’s journey.
  3. Strengthening Bonds: Taking a family portrait can be a bonding experience. It encourages family members to come together, share laughs, and create a collective memory.
  4. Celebrating Growth: Families change over time. A portrait with your new baby highlights your family’s growth and evolution, showcasing your unique story.
  5. Tradition: Many families establish a tradition of annual or milestone portraits. Including your new baby in the first family portrait can set the tone for future traditions.
  6. Sharing with Loved Ones: Family portraits can be shared with relatives and friends, helping to announce the arrival of the new baby and share your joy.
  7. Professional Documentation: A professional photographer can capture emotions and moments beautifully, creating works of art that can be displayed in your home.

Overall, a family portrait not only celebrates the arrival of a new baby but also encapsulates the love and dynamics of your family at that moment in time.

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