January 8, 2017

Meet Michelle Ingolfsson

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Ingolfsson.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Michelle. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Collecting memories via photographs was engrained in me since I had a hold of my first camera. I also took photos but it was simply collecting memories and never about the art behind it. But it wasn’t until after college when I was gifted with my first DSLR was when I realized a passion for photography. Like with anything you pick up if you get serious about it, you realize there is much much more than seeing a subject and pressing the button. I began to take classes and finding mentors in the industry and that is when I connected with my first mentor who introduced me to wedding photography. I started to come on to gigs with him and learning to use my camera to tell a story. I was hooked at that point. I wanted to find more weddings, people, anything I can capture so I can tell their unique story through the images. 9 years has passed and I have evolved both in business and in life. I found my husband (on match.com and had two kids and got married) Then that’s when I realized a new niche of which was centered around the “family” As of today, I still do weddings. It’s my first love and it’s something I don’t think I could let go but I have found a new love in lifestyle photography aka capturing of milestone life moments ( marriage + pregnancy + family) Now I balance my time with Family + Photography + Travel

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all! 🙂 Coming to my 9th year as a photographer I have seen my business reach highs and lows and even to a point where I thought of closing up shop for good. I have to say the biggest struggle for me was attempting to uphold my photography business and through pregnancy. I actually was diagnosed with a rare blood iron deficiency causing me to be bedridden and not being prepared or asking for help to run my business that where it hurt my business the most. But when you hit rock bottom the good thing is you can only go up. After much hard work and consistency, I was able to get my business back on my feet.

The second challenge is work/life balance. Being a mom of two, a wife, and running a full-time business from home it can get overwhelming and you sometimes not

Please tell us about The Darlene Photography.
I am the proud owner of The Darlene Photography. Over 9 years of professional photography experience under my belt and having a passion for capturing memories since my teens I am blessed that I get to pursue my passion as a professional photographer. I am a true believer of living life to its fullest with experiences and to capture those experience in it’s best light is what I hold most valuable in my own life and being able to give that to others gives me joy in every moment of it. My goal as the creative artist is to capture my client’s pristine essence and the emotions that surround them in that moment.

Nowadays anyone with a DSLR can become a photographer but what sets me apart is the client experience and how I tell your story. There is never that awkward pose or saying “cheese” in my sessions as I believe that is not capturing a true moment.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over. I would have established systems to make this automatic so I can focus more on the top important things in my business ( photography and client relations).

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