I'm a queer wedding and portrait photographer based in Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood. I make work that's honest and beautiful, and focus on keeping my clients feeling comfortable and relaxed when I'm around. The way I see it, the most important thing about being a wedding photographer is remembering why you’re there — to document something meaningful. Whether we’re in a backyard or a fancy hotel, your wedding day is about you and I’m lucky to be there.
How do you approach weddings?
One of the most important things to remember as a wedding photographer is that everyone’s celebration is unique to them and they just need to be seen and heard. We’re all humans trying to create meaningful experiences that work for us and make us happy. I wish this didn’t seem like a unique viewpoint, but the reality is that the wedding industry can be a bit of a production line. There are a lot of expectations about what you’ll do and what you’ll wear and what you’ll eat. You won’t find that from me. I respect my clients and who they are, because I know that’s what matters.
This might seem corny, but my approach to business comes from caring. I care so much about the quality of my work and my relationships with clients, and that informs my approach. I want clients to, above all, have a good experience working with me, and that’s how I’m able to capture something really special about them. I think that focus is what makes me good at what I do. I don’t show up to a wedding thinking “what can I do today to create art for me.” I am always thinking about how I can create art that is specific to the folks who’ve invited me in.
What are some traits of your ideal clients?
My ideal client wants a wedding that’s full of personal touches and meaning specific to them. They don’t care as much about the traditions that don’t work for them, and focus instead on creating something fun and beautiful. My ideal client is a queer person or an ally, and they don’t think weddings are just for the thin, cis, straight, and white. My ideal client thinks gorgeous photos are important, and they want a document of their day rather than a Pinterest board of choreographed poses.
What are three of your favorite things?
In life? My wife, my kid, and my cat. In work? Light, texture, and my 105mm portrait lens.
What Past Clients Have To Say:
"Michelle's super power is her ability to capture the essence of someone — their passion, drive, and heart — and convey it to the world. I hear often "I LOVE your photos on your website!" and that is because of Michelle's keen eye to details, her professionalism, and intuitive ability to translate my vision into gorgeous photography. I always feel relaxed and powerful during our photo sessions and love every single image she captures."
—Rachel Estapa, More to Love®
MICHELLE SCHAPIRO
I’m a portrait photographer trying to make beautiful images of all kinds of people, doing what makes them happy. When I'm not working, I love to spend time with my wife and our kid, snuggle on the couch with a knitting project and my elderly cat, or hit the heavy bag at the gym. I love music and art, so I try to get out of the house every once in a while to see live music or an exhibit.
Category
Website
Location
Boston, Massachusetts
Price Range
US$2,000-$6,000
Travel Policy
I'm happy to travel wherever you need me. Travel fees apply anywhere outside of my two-hour radius, but I keep it fair and reasonable.
Elopement Policy
Invite me to your city hall wedding! Even the sneakiest elopement should have beautiful photos — coverage starts at $500.
