All Things Silver Moon Photography – Getting to Know Us

Personal & Background- How I Got Here

1. Who is the photographer behind Silver Moon Photography? Ah, hi there, I’m Michelle, the owner and lead photographer of Silver Moon Photography. I’m 38 years young and photography is the only professional job I’ve ever had!

2. How did you get started in photography? My photography career started when I was in 9th grade, when I found my mom’s Canon AE-1, a 35mm film camera, collecting dust in a cabinet full of family photos. She walked me through the basics, giving me a general understanding of what ISO is and how shutter speed works, and got me a couple rolls of film. From there, I just started experimenting. Honestly, it made sense, because even before that I was always the group historian, constantly carrying around a disposable camera in my back pocket. I took art and photography classes throughout high school, and in college at FSU I focused on painting and photography, earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Studio Art. Right after graduating, I started working for Pix N’ Pages, a mom and pop dog show photography company based out of Orlando, Florida. In 2011, I started Silver Moon Custom Art & Photography, focusing on commissioned artwork and murals alongside photography services. Then in 2023, after moving to Asheville, North Carolina, I rebranded to Silver Moon Photography. My Florida business is still thriving as I expand into a new city, and I continue to offer commissioned artwork here and there on the side. Photography has pretty much been my entire life for 24 years!

3. What inspired you to focus on weddings, family, and coming-of-age photography? My main focus, the reason I do what I do, is to connect with people in a genuine way and build trusting relationships so my clients feel safe allowing me in. My goal is to preserve memories and keep them alive and thriving, even as our own begin to fade over time. That’s really what this is about… people. I thrive with people, and I find so much meaning in photography. Having printed photographs to remind you of someone you’ve lost, to look back on one of the most important days of your life, or to remember where you came from and how far you’ve come… Those are the parts of life that matter most to me. That’s why weddings, family sessions, and milestone moments feel so natural to focus on. They’re filled with emotion, connection, and meaning, and those are exactly the stories I’m drawn to capture.

4. Where are you based, and do you travel for sessions? Travel is my second love—right after photography! Growing up as the daughter of a 45-year flight attendant, I was born with an itch to see the world and capture its beauty. My business is based in both Tampa, Florida, and Asheville, North Carolina, but I’ve had the joy of photographing weddings and events in 14 U.S. states and even abroad. No distance is too far when it comes to creating meaningful images. Sessions within my home regions don’t carry travel fees, unless an overnight stay is necessary. For locations beyond these areas, any travel costs will be discussed upfront before booking.

5. How would you describe your photography style? Oh, my favorite part of photography is that I get to create a piece of ART through every image! I love capturing authentic, organic moments, but I also understand that being in front of the camera can feel intimidating. My approach blends candid moments with gentle, playful guidance so you feel comfortable, confident, and even have fun along the way. Many clients tell me that I make them feel at ease, even if they’re not usually fond of being photographed. When it comes to editing, I’m drawn to bold color, vibrant contrast, and imagery that feels full of life, with just a touch of dark and moody undertones to add depth and emotion.

6. What do you love most about capturing people and their stories? Every person’s story is unique, full of quirks and nuances, and I love getting a glimpse into their lives, even for just a short session or event. What I treasure most, though, is when I have the chance to work with clients over time and watch their stories evolve. For example, connecting with a young professional through a headshot session, then capturing their engagement and wedding, and eventually documenting their maternity and children… that’s where the magic truly happens. These moments turn clients into lifelong friends, and my role becomes more than photography, it’s about being part of their story.

7. How do you approach connecting with your clients during a session? It all starts with understanding your vision and goals. During a pre-session consultation, we’ll discuss what you need, why you’re hiring a photographer, and create a plan so we go into the session with clarity and purpose. At the start of the session, I’ll outline our flow and adjust as needed, ensuring we’re both on the same page. My priority is making you feel comfortable, because genuine, relaxed moments always make the best images. I’m naturally a people person, and chatting with clients helps break the ice and ease nerves. From the moment we start shooting, I gauge how much guidance each person needs—some clients thrive with a hands-on approach, others shine with a more relaxed style. My goal is simple: to create images you truly love. Toward the end, we’ll review the photos together, and if anything feels off, we’ll continue shooting until you feel confident and thrilled with the results.

8. Do you have any personal hobbies or interests that influence your photography? Fun fact: I’m also a yoga teacher (RYT 500), and that practice deeply influences how I work with clients. Yoga is all about tuning into your body and your energy, and that awareness translates directly to photography. If something feels off, maybe your child is having a rough day or life stresses are weighing on your mind, it can show in images. I work with clients to schedule sessions when it feels right, and I’m happy to reschedule if needed. Travel also shapes my perspective and creativity. Seeing new places, cultures, and ways of life inspires me to capture moments with curiosity, depth, and a sense of adventure, bringing that energy into everything I photograph.

9. What is your philosophy about capturing “real moments”? For me, capturing real moments is at the heart of photography. It’s about knowing when to step back and let an authentic moment unfold naturally, and when to guide a scene to create a beautifully composed, artful image. Sometimes these approaches coexist, and other times they are independent of one another. For example, a couple who has just shared their vows in an intimate, private moment—the true magic is in the quiet, uninterrupted intimacy. The lighting might not be perfect and the posing might be minimal, but that image will often become their favorite because it captures them at their most genuine and vulnerable. At the same time, there’s a place for direction, lighting, and creative techniques to craft stunning imagery. Often, within that guided framework, couples naturally fall into authentic, intimate moments. My goal is always to honor both the real and the artful, creating images that feel true, emotional, and timeless.

11. What types of sessions do you specialize in? I keep saying this, but I truly thrive with people! I have a knack for helping clients feel completely at ease, and posing and guiding is one of my specialties. This ability allows me to pour my passion into a variety of photography styles, which I absolutely love. For me, it all fits together like a perfect puzzle.I adore weddings and couples, which naturally leads into family portraits, including engagements and maternity. Family sessions often flow into coming-of-age events, and headshots are simply another approach to capturing portraits. My specialties are weddings, events, and portraits, and I love the thread of connection that these paths bring.

12. What makes Silver Moon Photography different from other photographers? What truly sets Silver Moon Photography apart is the emphasis I put on connection. As cliché as it may sound, I don’t just want clients—I want friends. I strive for a deeper connection so that the images we create together capture more than just surface-level moments. I want your personality, your joy, your love, and your story to truly shine through every photograph.I am a perfectionist when it comes to my craft. Every single image I create reflects the heart, care, and thought I put into my work. Photography for me is far more than a job—it’s my life. I’ve never done anything else. That means I don’t cut corners, I don’t simply “get the job done,” and I don’t settle for anything less than images that feel artful, genuine, and timeless.Every session, every photograph, every detail is intentional. I spend time crafting and editing each image so that it not only tells your story but also conveys the beauty, depth, and emotion of your life. This dedication ensures that when you view your images, you don’t just see pictures—you feel them.

13. Do you have a recent favorite memory from a project you photographed? Oh, of course, creating the series Radical Self-Acceptance and competing at Imaging USA 2026 to win the Natural Portrait category was absolutely mind-blowing! You can read more about that experience [here]. But something that happened at a recent wedding was just hilarious—and in all my years of photographing, I’ve never had anything like it! Picture this: an intimate resort wedding in Key Largo, about 50 guests seated on a dock at sunset, watching James and Karlie share their vows. Suddenly, James turns to his best man to retrieve the rings. I could immediately tell something was off, but the best man waved James’ hand away as if to say, “just move on.” Ha! There was some miscommunication, and I had to step in: “Ehhhum, did you forget the rings?” The best man went white-faced: “Uhh… yesss.” I replied, “They can’t do this without them—you need to run and get them now!” Luckily, since everyone was staying at the same resort, retrieving the rings was easy. As he ran off, James—definitely a loud-mouthed joker—couldn’t resist yelling after him. Crisis averted, the rings arrived, and the wedding went off without a hitch. But it was such a fun, memorable, hilarious moment that no one will ever forget. There’s even a video of the incident—haha! Check it out [here].

Client-Focused- How We Work

14. How do you help clients plan outfits, locations, or poses? Planning is a crucial part of the photographic process because images speak, they convey messages without words. The direction we take with photography can completely shape how that message is perceived. I usually have a general sense of a client’s needs from the initial inquiry, but we always follow up with a deeper conversation, either by phone, video, or in person for weddings and events if convenient. Meeting face-to-face, even virtually, allows us to establish a genuine connection and helps determine if we’ll be a good fit for one another. During this consultation, we discuss your specific goals and brainstorm ideas to bring them to life. Some clients arrive with a clear vision, while others need guidance to uncover their intuitive vision- I’m here to help with both. Once we’ve settled on a concept, we choose locations that best support your needs. Posing and direction then happen during the session, tailored to your preferences, comfort level, and any specific goals you’re working toward. This intentional planning ensures that what we create is thoughtful and aligned with the story you want to tell.

15. How long does it take to get my photos after a session? Delivery times can vary depending on the season and type of session or event:

• Portrait sessions: 2–3 weeks
• Events: 3–4 weeks
• Weddings: 8–12 weeks
• Sports and school orders: 6–8 weeks for prints, 2–3 days for digital images

We always aim to provide your images as efficiently as possible while ensuring each photo receives the attention and care it deserves. We’ll discuss the specifics of delivery during your consultation to give you a good idea of what to expect.

16. Do you offer guidance for families, couples, or large groups during shoots? Absolutely! This is one of the most common compliments I receive from clients at events and weddings. I’ll be honest… it drives me nuts to see group photos where all the men have their arms around each other with jackets wide open and bellies exposed. While we do plenty of casual, fun, and candid poses, posing is my specialty, and I take pride in guiding clients—especially large groups—so everyone looks their best. Family photos are some of the most important images of the day, and a little direction goes a long way. Most people aren’t sure what to do with their hands or how to stand naturally, and that’s exactly where I come in. 😊

17. How do you make milestone events or weddings feel stress-free during photography? Planning is key to a smooth, stress-free day. For events, we map out a timeline to ensure there is time for family and key portraits, coordinating with your planner if you have one or guiding you if you do not. Weddings get a deeper approach. After booking, we have an initial session to discuss your vision, then a second session about six months out to finalize your day’s timeline. I provide a detailed plan you can share with your planner, ensuring everything flows smoothly. A clear plan helps keep the day on schedule so you can truly enjoy it. As your photographer, the person with you from start to finish, I help make sure the timeline works for you, your guests, and your vision.

19. How do you balance your personal life with running Silver Moon Photography? Owning a business requires a tremendous amount of time, energy, and effort, so finding balance is definitely a challenge. Fortunately, I’m deeply passionate about what I do, which makes the “work” feel rewarding rather than a chore. That said, maintaining a personal life is essential. Burnout is real, and when we neglect our own well-being, it can affect every part of life. I make a conscious effort to carve out time for travel, hobbies, and quality moments with the people who matter most. Balance isn’t always easy, but actively prioritizing self-care and the things that bring joy helps me stay grounded, energized, and able to give my best to both my clients and my craft.

Let’s get to know each other!

Have more questions before scheduling a session or booking Silver Moon for an event? Shoot us an email and we’ll plan to chat!

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Tik Tok for more updates!