Filmmaker, Photographer & Stylist
With 20 years of experience in film and photography, my work centers on honesty, human connection, and emotional resonance. I’m drawn to stories that feel lived in - quiet human moments, rituals of creativity, and expressions of personal agency - all shaped by light, rhythm, and visual lushness.
Over the years, my path has moved from behind the camera into creative leadership. I’ve directed branded documentaries, styled visual campaigns, and most recently built and led an in-house content studio - overseeing production teams, creative direction, and post workflows from the ground up.
Collaboration is central to how I work - whether concepting a shoot, shaping the look of a frame, or translating brand goals into mood-driven visuals. My background spans food, wellness, and arts-driven brands, with projects ranging from social ads to brand films.
Before that, I spent six years as a filmmaker with Belief Agency in Seattle. There, I deepened my approach to narrative, supported script development, and alternated between roles as DP, director, and editor.
I'm especially interested in work that carries emotional weight - stories that foster empathy, celebrate craft, and build imaginative worlds people want to step into.
Seattle-based and currently freelancing, I’m always open to new collaborations with thoughtful brands and people-first teams.
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, Director of Production
