Meet Michelle | Professional Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, Let’s talk about principles and values – what matters to you most?
Definitely, communication. When I started professionally taking pictures, I always had the needs of the clients in mind. My vision was, and has always been, to preserve lasting memories. With that said, I make sure to give my clients their own unique experience. An immersive experience that is customized to that person’s vision for his or her family and their own unique lives. Active and open communication is the key to capturing the essence of each client’s experience. I want all of my clients to look back 10 years from now and relive these memories with smiles on their faces and love in their hearts.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Customer service is my top priority. First and foremost, One Olive Photography is a small business. From a customer perspective, that is an ideal situation because each customer is my singular focus when we’re together in a session. You won’t get a “turn and burn” experience with me, because I know that my clients and my supporters are the heart and soul of my business. My goal isn’t quantity, it’s quality, and I strive with every shoot to deliver that promise.

I’ve definitely had, and continue to experience, challenges, but that’s fairly common with every business. It’s really more important to work hard to get through those challenges and learn from them, while keeping my focus on the needs of the client. Challenges become lessons, sometimes easily-learned, sometimes not so easy. With each challenge, I become a better photographer, a better business owner, and a better person.

As I have stated on www.oneolivephotography.com: “One Olive Photography believes that images are inherently part of the human experience; they are foundational to the way we remember, capture, and express our thoughts, emotions, and the ever evolving continuum.

As a boutique photography service, we are able to provide customized attention, tailored to our clients and their photo shoots. We pride ourselves on the intimate working relationship we develop and maintain with our clients, and believe that collectively, we can frame wonderful moments.”

Whatever your needs include (ie: Real Estate photography, Headshots, Branding, Family, Kids, Maternity, Engagement, or Boudoir), One Olive Photography is here to meet your needs with the personal touch and respect that you deserve.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would probably alternate each morning in the North Spring/Woodlands area between a quick bite, along with a fantastic coffee option, at Lovebeans or Levure, and sitting down to a luxurious, decadent breakfast at Craft Grille or brunch at Hugo’s on Westheimer. Any of the local taquerias’ breakfast tacos would be a wonderful way to start your day, as well.

The daytime attractions would probably be the heart of my day, as most of my friends and I have little guys and gals. A trip to NASA is a must for a family visiting the Houston area, but don’t forget about the other opportunities to nourish the mind after the body, such as the Museum of Natural Science (featuring the most complete triceratops in the world), the Children’s Museum, or the Butterfly Garden.

Not everyday can be spent indoors, however, when you have the weather that the Houston area typically boasts. I am partial to visiting one of the many Woodlands water parks, or even just the neighborhood pool, which, to most, is like entering a resort. If, after breakfast, we are more adventurous, we may rent a boat on Lake Conroe, or make a small trek to Galveston Beach to enjoy the water and the Island.

Lunch and Dinner would almost certainly be dominated by the many amazing Barbecue options (such as Corkscrew in Spring, or Texas Chocolate and Barbecue in Tomball), or the indigenous TexMex that can be found on any corner. We tend to end up at 
Bigotes for street tacos or Mi Ranchero for fajitas and queso.

Our favorite family evenings out typically involve sports, such as an Astros game at Minute Maid Park or a Skeeters game down in Sugarland. We also love any of the performances at the outdoor Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, and can be found lounging around the outdoor play areas near Crust Pizza or one of the new food trucks parks.

A sweet finish to your day is must! We love Jordan’s Sweet Shoppe in Creekside, but if you want to do it right, visit Chocolate Zeina or the Chocolate Bar in Houston. While is a little bit of a drive for dessert, it is totally worth it!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My friends and family are my rock. They have been my biggest support system since day one, and they continue to be my cheerleaders in everything I do. This was a big decision to take the leap and create my own business that requires a full-time owner/operator. Without their support and encouragement, it would never have happened.

I have 2 mentors upon whose experience and expertise I have leaned MANY times throughout my journey. I have learned so much from these wonderful human beings, and I continue my education every time we get together.

Algy and Jenny, I can’t possibly thank you enough for all that you have done for me, personally and professionally

I also need to thank my good friend Isabel for taking the photo of me that I’m submitting.

Website: oneolivephotography.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/oneolivephoto Instagram.com/oneoliveboudoir

Facebook: Facebook.com/oneolivephoto