about me... a brand photographer in Bend, Oregon

Well HELLOOOOO, there!

After the past few months of craziness, I'm getting back to business as (un)usual, so I thought I'd reintroduce myself so you knew who I was and what to expect...

My name is Michelle Simmons and I'm the solopreneur behind The Suitcase Studio.... specializing in BRAND PHOTOS with a marketing mindset (and still offering FUN family photo sessions, too)!

And here's my TRUTH:

I'm not perfect. I'm not polished. But I'm REAL. And I'm really GOOD at what I do.

I started my business back in 2008 while still working a full-time office job. Not only had I always had a passion for photography, but I fell in love with the entire BUSINESS-side of it all, too. And then... my life took a turn.

After a divorce and much introspection, I moved from sunny SoCal up to Bend, Oregon... and I STILL think this was one of the best decisions of my life.

I got a part-time job working at a local marketing firm and even started taking on some social media clients of my own.

And within 2 years of having to start my photography business all over again in a brand new city + state, I was able to take things FULL-TIME as a photographer. (Hooray!)

Utilizing my PSYCHOLOGY DEGREE and experience in the DIGITAL MARKETING WORLD, I quickly became one of Bend, Oregon's go-to brand photographers.

And now I'm getting found nationwide and even globally. My work has been seen on local billboards, in The Source and Bend Magazine, and even on the Today Show.

My clients range from bloggers to chiropractors to totally hip hotels (and everything in-between), and now I'm also educating other businesses, brands and MY FELLOW PHOTOGRAPHERS on how to effectively incorporate personal branding into what they do.

And I can honestly say that I wake up each morning in freakin LOVE with my life, and ready to spread that joy.

On a personal note… I rediscovered the love of my life + we were married last year. (It’s an awesome story, if you ever have the time to hear it.) We might not have kids, but we’ve got an “eternal toddler” in the form of a lovable wienerdog named Jasper that keeps us constantly entertained. My happy place is paddling on my SUP at Sparks Lake. And even though I was never a fan of the stuff till moving to Bend, I’m now a bit of a BEER SNOB.

Want to work with me? Click here if you’re interested in getting new branding or social media photos for yourself.

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