Rising Stars: Meet Michelle Wise

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Wise.  

Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I fell in love with photography when I was studying filmmaking at Lansing Community College in 1990-92. Photography was a prerequisite. I remember seeing the image appear on the paper in the darkroom, and I was hooked. I went on to study portrait photography at Great Lakes Institute of Photography, which is a part of the PPA, Professional Photographers of America. I also was active with the PPM (Michigan) and PPWM (West Michigan) group. I have owned Wise Photography portrait studio for 29 years. 

I started my practice of photography while working other jobs for income. I also volunteered for other photographers for more hands-on experience. Looking back, all of the “side jobs” prepared me for other skills, such as servanthood/ humility, dealing with difficult people or circumstances, multitasking & organization skills. All things that are needed to function as a photographer beyond the art form of posing, lighting, set design, etc. 

Once that foundation is a part of you, it is so much easier to pick up your camera and hone in on the creative moment at hand. When necessary, I spend a great deal of time just prepping mentally for my sessions. Sometimes I even have visions before I meet the client and envision the shots while I’m working. 

I see the world around me as a “personality” of shapes, colors, and textures. I see the sky, the lighting (or lack of), and objects around me as reflective aspects that I can use or allow light to bounce off of- to assist in the creation of an image. 

Lighting has an impact on the color and mood of the image. The lens choice and the distance to the subject is the next factor to consider in the creation. Finally, the background and content come into play as where to compose the shot- where to add the person if it’s a portrait. 

I use angles and posing for the most pleasing look of the client. There are so many opportunities for learning photography today, but practice and time behind the lens is the key to excellence. Having a challenging situation will help you grow as a photographer. Think of it as a mental exercise for strength in the mental arena. It will help you be immune to reacting to things when they go wrong and help you respond to it instead. 

I remember one occasion where I was able to get the right shot above all the dozens of other photographers with cameras competing for the same image. Once I was on a tour of Antelope Canyon in Arizona. I was attentively listening to the tour guide, and everyone was arguing to get the best position possible. The guide silently motioned to me a little area I could crouch down into and back into the crevice of the canyon wall, and it blocked everyone out of my shot. 

I love people, I love babies & puppies, and I love nature. I go through phases of focus and phases of interest. I like to break it up a little bit and explore. I have a faith-based section of my business called WiseArt. The images are reflections of my experiences with the Creator. In the darkest, most desperate times of my life, He’s my lighthouse and refuge in the storm. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The challenges I faced initially when I started the studio was that I wasn’t prepared for the volume of business. Also, I faced some heartbreaking moments in my personal life. There were many financial challenges with too much overhead in 2008 when the market started to shift. Adapting to digital processing was demanding on the time aspect. I think there was a time where I worked 70-80 hours/week. I regret missing out on birthday parties for my niece/nephew when they were growing up because I was always booked for the weekend. 

Looking back, these are the times where I grew the most. I was developing in the darkroom, so to speak. I treasure what I’ve learned and now treasure pulling back from the “busyness” and the demands and love my job scaled back to a good fun comfort level. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I absolutely love newborn photography. I’m best known for my work with senior graduates. 

What sets me apart from other photographers is that I am experienced, understand the foundations of the art as well as the most recent tools available, like AI interphases, to make for a smooth workflow, freeing up my creative time. I am not pressured by the “demands of business” like I have been in the past. I live a simple life and love the creative personality part of the Portrait/art. 

I am most proud of the WiseArt section of business, where I get to share personal reflections of what Christ has done through the gift of photography. 

The mission behind WiseArt is using the gift of Photography and the Light of God’s word to lift souls from darkness and restore hope to those who are struggling- Redirecting the path to “The Way,” which is Jesus Christ. Storms of life will happen. When they do, His Word is THE LAMP to our feet and THE LIGHT to our path. 

A created work is like a visual unspoken prophetic statement. My goal is to manifest the Kingdom and beauty of Heaven- bringing love and truth to change the atmosphere of a household. 

BREAKING BARRIERS 

Art can minister to the heart and the mind, bypassing the mental or spiritual wall of resistance. Art also can open avenues where a person or a preacher cannot go. 

It’s my heart’s desire to see souls come to know Jesus and overcome life’s battles and the enemy of our soul. 

Deuteronomy chapter 6 tells us to put God’s word as reminders in front of us at all times, even wearing His word on our person and writing on our walls. 

God also has promises for those who meditate on his word and keep it in front of them at all times. (Joshua 1:8) 

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs, or other resources you think our readers should check out?
For workflow & retouching, I love to watch PiXimperfect on youtube. Portrait Pro is an amazing program I use alongside of PhotoShop for retouching. AI techniques are amazing! 

My favorite Author for spiritual growth is Joyce Meyer. Also, I love Steven Furtick’s one-minute messages. 

KineMaster is a video editing software I love to use for social media ads and other creative projects. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.wisephotography.com
• Instagram: wisephotography.com777
• Youtube: @michellewise3991

Image Credits
Wise Photography