Local StoriesJune 14, 2022

Exploring Life & Business with Michaela Beach of Lorraine Photography

Local Stories

Today we’d like to introduce you to Michaela Beach.

Hi Michaela, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Austin, TX, and grew up in Dripping Springs. My photography journey started when I was young. Besides riding horses and dance classes, photography was my main hobby. I always had my camera with me. I brought my camera to my brother’s baseball and basketball games, my sister’s volleyball games, horse shows, and I even photographed a few backyard weddings. After high school, I started my first full-time job in real estate. As I grew into my new role in the marketing department, photography slowly took a back seat. One morning, I heard God’s voice, “Michaela, will you go buy a camera?” I sat up knowing I had just heard God’s voice. I immediately went and bought my first DSLR. I had no idea why He had asked me to buy a camera or what the plan was; all I knew was I wanted to obey. He had invited me to a new chapter, and I blindly said yes. I started my photography business shortly after, and I have worked as a professional photographer since November 2017.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

Short answer, No. Remaining confident as an artist can be challenging. Everyone interprets art differently. I have learned that practicing good communication is key. It is essential to know when communication may be off or misinterpreted between my client and I. I learned in my early years that it is my job to explain the vision to my client and make sure I communicate my interpretation of their vision back to them. Even though an image was beautiful, that didn’t always mean the images would meet my client’s expectations for their brand. Now my process before each shoot gives my clients and I time to discuss the small details, the story behind their brand, what message they want to tell their customers, and most importantly, what feeling their brand should have in the marketplace.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I started my photography business in the Fall of 2017. I specialize in lifestyle brands, weddings, and storytelling photography. I am known for storytelling through still images and finding the hidden beauty in unfolding moments. For example, before I send a full online wedding album to my client, I make sure that each image is in chronological order. I want my clients to be able to experience their wedding day over and over. Before the session or wedding day, I need to know my clients, their stories, and their personalities. As for commercial shoots, my top priority for the project during pre-production is to meet their team. The more I know, the better. Once I have permission from the team lead, I have been known to move things around in a store or commercial space to highlight specific sides of the brand during the shoot. I will ask the people working in the back to come to the front and smile for a photo. I have jumped on the stage or gone behind the bar to get a personality shot. This type of photography is what I mean by storytelling. Behind each project, there is a whole ecosystem of people working towards one goal. No job is less important than the other, and each person plays a part in the larger story. I am passionate about documenting the seen and the unseen. The moments in life that we might take for granted, but without them, we wouldn’t have the whole experience. It is my job to chase these passing moments. My goal is to be there before the moment happens. Yes, this is possible. It just takes practice. I sometimes joke that I am a “professional observer of life or a professional people watcher.” Stay with me here. As a photographer, I have the opportunity to learn how to interpret an environment. I am led to the next moment in time by a feeling or a hunch. I anticipate when the laugh will happen or when the tears might come; this is why I love my job. I will always be learning, but I know now that with time, chasing these moments will continue to become second nature.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?

I’m blessed to say that I have met most of my mentors while on the job. One of the most effective ways to find a good mentor is to work the events and gigs the people you look up to are also working. It may take time, but if you apply yourself, you will soon find that it is not as difficult as you think. Some of the most talented people I have learned from I met by staying after hours on a job or willingly have taken a lower day rate because I knew the team I was working with were people I wanted to learn from. Don’t get me wrong, we all have bills to pay, and it is equally important to know your worth and not sell yourself short, but don’t be afraid to work long hours to get to where you know you want to be. As for networking, people know when you genuinely care and that is the key to building good relationships. This may look different for everyone, remembering names, asking your clients and coworkers about their life outside of work, or following up with a thank-you note or personalized gift to your clients. If the trash needs to be emptied and you are wondering whose job that is, guess what? You can do it! Serving and taking care of the minor “problems” that no one else has time for can shine brighter than almost anything you say.

Contact Info:

Website: http://www.lorraine.photography/
Instagram: @lorraine__photography
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/photobylorraine
Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7368233/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1

Image Credits
Headshot of Michela Beach by: – Phillip Oettle @goodnameproductions http://goodnameproductions.com/ All other images by: Michaela Beach Lorraine Photography

Suggest a Story: VoyageAustin is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.