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

Hi Michelle, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I have always had a passion for photography, I took a film class in high school but wasn’t too serious about it. It wasn’t until 2019 when I was struggling with my mental health I decided to pick a camera up again. I started with landscape, and then started asking friends and family to model for me. It was then I realized how much I enjoyed photographing humans in their element, especially their love stories. There is something that sparked the fire inside of me, that I wanted to share others stories.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a traveling wedding and lifestyle photographer. I have clients based in California, Arizona and Oklahoma. When I started my business in 2019 in San Diego, CA it was an easier start, as I had friends and family to model for me as I got started. The summer of 2019, I packed everything I had and moved half way across the country and started over in Oklahoma City. I started from scratch, and that was my biggest struggle. However, through the last few years I have met some pretty great individuals. I am very proud of starting over in a new state, with new clients and having to push myself to get my name out there. I have been published in several photography magazines, and as mentioned before working with Miss Oklahoma of 2020. It’s a pretty great feeling and accomplishment to live out your dreams but to even get published about my work is something I’ll always be proud of. Starting and owning a business is not easy, but I’ve learned that if I continue to let my passion shine through it makes it all worth it. I now travel between San Diego and Oklahoma for most of my sessions and I cannot express how cool that is.

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.
Oh man, I have serval places in San Diego that I absolutely adore! The fish Market in San Diego right by the Harbor is one of my favorite places to go for dinner. You have the perfect spot and view right on the water, and is walking distance from Seaport Village and close to the airport. Solana Beach, Encinitas and Carlsbad, CA would be on the list for brunch, shopping and lounging beachside. Adding in a few winery tours in Temecula, CA is perfect for a day trip, it’s not too far from San Diego. In my opinion the Wild Animal Park, now known as the San Diego Safari Park is a must do when going to San Diego. Yes, the zoo is amazing, but there isn’t anything quite like the Safari Park. I would also have to add going to a Padres game, and after the game heading out to the Gaslamp district. Between the coastal hiking, mountains in the eastern part of San Diego and wineries in Temecula, you really could do it all.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My parents deserve the biggest shoutout when it comes to the start of my business. My father actually bought my first DSLR camera when I mentioned I wanted to get into photography, little did we know at the time it would turn into a business. From the start I have had nothing but unconditional support from both my parents. I have a handful of people that have helped my grow my business and I couldn’t be where I am today without them. In addition to my parents, my best friend, partner and close friends have continued to support me. The real turning point with my business is when I met my friend Kris, who is former Miss Oklahoma 2020. Kris and I bonded over our mental health, women empowerment and women entrepreneurs. Being surrounded by others who also believe in your dream is a game changer.

Website: https://subtlenotionsphoto.wixsite.com/mysite

Instagram: instagram.com/subtlenotions_photo

Facebook: facebook.com/subtlenotionsphotography

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