Introducing our July Studio Feature Devon Michelle Photography. Family and portrait photographer Devon Takenouchi creates refreshingly honest lifestyle portraits that aim to portray a realistic version of daily life (every messy, yet beautiful part of it). As a former Chemical Dependency Counselor, Devon uses her counseling background to capture the emotional bonds between families and the excitement and anticipation of her Seniors. Continue reading to learn more about Devon Michelle Photography and get inspired by her compelling portraits.

Studio Name
Devon Michelle Photography

Studio Location
Tacoma, WA

Website
devonmichellephotography.com

What is your background and how did it lead to photography?
My background is in Chemical Dependency Counseling, however my husband and I started our photography business in 2008. The goal was to build the business slowly to sustain us over a longer period of time. My experience as a counselor gave me the confidence to work with my clients and a unique perspective to help draw out their personality during a session.

What type of photography do you shoot the most, and what is your favorite type of photography?
I love working with families and seniors. Finding the connection between family members and documenting seniors' legacies has become a cornerstone of how I relate to my clients. I also have a special place in my heart for seniors. They are at the beginning of such an amazing shift in their lives and the photos we create represent a small part of their stories and the hope for their futures.

What is your photographic style and aesthetic? How did you develop this style?
I would say that my photographic style is 50% portrait and 50% lifestyle. I love seeing a genuine emotional response in my clients. I also see the value of classic portraiture that will one day hang on the walls of grandparents' homes and fall out of family heirloom bibles.

What is in your photography kit?
Digital: Nikon d610, Nikon 35mm, Nikon 50mm, Sigma 85mm
Film: Nikon F100, Pentax 645, Bronica 6x6 (favorite film - Kodak Portra 400 OR Kodak Gold 200)

What post-processing tools do you use?
I do my initial editing in Lightroom and final touch-ups in Photoshop. I also shoot film on occasion so I use the VSCO film emulation presets for Lightroom. This allows for continuity between my film and digital work.

What was the gist of your business plan when you first started?
When I started my business in 2008 my heart's desire was to tell clients' stories through images. I wanted to use my counseling background to help empower clients to see themselves more confidently. I have stayed true to that vision; however, it has matured into a different way of blessing my clients by recognizing important connections in their relationships.

What is your best photography tip and post-processing tip?
Keep it simple and learn your light and camera! Once I learned how to use the light to my advantage, I saw huge improvements in the quality of my images and decreased the time I spent in post-processing. Above all, keep post-processing consistent. Your clients will hire you by the work you show. Learn your personal style and keep that integrity throughout all of your social media platforms.

What was your greatest challenge so far as a professional photographer?
Developing a consistent personal style of photography. Posing and editing took me the longest to get a handle on. Once I stopped looking at what others were doing and learned to focus on the skills I wanted to master, things seemed to fall into place.

What three things should you prioritize when starting a photography business?
1) Learn your camera inside and out. Once you know how your camera will respond to light, you can break the rules to create the images you want.
2) Have a business plan. Dreaming is amazing but you really need to have the road map to make those dreams a reality. A contract should always be included in the business plan!
3) Set up your finances correctly from the beginning. When you know where the money is coming and going you can build a realistic plan for your business.

Any last words of wisdom?
Never underestimate the power of personal projects. They are where true learning and dramatic personal growth happens. It has only been in the last couple of years that I have really embraced the power of shooting for myself. I have grown as a photographer and found my passion and love for photography. The gratification of completing a challenging, personal project has taught me to fall in love over and over again!

To learn more about Devon Michelle Photography, head to her website or connect with Devon on Social Media:

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