Spotlight | En Vida Studio

I really do enjoy meeting all of the awesome vendors West Michigan has to offer, and I owe thanks to the Michigan Wedding & Event Professionals group that I head up on the West side of our glorious state.

Through MWEP, I had the pleasure of meeting Michelle Tipperman of En Vida Studio last December. When we finally got a chance to sit down for coffee months later, time flew by - I had such a great time chatting with Michelle! She also brought a couple albums to peek through, and the eye candy was lovely.

I was happy when she sent me over some images to accompany our blog Q+A - I couldn't wait to post. Enjoy!

How long have you been photography weddings?
I've been photographing weddings for about 5 years, 3 years as an associate photographer and about 2 years as an independent professional. I finally received my B.A. in Photography from Grand Valley in 2008! It only took 6 years and 5 different universities! We have moved a few times for my husband's job, but we are happy to be settled in Grand Rapids.

What inspires you as you work with your clients?
It is always the people - their unique personalities, stories, pasts and futures. I love getting to know my clients and everything that makes them unique. It's such an awesome challenge to find ways to express who people are through a photograph and I consider all the visual qualities possible. Location, color, texture, feel, expression, and style all play a major role. My goal is that my photography will express more about my clients then what is clearly visible.

Why did you chose to photography weddings?
I love weddings - the energy, connections, excitement, and honest love. Weddings are a special opportunity for families to come together and share their love for one another. I enjoy the whole process involved in the planning and I love to hear all the detail about the dress, flowers, locations, and all the special touches that make every wedding unique. I feel blessed to share in one of my most important days in my clients lives.

If you could shoot a wedding for anyone who would you pick?
I guess there wouldn't be any one person or couple, but I do love to photograph couples who are really adventurous, able to ignore the camera, and truly express their love for one another. These weddings are the most fun and creative for me, because they always have a way of just coming together and the breath-taking moments happen on their own.

Do you have one "gotta get it" shot at every wedding?
There are always things that I look for throughout a wedding, but I really try to tailor my photography to each individual client and wedding. Some clients are more comfortable being in front of the camera and each wedding has its own style or feel. I enjoy working with the couple and creating unique photographs that they can cherish forever.

What is your favorite way to spend a non-working Saturday in the summer?
I love the lake - swimming, boating, kayaking, wake boarding - anything on the water!