Women’s Journal Goes Behind the Lens With Michelle Richardson and Her Approach to Portrait Photography

We are honored to share that Richardson Studio has been featured in Women’s Journal in a story that goes behind the lens with owner and photographer Michelle Richardson and explores the philosophy that has shaped her approach to portrait photography.

The feature, “Behind the Lens With Michelle Richardson and The Art of Helping People Feel Seen Through Portrait Photography,” looks beyond the finished photographs to something equally important to Michelle: how people feel throughout the experience and, ultimately, how they feel when they see themselves in their portraits.

For Michelle, creating a beautiful photograph is only the beginning.

Finding a Deeper Purpose Behind the Camera

Photography has been part of the Richardson family’s life for decades, but Michelle’s own journey behind the camera took on greater meaning during an unexpected chapter in the studio’s history.

When her husband and Richardson Studio co-owner, Jeff Richardson, experienced serious health challenges, Michelle stepped further into photography. As Jeff shared his technical knowledge and decades of industry experience with her, Michelle discovered how much she loved the work. She also discovered something deeper. Portrait photography gave her an opportunity to help people see themselves differently.

That purpose has become an important part of the experience Michelle creates today, especially for clients who walk into the studio convinced they aren’t photogenic or don’t know what to do in front of a camera.

You Don’t Have to Know How to Be Photogenic

One of the ideas highlighted by Women’s Journal is something we tell our clients often. You do not have to be photogenic to belong in front of our camera. That’s our job, not yours.

You don’t need to know how to pose. You don’t need to know your best angle. You don’t need to practice expressions in the mirror or arrive already knowing how to look good in a photograph.

Our team guides you through the process. From photoshoot planning and wardrobe guidance to professional hair and makeup, lighting, posing, movement, and expression, every part of the experience is designed to remove the pressure of figuring it out yourself.

When people stop worrying about what they’re supposed to do in front of the camera, their real personality has room to come through.

Photographing the Person, Not Just the Pose

Technical skill matters in professional portrait photography. Lighting, composition, posing, expression, styling, and retouching all contribute to creating a beautiful finished portrait. But Michelle believes those elements should ultimately serve the person in front of the camera.

Every client brings something different into the studio. A high school senior preparing for graduation is in a completely different season of life than a business owner building a personal brand. A mother wanting to preserve this chapter with her children has different reasons for being photographed than an executive preparing for a professional opportunity.

There isn’t one formula that fits every person. The goal is to understand who we’re photographing first and then use our experience behind the camera to create portraits that genuinely feel like them.

A Recognition of What Portrait Photography Can Mean

We are incredibly grateful to Women’s Journal for sharing Michelle’s story and recognizing the philosophy behind the portrait experience at Richardson Studio.

Over the years, some of the most meaningful moments haven’t happened when Michelle presses the shutter. They’ve happened when clients see their finished portraits.

It’s the person who arrived saying they hated being photographed and leaves excited about their images. The client who looks at a portrait and sees confidence they hadn’t recognized in themselves. The family who returns years later for another milestone because their first experience meant something to them. Those moments are why we continue doing this work.

We invite you to read the full Women’s Journal feature, “Behind the Lens With Michelle Richardson and The Art of Helping People Feel Seen Through Portrait Photography,” and learn more about Michelle Richardson and the philosophy behind Richardson Studio.

With gratitude,
The Richardson Studio Team