New Review by Jessi & KC

We stumbled upon Mike's portfolio and we both loved his eye and talent for composition. During our wedding, I barely remember seeing him-even during walking down the isle; he was truly a ninja, and he seemed to just disappear into the day.

Dance the Night Away

Holiday Maternity Portraits: Rosie & Keiron

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! May you be breaking bread with those you love this holiday. And if you are not, know that you are always close to their hearts!

Capture THE Moment!

Josh hired Philip Michael Photography to capture his proposal to Julie. Here he is popping the question with the help of a painted armadillo (long story).

The moments don't stop there. Check out Josh & Julie's wedding on my Facebook Page.

Thanks, Harmony Gardens!

A big thank you to Harmony Gardens Tropical Wedding Garden in DeLeon Springs, Florida, for featuring my pictures of Alex & Christina's wedding on their website and their blog!

Go check out this lovely venue for weddings here in Central Florida!

Stress-Proofing Your Wedding Photos

Brides-to-be often struggle with stress in general when it comes to wedding preparation. I consider it a big part of my job as your wedding photographer to take anxiety out of the equation when it comes to your pictures. My catchphrase is "capture your moment," and that means the moment should be enjoyable and worry-free!
Here are just  few of the things I always hope to bring to the table for my brides, to help make the picture-taking a fun and memorable experience.

Engagement Portraits: Mercedes & Sean

See more from this session at Philip Michael Photography on Facebook.

What will You be Saying About Your Photos?

... because you'll be saying it for years to come! So make sure it's a good thing.

Here's what brides who have chosen Philip Michael Photography have to say:

Mike did  fabulous job! Our photos turned out great and he had them ready in less than two weeks. Mike is great to work with and I would recommend him to any bride. - Christina

Mike did the most amazing job shooting our wedding. He hands down made the wedding pictures magical! - Chloe

Mike was flexible, expert, and fun. He made a possibly stressful task into one of the most fun parts of the day. And the pictures--oh my goodness! More beautiful than anything I had dreamed! - Julie

Read more reviews at my website.

 

 

Back at Ya!

Brides who know photography choose Philip Michael Photography!

Capture Your Friends

It is more important to click with people than to click the shutter. – Alfred Eisenstaedt



Philip Michael Photography
407-325-3819

This One's for the Boys

Some of my groomsmen shots from weddings over the years.

All photos by Philip Michael Photography

Click on any pic to view it larger (will take you to Flickr--don't worry, it's legit!)

Capture the Season

Whatever the season and locale of your wedding, I love that my job is to capture the beauty of your unique moment.

Remember, the photos are forever!
Mike
Philip Michael Photography

It's in the Book

When I do custom photo albums for my weddings, each page is designed from edge to edge, using elements unique to your wedding and your style.

You can throw your photos into a generic template on a photo book site (if you remember to get around to it), or you can have a gorgeous photo album in your home and ready to share just a few short weeks after your wedding.

I also make additional photo books available for sale.

Contact me today!
407-325-3819

Abbott Family Photos 2013

You may recognize this family. That's because I've photographed the Abbotts now four years in a row! Such fun and so beautiful!

First Jam Session as Husband & Wife

Capture your moment!
Book Philip Michael Photography today!

Father & Daughter, Mother & Son

Why is it So Important to Book a Professional Photographer?

Great article from 3 Chicks that Click:

Are you, or someone you know, recently engaged? If so, then shopping around for a wedding photographer seems to be another item on the to-do list. However, before you think of it as just another vendor to hire, remember this: your wedding photos will be one of the most important investments of your wedding. In fact, your photos and your jewelry are the only things that truly last forever. Like the wedding jewelry, it’s worth making an investment in quality that will last a lifetime.

Jessi & KC's Wedding

For a little Celtic tradition with some Canjun flavor, check out Jessi & KC's wedding...

Photo Friday: Nature Walk

Peniuk Wedding at the Cypress Grove Estate

Cook Wedding at Harmony Gardens, DeLeon Springs, FL

Visit the Harmony Gardens website.

See more of Alex & Christina's photos on my Facebook page.

Some of my photography, including nature prints and other subjects, can be purchased on poster print or canvas.

Come check out my profile at FineArtAmerica.com

Everyone's a Photographer

Between smartphones and credit-card-thin pocket cameras, it seems more true than ever that "everyone's a photographer." What, then, is the purpose of a professional photographer at your wedding?

There are several reasons why you should trust your once-in-a-lifetime celebration to a trusted and experienced picture-taker. It's better for your cherished memories--and your guests!

When you have been to as many weddings as I have, you start to notice themes that, despite the diversity of people and celebrations you encounter, seem to weave themselves into every story.

Just recently I was meeting with a young couple who were newly engaged, and now planning their wedding. The bride-to-be was very excited about all the details, yet in a carefree way that told me she's going to be the most fun kind of bride to work with. Her fiancee sat through most of the meeting as grooms often do (if they decide to come at all), with a quiet, contented smile, not seeming concerned with a single thing that was happening.

One might ask, "Doesn't he care at all? Shouldn't he be more engaged?" Conversely, some might worry about the bride; "Is she trying to do too much? Will she stress herself out?"

Such things can be true for couples preparing for their nuptials, but even then it's only a few degrees askew from the happy balance these two have found--one of my favorite things about the best romances.

Now Booking 2014!

Save your date before someone else does!

5 Tips to Save Your Wedding... And Your Sanity

From CNN Living:

My husband and I planned our wedding in the course of 83 days, and by all accounts, things went pretty well for both us and the guests. Friendships were forged, food and drink were savored, a baby (not ours) was made, and everyone left danced-out, hung-over, happy, and asking us if we would please consider hosting a wedding reunion the next year.

 I also got a crash course in managing my stress levels, tempering my expectations, leaning into the people who love us, and all sorts of other emotional matters that the glossy bridal mags might not necessarily cover. Six-and-a-half years later (and still going strong!), perhaps a bride- or groom-to-be might find these tips a useful addition to their hope chest.

Rock it One More Time

So far, I haven't been asked to do a post-wedding "Trash the Dress" shoot.

Would I do it? Absolutely!

Wedding Window has a great post explaining what this edgy new craze is all about.

Engagement Shoot Tips

Here are some wonderful, helpful tips for your Engagement Shoot!
From Bridal Musings:

Engagement shoots have been around for several years now and they are so important for so many reasons in the run up to your wedding.

They are a great way to spend some quality time together before the big day; they help you and your photographer get to know each other and talk about the final plans for your wedding; but most importantly they allow you to ‘practice’ in front of the camera before your big day meaning you will be sure to get rid of any nerves!

So how do you make it fun, personal and get the most out of it as a couple? Here are my top tips!

You're So Close to Winning!

I'm getting soooo close to my 375th like on Facebook! Tag your friend's name in the comment section of this photo, ad if they are my page's 375th or my 400th like, they get a FREE photo shoot--and so do you!!!

View my Facebook Page

View my Official Website

The New Website is Up!

The new PhilipMichaelPhotography.com is live! Come stop by and say hello! =)

New Website On the Way!

... really! My website is down temporarily, but I'm already booking for 2014! You can still view my work and contact me over at my Facebook Page!

7 Common Wedding Myths Debunked!

From Every Last Detail:

In my years in the wedding industry – as a bride and a professional- I’ve seen the same wedding myths perpetuated over and over. Online, in magazines, on Facebook- everywhere! Honestly, it drives me absolutely nuts, because not only are they wrong, but it’s those same wedding myths that had me jaded when I was planning my own wedding.

Vacation!

Took myself on a little solo road trip for vacation. Had a great time exploring Providence Canyong, GA, Mammoth Cave, KY, and visiting friends in Franklin, TN. Of course there are some photographs of my exploits! Tomorrow I'm taking the long hike back to Orlando, and I can't wait to get back in the swing capturing your moment!

Noteworthy - Sedona

For the second time I've made the 'Noteworthy' list over at PhotoFriday! Check out the upper-right corner and you'll see a link to my panoramic photograph of Sedona, Arizona! Thanks for the votes, everyone! =)

Headed Back to School?

Going back to school this week? Don't forget discounted Senior Portraits through September! Contact me today!

407-325-3819
philipmichaelphoto@gmail.com

Win FREE Engagement Portraits!

I'm cruising toward 400 "Likes" on the Philip Michael Photography Facebook page! To help me get there, I'll be doing FREE portrait sessions for whoever becomes my 375th "like", as well as whoever becomes my 400th!!! So come on over and hit the Like button!!!

Didn't hit the magic number? You could still win! Tag a friend in the comment section of this photo, and if they are my 375th or 400th "like", you BOTH get a free photo session!

Fun Reception Ideas

Receptions are when I get some of the most memorable photographs for a lot of weddings. It really helps if you have fun activities going on, as these will provide abundant opportunities for candid, character-filled photographs of you and your loved ones for you to cherish.
Here's a great article on some ideas to spice up your reception. Enjoy!

Hiring Uncle Joe

From Lin & Jirsa of Los Angeles:

While the names and locations in this story are fictional, it is based on real and unfortunate wedding photography horror stories that we have heard first hand from friends, contacts, wedding guests, clients, etc.

10 Things Brides Should Know About Photographers

From Patrick Lockwood:

Many future brides and grooms are young and have had little to no experience dealing with photographers. After the wedding is over, all the bride is going to have, other than her new spouse, are the pictures. So, choosing a photographer is a very important decision and the couple should take care and caution. Not all couples are able to afford a professional photographer, but for those who can, I present them with 10 things about photographers I think they should know to help them make a more informed choice.

Trust

It's your wedding day, a once-in-a-lifetime celebration. You want to look your absolute best. Are you going to have your hair done by a friend who just picked up styling as a hobby last month? Or are you going to get your wedding cake from a cousin's nephew's best friend who just got their first set of baking tools?

When the people you love start on the path of a new hobby or hopeful career, they need your support and encouragement. I got a lot of help & guidance from friends when I first started out. Your wedding, however, is your special day, and it comes just once. After all, rookies don't get their practice on the starting lineup at the World Series.

If you are going to have the best and look your best, you want to make sure it's captured by the best. If you want to know who you can really trust, let the pictures do the talking.

Contact me anytime and let's talk about how to capture your moment the most beautiful way possible.

-Mike, owner
Philip Michael Photography
407-325-3819