Keeping it REAL...

I'm Michelle Carrillo... owner & photographer of the Suitcase Studio.

I think I see things a little differently than most people. I don't find beauty in perfection. I don't go for the perfectly posed photos, or smiles that have been practiced in the mirrors. Instead, I'm here to capture the REAL stuff... the moments that happen in-between those poses. The imperfect smiles, the nervous laughter, and even that crazy face you make when you think that no one else is watching.

To help keep it real, I shoot on-location here in Orange County, California. (No stuffy studio!) I travel to where you are... to whatever place showcases you and your style. My goal is to document real lIfe, and thus, I mainly focus on weddings & lifestyle/portrait photography.

From pics of recent clients to thoughts & images of my own life, I'm here to share this journey with you. Keepin' it real... one moment at a time.

Because this is real life. It doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful.

Susie and Michael

November 29, 2008 family

I spent the afternoon with Susie and her son, Michael. It didn't take too long for Michael to warm up to me (and the camera), and soon his antics were stealing the show. We started our session at The Lab in Costa Mesa, which is a really cool outdoor (anti) mall for the artsy types. Then we eventually made our way down to Balboa Beach, where both Susie and Michael braved the brisk November waters, all for the sake of getting the perfect shot!

Here are a few of my favorites from the afternoon: