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.

a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…

January 16, 2009 misc.

My husband is a Star-Wars nut. Seriously. That being said, it's easier to follow with this… he is a member of the 501st, which is a group of people that gather together wearing their outfits for the greater good. They make appearances at conventions, personal events, etc. And any money collected through the events get donated to charity.

My husband made his own Storm Trooper armor and wanted some decent pictures of him in it. So we bravely went to a nearby area and took some shots. A few families wandered by, and you should have seen how wide the children's eyes got. It was great fun!

Here are a few of my favorite shots of my own Storm Trooper..