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.

Lengor/Siwawa Family

January 6, 2009 family

When I announced that I was starting up this business, Miata was the first one to jump right in and ask about setting up a session with her and her family. The only problem was that the family was scattered across the U.S.; and she herself was on the East Coast. But with everyone flying in for the holidays, we knew we'd have to jump at the chance to get together.

We made it happen, and spent the afternoon together wandering around Seal Beach in the afternoon sunshine. Here are a few of my favorite photos captured: