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.

the Fam Bam

January 20, 2009 friends

I have absolutely NO idea what "fam bam" actually means… all I know is that it means something important to this group. These folks have been friends for 10+ years now… but life sometimes gets in the way and its more and more difficult for them to all get together. This time around, they decided that they wanted photos of themselves together. (Enter ME.)

We headed to Old Town Tustin and had an absolute blast. They are quite entertaining and energetic. We were all pretty worn out by the end of the photo shoot. But it was soooooo worth it!

Here are a few of my favorite shots from the afternoon: