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.

Party Time… Leilua Hula Style!

April 21, 2009 events

Leilua Hula hosts birthday parties, and they are a LOT of fun! A couple of weeks ago I got to witness an event firsthand, and it took a lot of willpower for me to NOT join in the dancing…

The party started with the kids putting together their own leis.

Next, came the dancing! The kids all lined up… Lorna gave the instructions that went something like this: "When I say 'pineapple,' move your hips to the left. When I say 'hula,' move them to the right. Pineapple, hula, pineapple, hula, pineapple, hula!!!