PHOTOGRAPHERS | Chellise & Michael

Chellise & Michael are analog film photographers, who have been capturing weddings for over a decade. The married couple embraces inclusivity and celebrates love in all its forms. Their photography style is a natural reflection of their unique personalities and approach to how they photograph weddings, often described by others as documentary, candid, playful, relaxed and editorial. Chellise & Michael are based in NYC and the Hudson Valley and travel worldwide.

Tell us about Chellise & Michael!

We (Chellise & Mike) are purveyors of avant-garde wedding photography for film-obsessed lovers.

What would you like couples to know about you?

Although Mike and I are married and love working together, we typically photograph weddings separately. We each have our portfolios and leave it up to the client to choose, depending on which of us is available; however, sometimes we work together as a team (and love it), depending on the client, planner, logistics, and location. 

Another thing to note is that my last name is Michael, which always confuses people. Why Mike didn't take my last name to become Mike Michael is beyond me. (Can somebody please talk to him?)

Where are you based?

New York City and the Hudson Valley for the past 15 years, and never leaving.

Do you travel for weddings?

Does Dolly Parton sleep on her back? We travel frequently and will go anywhere that will let us in.

How would you describe your style?

Our style is the residual byproduct of our individual personalities and approach to how we photograph weddings, which is described by others as “documentary, candid, playful, relaxed, vibey, editorial, & nostalgic”. 

Rather than following a script, we give our intuition and curiosity full rein to guide the way- following the bellows of laughter, shamelessly eavesdropping with our cameras on conversations around us. We feel the room's pulse and hunt for pretty, shiny things and intriguing people to photograph. We seek out the imperfect just as much as the perfect, hunting for interesting and unexpected moments amidst the expected. We’re social butterflies vibing on the dance floor, and spying dark corners where the bad kids go to sneak a smoke.

What is your most memorable career moment?

In 2014, we were sitting at our very tiny breakfast table in Brooklyn, talking about how badly we wanted to get on Rangfinder Magazines' “30 Rising Stars” list, and I kid you not, the very next day, I got an email from the editor at RF saying we were nominated. 

We screamed!! (and were quite impressed with our manifestation skills....)

We submitted our work for consideration, and in 2015, we won!! It was a significant and proud moment to recognize how far we had gone, especially given our anti-traditional shooting style. During that time, wedding photography was shifting, and we were a part of that shift, so being recognized worldwide in Rangefinder Magazine felt truly magnificent. 

10 years later, we continue to push ourselves creatively and feel so lucky to attract clients who want their wedding photos from our perspective. And it may sound sappy, but we love what we do so much - it's incredibly fulfilling.

Do you shoot digitally, on film, or both?

We both shoot on a mix of 35mm & medium format cameras. 

Analog runs deep through Mike's veins so he shoots almost everything on film and has a myriad of cameras hanging on his person, keeping digital on hand for backup if he wants it, which is rare. 

I love film and personally think it reigns over digital by comparison; however, the quadruple Gemini in me appreciates both, so I'm about 50/50 give or take. My decision to shoot with what is led by my gut instinct, mood, and logic. I process my digital photos to complement my film photos, so the gallery as a whole is visually cohesive.

What is a favourite product or service that you offer and why?

I'll start with a favorite quote: “Photographs are not for now, they are for later.” 

A client once told me that on her grandfather's deathbed, his last request was to see his wedding album, and the joy on his face going through the pages was one of the last memories she had of him. This story brought me to tears and reminded me of how priceless photography is. Wedding albums and printed photographs are living, breathing heirlooms - holding one's attention with each flipped page, passed down to generations that will surpass us all. 

So, my long-winded answer is: wedding albums. 

Who is your dream client?

Couples who are self-aware, kind, compassionate, and open. Couples who own and honor their style. 

Couples who care about photography and are both vested in the decision-making process. Couples who trust and give us carte blanche. Couples who invite us into their world, wholeheartedly, even if it's just for the weekend. Couples who understand that we cant do what we do without their willingness and participation.

What is your advice to couples getting married?

1. Hire a wedding planner or at least a coordinator. Not only for you, but for your vendors too. 

2. It takes so much longer to get wedding-dressed than you think! 30 minutes at least - even if it's “a simple dress”  

3. If your ceremony is outside, it is irrational and irresponsible not to have an inclement weather plan. (rain/heat/wind). The East Coast is notorious for unexpected rain. You owe it to yourselves, your guests, and vendors to keep dry and comfortable. 

4. Micro-managing suffocates creativity and spirit. The more creative freedom you give to your vendors, the more they will shine and go above and beyond for you.
   

Chellise & Michael 

Website: chellisemichaelphotography.com

Instagram: @chellisemichaelphotography