about the artist

Hi, I'm Michaelle (spelled kinda funny, but it sound's just like Michelle!)

I am the owner and photographer of Destin Mermaids.

So here is a little about me, and my journey in photography!

I have been a professional photographer for 24 years now, photography is my medium to express my creative soul.  My love of photography started at a very young age, my father had a passion for photography and always had cameras around, we even had a darkroom. I spent many hours of my youth in the darkroom watching the magic of images appear. I always had a camera in hand growing up, and spent all the money I earned babysitting and mowing lawns to buy film.

I took photography classes throughout high school. I loved every moment of photography class, I felt very at home in the darkroom and learning studio. I attended East Valley Institute for Photography to continue my photography education. While I was at East Valley Institute, I interned at a local studio. I loved getting to work with clients and I was blessed that the studio let me express myself and actually put my photography knowledge into practice. I have worked for various studios, perfecting many styles, families, children, and glamour before owning and operating my own studio. I worked using medium format cameras for years before the digital age. I am a member of the Professional Photographers of America, I enjoy going to classes and seminars to expand my knowledge of photography as well as marketing and business.

Living on the Emerald Coast and having one of the world's most beautiful beaches as my studio is dream come true! The Emerald Coast is such a magical location to play mermaids in! It is an amazing opportunity to meet local families as well as families from all over the country as I create art that will be cherished as memories of my clients! I always believe family sessions and mermaid sessions should be a fun memory for all involved.  

 I want to create art that is proudly displayed on your walls, not stored on a disc or hard drive. I am an artist, and I believe the best place for your images is to be printed and displayed for your daily enjoyment. As well as that professional prints are the best way to archive your images for future generations. I know deciding sizes and where to put them is overwhelming, I will help you through deciding prints and what sizes will work for your space in our online video ordering session. 

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to meet you in person on one of our amazing beaches!