Michael Marchen
Founder & Lead Photographer
I can't remember a time when I wasn't actively involved with photography. As a young child I loved going through National Geographic magazines to marvel at the wildlife photography. Later I developed an appreciation for the work of portrait and news photographers. During my high school years I had a part-time job in the darkroom at my local newspaper and selling cameras at a department store.
In 1977, while still in high school, I was paid for my first photography job. I had a used Rolleiflex 2.8F and shot a model portfolio. The next year I shot my first wedding with a Yashica G as a backup camera. During my adult life I continued to shoot weddings and portfolios, however, the majority of my photography involved forensic subjects at Toronto crime scenes. Although not very artistic it compelled me to pay attention to the small details and difficult lighting situations.
Now I'm at a stage in my life where I have the ability to devote all of my attention to the type of photography I love. To me, photography is a visceral form of storytelling. The story can be conveyed through the wrinkles across the face of a person sitting for a portrait. The viewer can read the story by looking at the second-baseman getting the out, the snowy owl in flight, or the lead guitarist straining to hold a chord.
In the early days I had the opportunity to learn about wedding photography from a local practitioner, David Chan. David was a journeyman who owned his own studio and shot an average of sixty weddings per year. Despite his incredible workload, David's finished product was beautiful and his customers (in a pre-Photoshop age) were always very satisfied.
Recently I travelled to Venice to study with the master, Yervant (@yervantphotography). This man is a magician and is able to create magnificent wedding portraits from conditions that would frighten most photographers.
Both of these artists stressed two important concepts. First, work hard to become the best photographer that you can be, and second, service to your client is what sets the best photographers apart from the rest.
It has been more than 40 years since I started down this road and the more I learn, the more I realize there is still so much more to know. I strive to be better each and every time I pick up my cameras. In addition, my ultimate goal is to provide you with the best service possible and establish a relationship that extends beyond a single transaction. I would like to be the person you can depend on for any photographic need.