FilmingLifer | Michelle Hughes
Today’s featured filmmaker is an incredibly talented up & coming family filmmaker and FilmingLifer member from Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Michelle from Michelle Anne Photography is a family photographer & multi-creative, and we’re so excited to introduce her to you today…
Tell us a bit about yourself…
I'm a Detroit native, a city I carry with great pride, and a mom to three incredible kids aged 12, 9, and 1.5. My life is a blend of bustling family activities and a deep-seated passion for creativity that goes beyond my professional work as a photographer and filmmaker. I thrive on diving into various art and craft projects, often more captivated by the learning process and the joy of starting something new than the need to see it to completion, lol.
My artistic exploration isn't confined to visual arts; it extends into the realm of electronic music, particularly Techno, which echoes the spirit of Detroit. The pandemic led me to discover a new outlet in DJing, which not only brought unexpected opportunities my way but also introduced me to a community of friends that has significantly enriched my life.
Having lived in Michigan, Connecticut, Italy, and France—with a special fondness for Paris but Midwest girl at heart—my experiences across the globe influence my creative perspective.
Winters are my favorite but also summers on Lake Michigan which hold a special place in my heart, offering a backdrop to some of the most memorable moments with my children.
Tell us about the kind of photography & films you create…
Mainly family, but I’m very interested in growing more to expand my skills & create further in this industry.
How did you first get started in photography?
I’ve had a camera since I was a child…I loved getting my film developed from the little Kodak pocket camera, but I started taking it more seriously after I had my first child in 2012. I was living in Italy after I gave up my job in the US, an opportunity presented itself and thats where it all started.
My first shoot was of my pregnant sister-in-law where she let me use her very basic Nikon. The lens was not very great so the bokeh I was wanting I couldn’t get. I spent hours learning and editing in Photoshop to get the backgrounds blurry to what I envisioned.
Over the next year I did a handful of family sessions in Italy all while barely speaking the language, it was quite the challenge but worth it.
What made you decide to learn video? What was your motivation?
While stumbling upon a course in Creative Live I saw a film that Courtney created and nearly brought me to tears.
The fact that I didn’t know this family at all and I was that emotionally invested opened my eyes and I knew I had to learn how to do that for my own kids.
What was your biggest challenge when you first started learning video and how did you overcome it?
Thinking I needed certain gear or a camera that had auto focus when actually I didn’t need anything special I just had to start shooting.
Premiere pro was also very intimidating, but the more and more I practice the easier it became.
Did you find it a challenge to educate clients on the value of films - how were they first received by clients?
I feel like clients love the idea, but are unsure of what to do or the process and thats where educating them has made the initial step a lot easier.
Just like myself, once they see a film they are in awe and are overcome by the emotion.
Tell us about your favourite film and why it's special to you…
My favorite film is the one I shot in my early days of learning, the Summer of 2019 film.
Although my techniques were not perfect and I still had a lot to learn at that point it’s the audio that gets me.
My son is autistic and had a speech delay but when I shot this film it was around the time he started getting better. It reminds me of the those precious moments when he would say anything. In this video there is a part where he says “look mommy I did it” I cry every time I hear it.
Those are the moments I want to capture for my family and others.
Michelle’s favourite film
What's something you know now, that you wish you knew when you first started making films?
Keep shooting as often and much as you can, not getting stuck on technical things.
What is your best piece of advice for those just getting started with films?
Practice and don’t compare yourself to others.
What's your favourite part of being a member of FilmingLife®?
I love that there is a community of people who are just as enthusiastic as I am about learning, creating, and growing together.
What would you say to someone who is considering joining FilmingLife®?
If you're serious about learning and want a safe place to grow your art, FLA is where you need to be.
