07/22/2026
*Announcement*
Over the past decade, I have had the incredible privilege of documenting some of life’s most meaningful moments. From weddings and engagements to maternity sessions, birthdays, anniversaries, and family portraits, you’ve trusted me to preserve memories that can never be recreated. That trust has never been something I’ve taken for granted.
When I first picked up a camera with the dream of becoming a professional photographer, I never imagined where the journey would lead. Along the way, I’ve been honored with awards, built lasting friendships with clients, celebrated countless returning families, and in 2025 reached a milestone I’ll always cherish, photographing my 150th wedding.
While I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve accomplished, what I reflect on most isn’t the recognition or the milestones. It’s the time.
Photography, especially weddings, has meant giving up weekends, holidays, and countless moments with my own family. Balancing a full-time career while running a wedding photography business has often left very few true days off. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize that those sacrifices don’t just affect me. They affect the people I love most.
I’ve learned that while financial success has value, it can never replace quality time with family. Those moments are finite, and I’ve reached a point where I want to be more present for them.
That doesn’t diminish how much I love this work. In fact, one of my greatest joys has been becoming part of so many families’ stories, even if only for a day. There is nothing quite like witnessing a father see his daughter in her wedding dress for the first time, watching two people promise forever, or capturing the emotion of a growing family welcoming new life. Looking back through the thousands of photographs and films I’ve created, I still think to myself, “I was fortunate enough to create that.” It has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
With that in mind, I want to share an important announcement.
The 2027 wedding season will be my final year “personally” photographing weddings.
It will mark nearly a decade of wedding photography, and I couldn’t imagine a better way to close this chapter than celebrating with the couples who choose to have me beside them during that final season.
Beginning in 2028, Michael Ellis Photos will transition to an associate-based wedding photography company. While I will no longer personally photograph weddings, the Michael Ellis brand will continue through a carefully selected team of trusted photographers who align with my vision, values, and commitment to excellence. Every associate will be chosen because they share my passion for storytelling, exceptional client service, and the quality that has defined this business from the beginning.
Although I’ll be stepping away from personally shooting weddings, I will remain actively involved in leading the brand, mentoring the team, and ensuring every couple receives the same experience and attention to detail that has always been the hallmark of Michael Ellis Photos.
I want to clarify that this announcement is specific to weddings. I will continue offering personally shot portrait sessions, family photography, maternity sessions, branding photography, and other photo sessions beyond 2027.
To every couple who has invited me into their lives over the years, thank you. Thank you for believing in me, supporting my dream, recommending me to your friends, and allowing me to preserve memories that will outlive all of us.
I still have one more wedding season ahead, and I intend to make it one to remember.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you
