Today we’d like to introduce you to Michele Coleman.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I discovered photography while attending college at West Virginia University at Parkersburg, where I took a required photography course for my Journalism degree—and instantly fell in love with the art. At 21, I photographed my first commissioned session for a college classmate, and by 24, I had opened my first studio and committed to photography full-time.
Now, at 47, I’ve spent over two decades building and evolving my business. In 2017, I relocated to Myrtle Beach, stepping into an entirely new market and clientele. That transition came with its challenges, but it also reshaped my business in ways that ultimately made it stronger.
One of the biggest shifts was moving from a traditional in-person sales studio—where I offered custom wall art and heirloom albums—to a fully digital business model. With most of my clients traveling from out of town, digital delivery simply makes the most sense. Today, I offer photography packages that include a curated collection (or full gallery) of professionally edited images, along with a print release and trusted lab recommendations.
Relocating also gave me the opportunity to refine my focus. Earlier in my career, I photographed everything—newborns, weddings, events, families, seniors, and more. Now, I specialize in what I love most: family, couple, and high school senior beach sessions, along with headshots and short-term rental photography. In 2025, I officially stepped away from weddings to fully dedicate my energy to these core areas.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Being a small business owner always comes with challenges and constant obstacles. I believe what has sustained my business for over 23 years is a commitment to adapting to my clients’ needs, avoiding short-lived trends, maintaining a high standard of quality, and creating a seamless, stress-free experience. Just as importantly, I’ve learned to focus my energy on the niches that align best with both my strengths and my market.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was relocating my business from a small town in West Virginia—where my name was widely known—to a vacation destination where nearly all of my clients discover me online. That shift required me to fully embrace SEO and online reputation building. It took time, education, and a great deal of patience to establish a strong presence. Even now, it’s an ongoing effort, as it remains the single most important driver of new inquiries for my business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a full-time professional photographer with over 23 years of experience, currently based in Myrtle Beach. I specialize in family, couple, and high school senior beach portraits, along with professional headshots and short-term rental photography for property owners and managers.
What I’m most known for is creating a really easy, enjoyable experience for my clients while still delivering high-end, consistent results. A lot of my clients are on vacation, so they don’t want something complicated—they want beautiful, natural images and a smooth process from start to finish. I’ve built my business around that: clear communication, efficient sessions, and polished final galleries that are ready to download and print.
I’m especially proud of the longevity of my business. Staying full-time in this industry for over two decades—through major shifts in technology, trends, and even relocating to a completely new market—has taken a lot of adaptability and persistence. When I moved from West Virginia to Myrtle Beach, I essentially had to rebuild my client base from scratch in a highly competitive, tourism-driven area. Growing a strong online presence and becoming a trusted name here is something I’m incredibly proud of.
What sets me apart is a combination of experience and intentional focus. I’ve photographed just about everything over the years, but I’ve refined my business to specialize in the areas where I can deliver the most value and consistency. I don’t chase trends—I focus on clean, timeless imagery that clients will still love years from now. I also bring a business-minded approach to everything I do, from streamlining the client experience to staying on top of SEO and online visibility, which is critical in a destination market like Myrtle Beach.
At the end of the day, my goal is simple: to give my clients photographs they truly love, without stress or guesswork—and to run a business that’s built to last.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I see AI rapidly changing some parts of the photography industry. AI is already dramatically speeding up editing, culling, and delivery, saving photographers hundreds of hours a year and becoming essential to staying competitive. AI is also being used to generate professional headshots but from my personal experience most people don’t like them. I have clients tell me they tried the AI route but it didn’t look authentic.
But at the same time—and this is the important part—it’s creating even more demand for real, human-driven photography. People are starting to value authenticity more than perfection. There’s a growing shift away from overly polished, heavily edited images toward natural, emotional, and imperfect moments that feel genuine.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mcolemanphotography.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelecolemanphotography/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michelecolemanphotography
