Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Harris.
Hi Michelle, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I didn’t pick up a camera to chase a hobby—I picked it up to change my life. Back in 2015, I was a single mom working a 9–5 and craving more for my daughters and myself. I started photographing weddings on the weekends, and quickly realized I had a gift—not just for capturing love stories, but for building real connections and delivering luxury-level experiences.
Fast forward to today, I’m the founder of M Harris Studios, a nationally published wedding photography brand that specializes in high-end, destination weddings. I’ve photographed love from the monuments of DC to the beaches of Mexico, and have been featured in outlets like People, Martha Stewart Weddings, and The New York Times.
By 2017, I was so booked I had to start turning couples away—and that didn’t sit right with me. So I launched Laila Chanel Studios, an all-female associate team that delivers the same elevated experience at a more accessible price point. It was also born from my passion for women empowerment and creating space for other talented photographers to thrive.
I also created my education community, M Harris Hustlers, because when I was starting out, I couldn’t find anyone who looked like me teaching the business side of wedding photography—and I knew that needed to change. Now, I get to mentor photographers on how to price with confidence, streamline their systems, and market themselves like pros. I also specialize in teaching how to work under serious time pressure—like capturing 48 couple portraits in 8 minutes or nailing bridal party shots in just 10. Because in this industry, being fast and excellent is a real superpower.
My mission has always been to help photographers build profitable businesses they’re proud of—without apology, burnout, or playing small.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Absolutely not—and honestly, I wouldn’t trust a “smooth road” story anyway. Building this business came with plenty of challenges, especially as a Black woman breaking into the luxury wedding space. I faced a lot of doubt, got overlooked more times than I can count, and had to push twice as hard to be taken seriously in certain rooms.
There were times I was editing until 4 AM with my daughter sleeping next to me. I’ve balanced shoots, motherhood, and growing multiple brands—all while navigating ADHD, anxiety, and the constant pressure to “do it all.” And I had to learn that talent alone isn’t enough. Running a successful photography business takes strategy, systems, and mindset work.
I’ve sacrificed a lot. Missed birthdays. Skipped vacations. Made hard choices. But I don’t regret a second of it. Because everything I’ve been through is exactly why I teach photographers how to work smarter, faster, and more profitably. The hustle was real—but it made me who I am.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about M Harris Studios?
I run three brands under the M Harris umbrella, and each one serves a unique purpose in the photography space.
M Harris Studios is my signature brand—known for luxury wedding photography that blends editorial elegance with real emotion. I specialize in destination weddings and high-end celebrations, and I’m proud to say my work has been published in outlets like People, The New York Times, and Martha Stewart Weddings. I’m trusted by couples who want more than pretty pictures—they want intentional storytelling and a photographer who can take charge, make them feel confident, and deliver magic every time.
Laila Chanel Studios is my associate brand, created in 2017 when I was turning away too many weddings. It’s a team of powerful, all-female photographers trained by me to deliver that same elevated client experience at a more accessible price point. It’s also a platform for empowerment—I believe in giving other women the tools and opportunity to shine in this industry.
Then there’s M Harris Hustlers—my education brand and community for wedding photographers who want to scale without the fluff. I teach systems, posing, pricing, branding, and one of the things I’m most known for: how to create gorgeousness under pressure. Whether it’s 48 couple portraits in 8 minutes or a full bridal party in 10, I help photographers master speed without sacrificing quality. My programs, workshops, and mentoring are all rooted in real-world strategies that actually work—and I’m proud to say I’ve helped hundreds of photographers build profitable, booked-out businesses.
After spending my entire career in the DC area, I recently relocated to Atlanta—and I knew I had to build community here the same way I had before: through connection, education, and collaboration. That’s why I created the Hustler Hangout—an in-person networking event that brings local photographers together to swap headshots, learn from each other, and build real relationships. It’s my way of planting roots and lifting others up in the process.
At the end of the day, what sets my brands apart is the intention. Every part of my business is built with purpose—whether it’s helping a bride feel like a cover model, or helping a photographer believe in their worth. This isn’t just photography—it’s empowerment, strategy, and community.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is seeing people step into their power—whether it’s a bride feeling like her most confident self in front of my lens, or a photographer in my community finally charging what they’re worth and booking their dream clients. That moment when someone realizes, “I can really do this”—that lights me up every time.
On a personal level, nothing beats time with my daughters. They’re my why, my motivation, and my biggest cheerleaders. And honestly? Give me a good psychological thriller book, a fresh plant I didn’t need but absolutely had to have, some charcuterie, and Blush (my Yorkie) curled up nearby—and I’m in my happy place.
I hustle hard, but I’ve learned to slow down and savor the wins—big or small. That balance? That’s the real joy.
Pricing:
- M Harris Studios investment begins at 7,000
- Laila Chanel Studios Investment begins at 3,000
- M Harris Hustler Education community is free 🙂
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mharrisstudios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mharris_studios
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mharrisstudios15
Image Credits
N/A all images taken by myself or my team
