Kaylee Michael shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Kaylee, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Would YOU hire you? Why or why not?
I definitely would. Not because I think I’m perfect, but because I know how deeply I care for my clients and their experience. I pride myself on making sure every client feels valued from the very first inquiry to long after their gallery is delivered. If something ever falls short, I do everything in my power to make it right. For me, photography isn’t just about taking beautiful images—it’s about creating a meaningful, stress-free experience and making people feel seen and cared for. I have a big heart, and I bring that into every session.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, my name is Kaylee Michael and I’m the photographer behind Dorothy Doe Photos, a brand I created in honor of my grandmothers. Dorothy and Doreen (Doe). I specialize in wedding, couples, and lifestyle photography, and my passion is capturing love stories in a way that feels timeless, genuine, and documentary-style. What makes my work special is that I don’t just show up to take photos, I create an experience where my clients feel comfortable, cared for, and truly celebrated. For me, it’s about more than images. It’s about preserving memories people will cherish for a lifetime.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
The two relationships that have shaped how I see myself most are with my grandma Dorothy and with Doe. My grandma Dorothy always made me feel so loved and special—she called me ‘her girl,’ and to me that meant everything. Some of my favorite memories are the simple ones: going to her house, eating buttered noodles, and watching TV together. She was the first person I’d run to with any exciting news, because she always made me feel seen and celebrated.
Doe, on the other hand, struggled with mental illness, something I’ve also faced in my own life. She was one of the strongest women I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. Honoring both of them through my brand name, Dorothy Doe Photos, reminds me every day of the balance between joy and struggle, resilience and tenderness. From Dorothy, I carry unconditional love; from Doe, I carry empathy and strength. Together, they’ve shaped how I see myself and the heart I bring into my work.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one thing to my younger self, it would simply be: keep going. Every day is a new day, and the past doesn’t define you. Don’t get stuck worrying about mistakes. You’re going to have a beautiful life filled with family, love, and dreams you never imagined would come true.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that what matters most to me are my kids. They are my entire world, and without them I wouldn’t be whole. They’d also say my husband, who’s my high school sweetheart, is at the center of my life. Family is everything to me, and it’s what gives meaning to everything I do.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
The story I hope people tell when I’m gone is that I had a kind heart. I want to be remembered as someone who cared deeply for others, who was a true friend, and who made people feel loved and valued. I’ve grown a lot over the years and walked through things that shaped me into a softer, kinder person. More than anything, I hope people look back and feel grateful that I was part of their lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://dorothydoephotos.com
- Instagram: @dorothydoephotosco
Image Credits
Headshot- KH Photos & Prints
