OH BABY. Michelle Monson Photography has been photographing newborns and families in the Chippewa Valley since 2013. (Submitted photos)

Time goes by in the blink of an eye, so it’s important to capture the important moments – especially with growing children. Michelle Monson, owner of Michelle Monson Photography, has been creating lasting memories since 2013.

The Lake Hallie resident got her start in photography when her dad sent her his camera and she began taking photos of the farm animals she had at the time. “When I had the film developed, I will never forget the emotions I felt looking at the photos I took. That feeling was powerful. Every family I serve, I feel this. It is joy, excitement, and love,” Michelle said. “Photos are a treasure, one of those things that you will always wish you had more of.”

Michelle enjoys empowering women through photography and taking photos in a studio space, which is why she decided to focus on maternity, newborn, and family photoshoots. Over the past 10 years – the past five of them in her studio in Building 13 of Banbury Place – Michelle has taken hundreds of newborn and family photos, helping her clients preserve a snippet of a time that moves all too quickly.

But her animal photography roots still shine through: Sometimes friends and clients enlist her talent to photograph baby animals they have on their farms. In fact, Michelle is the one who shot the adorable photos of the baby emu, Nigel, that Volume One wrote about back in May.

Michelle also offers events called “Snap a Peek” where she teams up with EloRose Diagnostic Ultrasound to photograph expecting parents. No matter how far along you are in your pregnancy, this event allows you to get a 3D/4D Ultrasound as well as a silhouette portrait of your bump. The next event is on Dec. 5 and spots fill up quickly. Anyone interested can check out eloroseultrasound.com and Michelle’s social media pages for updates and to register.

If you are interested in getting newborn photos taken, make sure to book as soon as possible, since Michelle is already booking into October 2024. She also specializes in full family portraits and has many different package options on her website.

“I want families to walk away changing how they feel about getting family portraits taken,” Michelle said. “It doesn’t have to be stressful. Come as you are, we will relax, get the kids ready – husbands, too – and let me take care of everything. Come relaxed and we will create magic.”

Learn more about Michelle Monson Photography and see more of her work at photozbymonson.mypixieset.com.