Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Joyce.
Hi Michelle, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been taking photos for as long as I can remember. Art has always played a central role in my life, and over the years, I explored a wide range of creative outlets. But photography stuck with me—especially documentary-style work. I’ve always believed in the power of capturing memories, preserving stories, and passing on a visual legacy. That’s why we make photobooks, frame candid moments, and hold onto images of everyday life—so we remember.
One of the first pivotal moments in my creative journey happened while living in London in the early 2000s. I walked the city with a little point-and-shoot digital camera, photographing street art and city scenes. That sense of observation stayed with me and greatly influenced my style today. Later, I found myself modeling and realized I needed a portfolio—fast. I bought a Canon Rebel and taught myself how to shoot, mostly through trial and error, and eventually started booking jobs. I even got the chance to photograph at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week with that same Rebel—an unforgettable experience. But ultimately, the modeling world didn’t align with my long-term goals, and I took a step back.
That regrouping led me to join the United States Marine Corps. Serving in the military and experiencing different cultures completely reshaped my perspective. Now, years later, I find myself on the other side of the lens. I’m a mom of two, a military spouse, and I work in clinical research. We move every 3–4 years, and I travel to San Diego frequently, so photography has become a way to stay grounded and creatively connected through all the transitions.
I find time for photography on weekends or days off—whether I’m shooting small businesses in San Diego or out in the high desert, capturing families and couples, or documenting nature and everyday life that resonates with me in the moment. My long-term goal is to expand into more travel-based work—starting regionally and eventually shooting abroad—to share meaningful, artistic experiences with my family and community.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely not a smooth road—it can be a very competitive space. I often find myself navigating a field full of incredibly talented hobbyists and professionals who may have more time to network or market themselves than I do. As a full-time clinical research professional, mom of two young kids, and military spouse, my time is incredibly limited. Most days, I’m sitting on the couch after bedtime routines, juggling a baby and a toddler, and carving out moments to edit thousands of photos while spending quality time with my husband after our kids go to bed.
Military life also means that my partner is often in the field or away on extended training trips, which adds another layer to balancing everything. Even during those stretches, I still show up—for my clients, my kids, and my business—because building something of my own has always been important to me.
Our weekends are often booked with travel and family events, and because we relocate every few years, each move means starting over—building new connections and reintroducing my work to a brand-new community. It’s a challenge, but one I genuinely embrace. I’ve found the creative community to be more supportive than competitive, and I’m grateful for that. My biggest source of strength, though, is my family. They believe in me, cheer me on, and make this journey worthwhile every single day.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
What sets my work apart is the level of connection I build with the people I photograph. I’ve experienced many different chapters in life, and because of that, I’m able to relate to a wide range of clients. I take the time to really listen—to understand the mood, vision, or story they’re trying to tell—and then bring that to life in a way that feels authentic to them. Whether it’s an inspiration board or a quick chat about how they want the session to feel, I approach every shoot with care, intuition, and intention.
I’ve been deeply moved by how my local community has responded to my work. Something as simple as a day out with my family led to my photography being acknowledged by the Desert Rodeo, which was a moment I didn’t expect but truly appreciated. Local coffee shops have shown support, and my recent shoot with a ballet studio that expanded from Los Angeles to the high desert was a meaningful collaboration. While they’re already established, they’re building new roots in the area, and it’s been special to help them visually tell that part of their story.
I gravitate toward working with people who are building something—brands, businesses, families—because I believe in the power of starting small and dreaming big. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help bring someone’s vision to life, knowing the heart behind it. When I photograph for these clients, I’m not just taking images—I’m helping tell their story in a way that supports their next chapter. That makes the entire process more meaningful, both for them and for me.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The photography industry is constantly evolving, especially with the rise of content creation and the demand for more authentic, story-driven visuals. But personally, my goals are focused less on following trends and more on expanding the kind of life and legacy I want to create—for my clients and for my family.
In the next five to ten years, I’d love to take my work beyond local sessions and begin traveling more—both regionally and internationally. We don’t always get the opportunity to travel for work in this field, but I dream of showing my daughters that it’s possible to create a career that takes you places—literally. I want them to see that their mom’s work can lead to unforgettable experiences, and that building a life around passion, creativity, and adventure is absolutely worth pursuing.
At the same time, I want to stay grounded in what I already love—documenting everyday life, helping small businesses tell their stories, and creating emotional, lasting memories for families. Eventually, I hope to open a brick-and-mortar studio where I can shoot not just lifestyle work, but also explore more creative concepts, like high fashion collaborations or editorial-style sessions. I miss that world at times, and having a studio space would open up more possibilities for artistic exploration.
Looking even further ahead, I’d love to mentor other creatives—especially those who may be in the early stages of building their business and aren’t sure where to start. I’ve learned so much by doing things the hard way, and if I can share that knowledge, through podcasts, workshops, or one-on-one support, that feels like the most meaningful way to give back to the photography community that has been so supportive of me.
Ultimately, I want to grow a business that reflects what I value: storytelling, connection, freedom, and the kind of life that makes my kids feel inspired—not restricted—by the circumstances they were born into.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.everwanderphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/everwanderphotography/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ever-Wander-Photography/61574053345804/
Image Credits
All images by Ever Wander Photography – shot by Michelle Joyce
