We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Flores and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Creativity is something that I’ve possessed from a very young age, so it always really felt like my destiny to fulfill my life’s work through my creative art.

When I was just 7 years old, I became obsessed with watching WWD fashion week runway reels. Aweing at the works of Marc Jacobs & Betsey Johnson inspired me from a very young age to pursue becoming a fashion designer. Truly from that moment on, I had my eyes set on being a creative in the world of fashion.

In 2010, I achieved my Associates degree & graduated as one of FIDM’s top 100 Product Development majors. Soon after graduating I landed a promising position as a senior graphic designer at a startup graphic design/marketing agency. Where I would soon climb up the latter to fill the position as Art Director, leading my own team of designers & spearheading campaigns for some of the world’s leading commercial brands.

During those years, I began shooting fashion photography as a hobby. After many word-of-mouth referrals, I was beginning to take on clients & decided to officially start my small business known today as – MFP | Michelle Flores Photography. After just 3 years of starting my own creative “side-hustle”, I officially took the risk to go full time with my entrepreneurial journey & truly haven’t looked back since.

Starting my own creative career & business has been no easy feat. However, the decision to become an independent artist & entrepreneur was. My choice to have confidence in my artistry was the biggest risk- yet continues to prove as the biggest reward yet.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Michelle Flores is a luxury wedding photographer/ creative director based in Los Angeles, CA with a fashion, print & design background. With a classic & romantic quality, she delivers a genuine perspective to her wedding & portrait work. Inspired by opulent design, classic romance, & regal simplicity she focuses on beautiful story telling through polished imagery that speak true to the personal styles of her clients.

Michelle works alongside her talented team of lead photographers + cinematographers all boasting in accolades & extensive fine art photography + cinematic film backgrounds. Together their work makes up the signature MFP wedding collection style clients have grown to love & trust.

MFP’s work can be seen published in some of the world’s leading bridal magazines including Brides, Martha Stewart, The Knot, Ceremony …& many more

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Griffith for a morning hike followed by lunch at Beachwood cafe in Hollywood Hills.

Dining in Koreatown for THE BEST underrated sushi at OYABUN.

If it’s Tuesday, then we’re headed for evening drinks at Hollywood’s Bar Lis for the ultra chic Jazz Night & of course closing the night at the local taco truck.

The following days I’d create an itinerary combo including all of LA’s top eatery’s & sightseeing locations.
-Is there any other way to get to know LA if you’re not eating your heart out through the city!?!?

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I want to thank my FIDM professor Nino Surdo, for helping me get out of my own way. He encouraged me to look into a world outside of fashion to find my success. He taught me to be self-aware of my strengths and the opportunities I have within reach. He encouraged me to take a risk on an avenue I would’ve completely discredited. Had I not allowed his wisdom to help guide me to find my way I would not be where I am today.

Website: www.michellefloresphotography.com

Instagram: @michellefloresphotography

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellefloresphotography

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.