Meet Michel Hansen | Photographer & Designer

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

Hi Michel, we’d love to hear what makes you happy.
There is a lot in this life that makes me happy. I am so blessed in that. Creating art in the form of photography, and my family is at the top of the list. When I get behind the camera, that moment the lens focuses on my subject I feel so much joy and peace It is an incredible experience. Also, helping my clients see themselves as beautiful drives me, and when I hear back that they felt beautiful and seen in their photos, those are some of my happiest moments. When it comes to family I have two kids a three-year-old and a two-year-old. When we are snuggling watching a show or I’m making them laugh that is happiness. When I see them growing and learning new things and being kind to each other and those around us I also feel so incredibly happy and content. Happiness in my life is honestly just a lot of these sweet little moments.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I officially started my business in 2016 after getting my degree in Journalism with a focus on photojournalism and since then, there have been many ups and downs. I am so grateful for where I am today and so excited to see where I will be in 10 years. Evaro Photography is here to capture my client’s story. I love being there for big life moments to freeze them in time so they can look back at them for years to come. Their children can look back and know what mom and dad looked like on their wedding day and so much more. I am currently focusing mainly on weddings and families, however, I do photograph pretty much everything from headshots to newborns.

I believe something that sets me apart is my ability to see and understand photographing different body types. It doesn’t matter what size we are most of us have insecurities or something we may not love. I take the time to understand that and hear from my clients how they feel beautiful. I use that information to photograph them in a way that they will look at and feel the best and feel seen the way I see them. I care so deeply about this and about them. One goal I have is to encourage other photographers to approach a shoot in this way as well.

This journey of owning a business has not been the easiest, I have thought about giving up at moments, but it truly is my joy to be behind the camera creating and capturing beauty. I don’t think I could physically quit, but it is a business that can look different in different seasons, which is one of the benefits of being a photographer. I would also say if you are in a slow season of business, perseverance is key. Continue networking and caring about people. It pays off.

Also, a little side note I have a side passion for design I do freelance along with illustration to create stickers and prints.

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?
Denver is a magical city and there are so many places to go! I would take them to the Denver Zoo first I think it is my favorite place. Then we would go up to a hike at Lair O’the bear (it’s a little more moderate for people’s first time in Colorado). I would also love to take them to either Breckenridge or Vail the drive up is beautiful and each town has fun shops to explore and places to walk. Saphire point in Breckenridge is an ideal overlook and spot for photos. Exploring 16th street and Union station is a must for a full Denver experience. I love most of the restaurants in and around Union station so we would definitely eat there. I would also take them to Damascus grill in Littleton with a walk through downtown Littleton after lunch to see the local shops, my favorite might be Willow ( they support many local artisans). We could grab an afternoon drink at Jakes Brew Bar or a tea at Inn Tea. I would drive them by the capital and stop at the art museum or Denver public library on the way home. Oh, and I would also take them to Sonder my favorite coffee & tea shop for some of the coffee and atmosphere. If it was winter time we would go for at least a day to Loveland or Copper ski resort for some snowboarding! It will be a fun whirlwind of a week!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so thankful to so many. My friend Alyson McClaran comes to mind first. She was my photo editor when I worked at The Met (Metropolitan State University of Denver’s Newspaper) and always pushed me to do better and to make better photos. I have continued to work with her second shooting weddings and we talk and call each other for advice in the industry to this day. I am also so thankful to all the photographers that have allowed me to come alongside them as a second shooter. Also, just the support of my husband Jim Hansen as I went back to school and as I have pursued this life of an entrepreneur.

Website: evarostories.com

Instagram: instagram.com/evarophotography

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/michel-hansen-a7717033

Facebook: www.facebook.com/EvaroPhotography

Image Credits
First photo was taken by Allison Naylor