Meet Michelle Porizkova | Photographer

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

Hi Michelle, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I began photography at 16 kind of just as a creative outlet; it then began to grow and grow, and before I knew it I had a large food blog that had a following! It became my passion, and as a result I taught myself photography through videos and articles. A few years flew by, and once I was in the middle of college, I just didn’t have the time I used to; between a full-time job and a full course load, it became too much for me to keep up with. Not only that, but my food blog didn’t fulfill me creatively anymore, and I also lost some family which turned my life upside down. I realized I wanted to finally pursue what I always thought was out of reach: shooting people and love. I always dreamt of shooting editorials, weddings, local businesses etc. and that’s when my content really shifted and I began pursuing what I wanted. Now, I’m lucky to be able to shoot what I love.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I absolutely love being able to capture moments in time. I’ve always adored the entire process: from planning, to shooting, to editing — all of it is incredible. Now that I’m able to shoot incredible people in the area, I love being able to connect for a few moments in time and capture something that will never happen again. Then, being able to gift people those moments that they can cherish forever is indescribable. Shifting my branding and completely redirecting my focus in photography was a challenge, but it’s been completely worth it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
North Carolina is absolutely stunning. First, we’d have to go to my favorite bagel shop, Benchwarmer bagels. Next, a trip to the North Carolina Museum of Art is a must – from the interior art to the acres of meadow and outdoor statues, it’s a dream. The remainder of the week would surely have to include a drive to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Asheville, as that’s my favorite place in the whole state; it’s breathtaking.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family, friends, and boyfriend are all people I couldn’t have done this without. Even when I began my photography journey, and was a bit embarrassed about what I was sharing online as I was still learning, everyone always gave me so much love and support that I never felt like what I was doing was silly or a waste of time. Everyone around me always had my best interest in mind, and encouraged me to continue and do what I loved.

Some of my photography inspirations are Marina Williams, Julia Trotti, Teru Menclova, Lukas Korynta, Abby Leigh, and Tracy Elena.

Website: https://www.plantandsproutphoto.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/plantandsprout/