Meet Michelle Varley | Photographer & Visual Artist

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

Hi Michelle, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
Hi, I’m Michelle Varley — the heart and eye behind Varleys Photography.

I grew up in Midwest City, Oklahoma, surrounded by strong family values, community spirit, and a deep appreciation for life’s simple joys. Before I ever picked up a camera professionally, I spent 30 years as a hobbyist photographer traveling the world, capturing moments for family, friends, and my own memories. Photography has always been my passion, even as I built a career as a respiratory therapist, caring for people in life’s most vulnerable moments. That work taught me patience, empathy, and the art of truly seeing people — qualities that now guide my photography.

As the proud spouse of a U.S. veteran, I’ve spent 23 years living the military life, learning resilience, adaptability, and the importance of cherishing each moment. These experiences deeply influence my work at Varleys Photography, where I specialize in family portraits, maternity, newborn, and lifestyle sessions. My goal is to create a calm, caring environment where your family’s story can shine naturally.

Life moves fast — but here, we pause to make it timeless.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Varleys Photography isn’t just about taking pictures — it’s about honoring the people and stories behind them.

With 30 years of experience as a hobbyist photographer, I’ve spent decades learning how to capture the beauty in everyday moments. My background as a respiratory therapist taught me patience, compassion, and how to truly see people, while 23 years as a military spouse alongside my husband, Craig, taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of preserving memories before they pass by.

I approach each session with the heart of a caregiver, the steadiness of someone who has weathered life’s changes, and the creativity of a lifelong artist. I create a calm, welcoming environment where you and your loved ones can simply be yourselves — and I capture the real smiles, the quiet glances, and the genuine emotions that make your story yours.

It’s not just photography. It’s your life, your love, your legacy — preserved with care.

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?
When my family or friends visit, we would support all the local businesses in Teller County we could. We would start the day with mimosas and breakfast burritos at Joanie’s Deli in Woodland Park and continue the morning shopping at Miss Priss Boutique and Mountain Home Decor. For lunch we would enjoy a delicious chicken fried steak sandwich at Roy’s Crew BBQ. Then we would head to the Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument for a ranger led hike and explore the 1878 Hornbek Homestead. I would be leaving out one of Teller Counties best hidden treasures, Gold Camp Bakery, in Victor. We would definitely have to stop there for a slice of Bee Sting cake. To top the evening off, dinner at the District Kitchen & Saloon and a little gambling in Cripple Creek.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to two men who have influenced my life tremendously: my husband, a proud Air Force veteran. His service, strength, and unwavering support have inspired me every step of the way. And my brother-in-law who I’ve watched build his business since I was a young girl. His work ethic, dedication, and the way he treats his clients are something to be admired.

And of course, I would be amiss to not mention my two girls, who are grown, for their support and love through every step of this adventure. One of them is a talented photographer in her own right and helps me edit images at time.

Website: https://www.varleysphotography.zenfoliosite.com

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

Image Credits
Varleys Photography LLC