Today we’d like to introduce you to Michee Zodulua.
Hi michee, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For me, it all started in the early 2010s when I got my first smartphone, an iPhone 3, and discovered Tumblr, the Pinterest of the time. What began as taking sunset photos from my window turned into climbing onto my church rooftop, waking up at dusk, traveling on foot, etc. just to find the “right” shot.
That curiosity eventually led me to photography beyond my phone. My brother gave me a Canon Rebel T3i and asked me to take photos of his band for Facebook and Instagram. After realizing how humbling the learning curve of a DSLR was, I took an online photography class the summer before my junior year to learn the basics, which eventually led to shooting more live shows and picking up small gigs after high school.
For years, I relied on the same nifty fifty, growing more confident while still living in a tiny bubble of photographic knowledge, unaware of the wider world of camera shops, gear, and everything photography had to offer.
Photographer Nick Fancher and his series of photo books helped shape who I am as a photographer today. I eventually hit a wall with what I was producing. I wasn’t feeling that creative spark anymore until I read Chroma by Fancher and discovered the world of off-camera flash photography. Flash took me from merely paddling at the surface to deep diving into the seemingly bottomless world of photography.
That spark is still the reason I pick up my camera today. There are endless possibilities and countless ways to scratch that creative itch. Letting curiosity lead, connecting with people, learning from others, and simply chasing the light has led me to some of my biggest personal and career milestones—ones I honestly don’t take enough time to look back on.
Today, I work at Peace Camera in Raleigh, where I’ve spent the past four years learning, forgetting, and relearning in the vast world of photography. Being surrounded by hobbyists, career professionals, and people willing to share their tips and tricks has allowed me to stay immersed in photography almost every day. This chapter has reshaped my commitment to the craft and raised my standards for what I’m willing to call my work.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth roads only last for so long. Where I am today is not where I envisioned myself when I first interviewed with Voyage a few years ago.
Life will always find a way to get in the way, but it’s how you react that makes the difference. Over the past two years, I feel like I allowed myself to veer a little off course without realizing how much seemingly harmless distractions were changing the world around me. As I continue finding my way back, I’ve started to recognize the missed opportunities and resources I could have invested more intentionally.
Finding healthier distractions and better time management has been an important part of rekindling my photographic curiosity and reconnecting with myself. Becoming an uncle has also shifted how I view the importance of being mentally stronger, understanding who I am, and being more intentional about what and why I choose to share.
In this chronic age of social media and virality, I’m also trying to stay true to what made me want to create before money or attention became part of the equation. Rather than falling into the trap of trend-chasing and chasing the next dopamine hit, I’m learning to trust my own curiosity again. I feel like I’m only now beginning to grow stronger wings and learn how to navigate today’s digital turbulence on my own terms.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m a creative professional focused on creating work that feels authentic, intentional, and visually compelling. My work is rooted in a strong sense of storytelling, with an emphasis on capturing personality, emotion, and the details that make each project unique.
I specialize in low light photography and bringing ideas to life in a way that feels both polished and personal. I’m known for my attention to detail, creativity, and ability to create work that connects with people rather than simply looking good.
What I’m most proud of is building a body of work that reflects my own perspective and continues to evolve with every project. I approach each opportunity as a chance to learn, experiment, and push my creative boundaries.
What sets me apart is the way I combine creativity with intention. I care about the story behind the work just as much as the final result, and I strive to create something that feels memorable, genuine, and distinctly my own.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Do what you can with what you have, and make the most of the moment you’re in. Perfection is overrated. It can become an excuse to hesitate or never begin. But accepting imperfection doesn’t mean lowering your standards or selling your vision short. When doubt trickles its way in, remember to care deeply about the work, and there’s a lot more within your reach when you stop and look around.
Pricing:
- $200 Portrait Session
- $300 Studio Portrait Session
- $75/per head Corporate Headshots
Contact Info:
- Website: https://micheezee.format.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michee.png/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michee-zodulua-58b7b3158/
