Age: 20
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Occupation: Photographer, Designer, and Student
Isn't she gorgeous?! I have hair-envy!
How did you get into photography and design?
I’ve
always had a passion for art, growing up with an Architect as a dad,
I’ve been surrounded by it and influenced by it since day 1. I spent
my younger years in the performing arts, and spent most of my life
wanting to be a professional musician when I grew up. I would draw and
doodle on everything, but didn’t really ever think much of it. It wasn’t
until my sophomore year in high school that I discovered my passion for
photography and design. I signed up for a digital imaging course on a
whim, and it really was love at first shot. I saved up all my money for
a starter DSLR camera, and took pictures of everything and anything. I
truly owe my whole career to that first imaging course I took at Model
High School (in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan). Without it, I’m not sure
when/if I would’ve discovered my love and passion for photography and
design.
What does your average day look like?
As
a student, during the school year my days are pretty crazy. I typically
wake up in the morning, make myself a pot of french press, plan out
what my day is going to look like, and start tackling it. This
semester, I have later afternoon/night classes, so I spend my mornings
working on a mix of freelance design or photography jobs, and the mass
amounts of homework I have. After making myself lunch, and getting
ready for the day, I drive my 30 minute commute to Atlanta, and am in
class until 8-8:30
at night. If I’m not staying after class at school to finish up
projects, I’m either taking a break spending some time with friends, or
driving back home to finish up some work and get some sleep. Although
being a student and doing my own design & photography thing on the
side is crazy busy, if there’s anything I’ve learned, it’s that I can’t
do it all even thought I want to. Taking time everyday to relax, even
if just for a half hour at the end of the day is crucial.
What is one thing you can't live without?
A
camera of some sort. Whether it’s my iPhone camera or my professional
one, I can never go anywhere without one. There are too many inspiring
moments that happen every day I want to document and save for later
inspiration.
Any secret hobbies?
Although
it’s not really a hobby anymore, I used to play ice hockey when I lived
in Michigan, and loved it. Unfortunately, it’s not too big of a sport
down here in Georgia, but I still try and go skating when I can! And I
love watching my Detroit Red Wings play some puck!
What is your go-to outfit?
A floral dress + combat boots. I can’t live without my various pairs of combat boots!
Where do you find inspiration for your work?
The
biggest inspirations I find are all around me, in my every day life. I
find beauty in the small things, the small details of life and people I
meet. I truly think everything and everyone is beautiful in their own
quirky unique ways, and taking the time to take in all of my
surroundings is my biggest inspiration. It can be something as simple
as the way the sunlight hits my table in the morning, or the way someone
sits in a coffee shop. There’s inspiration literally everywhere, you
just have to be open to noticing it. People and their stories inspire me
more than anything, it’s why I do what I do.
You can also see more of what inspires me on my instagram (@yellowbirdvisuals) or on my pinterest (@michaellajelin)
If you could give advice to your 16 year old self, what would it be?
Oh
gosh, the things I wouldn’t tell my 16 year old self! The biggest
thing I would tell myself, is to be patient. To enjoy every moment, and
to appreciate everything for what it is. The grass is never greener on
the other side, and patience really is a virtue. I would also tell my
past (and current) self to not put so much pressure on myself. The big
guy upstairs has got a plan for me, I just have to work hard, stay
humble, and have faith in myself, and things will work out eventually
the way they’re meant to be. Stressing out does nothing but pull you
back.
Current obsessions?
Plants,
iced coffee, hats, sparkling lemonade, all things gold and yellow, and
dreaming of traveling around the country in an airstream.
Coffee or tea or neither?
Coffee by day, tea by night. Although if forced to choose between the two, I would definitely pick coffee, it’s my lifeline.
You can check out Michaella's Pinterest, Instagram, and Website.
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