How Michelle Harris Built a Luxury Wedding Photography Empire with Hustle, Heart, and Legacy
This week on The Photographic Collective Podcast, Miles and Jared sit down with Michelle Harris, luxury destination wedding photographer, Sigma Ambassador, and powerhouse educator behind M Harris Studios, Laila Chanel Studios, and the M Harris Hustlers community of over 2,000 photographers.
From raising her girls as a single mom to building multiple six-figure brands, Michelle has become one of the most respected voices in the photography industry known for her signature mix of confidence, community, and unapologetic hustle.
In this episode, she shares how she built a business that runs on systems, heart, and legacy.
What You’ll Learn
1. Systems that reduce stress
Michelle breaks down how she simplifies her entire workflow from fast posing and on-the-fly lighting setups to practical editing and culling systems that save hours without sacrificing style.
2. Scaling associate teams with heart
Discover how she built and manages associate teams in Washington, D.C. and Atlanta, empowering photographers to deliver the same client experience while maintaining a consistent brand identity.
3. The “show up” client experience
Learn how showing up with confidence (and strategy) turns inquiries into loyal clients plus what to say in consultations to avoid getting ghosted.
4. Rest before risk
Michelle gets real about balancing business growth with motherhood, leadership, and self-care and why resting well is part of her long-term success plan.
5. Moving markets & mastering culture
Hear Michelle’s insights into the Southern wedding scene, what’s changed creatively and culturally, and how photographers can adapt to shifting trends while staying true to their brand.
6. Community that lasts
The story behind M Harris Hustlers and why it works, how accountability beats algorithms every time, and how you can find (or create) your own supportive creative community.
Why You’ll Love This Episode
This conversation is raw, practical, and deeply inspiring. Michelle doesn’t just talk about success, she lives it, teaches it, and models it for photographers who want to grow without burning out.
If you’ve ever wondered how to:
Build a team while keeping your creative voice
Create emotional connection in your client experience
Balance hustle with rest and family
Or simply step into your power as a leader
…this episode is your permission slip.
Connect with Michelle Harris
Listen Now
🎧 Watch the full episode on YouTube or find The Photographic Podcast wherever you listen.
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