About Michaela: Your Family Photographer

Hi Everyone, I’m Michaela (Kayla) from Michaela Howe Photography. Thank you for taking the time to hear a bit about me and how I got to be where I am now- photographing all you lovely people!

My Childhood

I grew up in the little town of Newbury, Berkshire with my parents and sisters. We spent most weekends swimming, going on bike rides, or long walks through the countryside. My favourite place as a kid was the river which backs on to our garden. We would go down it in an inflatable boat every summer, swim and look for crayfish. My dad also taught us the basics of how to fish – although I can’t say any of us are pro’s!

A typical family holiday for me was visiting my grandparents in Devon and then going camping. Apart from struggling to sleep because of my dads very loud snoring, I really enjoyed it! Waking up every morning to the smell of bacon and the salty sea air, all whilst hearing the waves crashing in the distance was perfect. My favourite part of the holiday was bodyboarding in Woolacombe. My lips were always quick to turn blue from the typically British freezing water, but that never put me off. As long as I was in the water I was happy. Thinking about it now, I realise the best memories I have are all outside!

My first camera

I got my first film camera when I was about 10 years old, I absolutely loved it. I’d take it to school with me and take photos of my friends, my netball games, bowling and plays I was in. And then save up my pocket money so I could get my photos developed. As a kid, I was quite shy compared to my sisters. I think this changed once I was given a camera. I found I was able to talk to everyone and anyone as long as I had my camera.

A few years later I received my first compact digital camera. I started to show my appreciation for nature through photography, I loved photographing the textures in plants and tree’s, beautiful landscapes and animals. I began to look closer at the world and see the beauty in things I wouldn’t necessarily usually notice. I started to think more carefully when taking photos and edit them on the computer with all sorts of crazy creative settings! I enjoyed it so much I knew I wanted to learn more…

My Photography Education

Unfortunately, when I was at school, Photography wasn’t even a subject being taught. I knew I wanted to pursue it though, so after speaking to some of my teachers I decided to start a petition so that my school would start a photography course. This petition and my art teachers help, all made it possible!

Throughout my Photography education, my family often found themselves prey to my crazy photography experiments!! I would apologise but without their help, I wouldn’t be where I am now… I am so grateful for their support.

University

After achieving my Photography A level I went on to study Photography in the Arts at University in Swansea. My project’s seemed to always revolve around people. For one project I documented the people I lived with when they were unaware. Another project we were given was on Street Photography; for this, I focused on how people interacted on the street. Finally, in my last year, I created emotive portraits of people discussing traumatic experiences they had been through. No matter the brief I would always find myself photographing people.

University was the best time of my life! Learning to be independent, studying what I love, living by the sea and being a ‘typical’ Uni student (if you know what I mean!) all made for an unforgettable experience. I finished Uni graduating happily with a BA(Hons) 2:1 degree.

My Photography Career

After Uni I moved back in with my parents in Newbury, it was probably the hardest time in my life. I was so stressed about finding a Photography job that I got shingles! I didn’t give up though, I was looking all over the UK determined to find something in Photography to get me started. And that job happened to be working as a Family Photographer for PixiFoto in Colliers Wood, London. Without even realising it I had landed my ‘dream’ job, although it wasn’t perfect, the best bits of the role was amazing!

I found my love for photographing families, babies and children. Capturing the love each family has for one another, seeing returning clients and capturing their kids growing up is truly an amazing experience. Since leaving Pixifoto I have been working freelance for a few different companies. I am the sole Photographer at Light Republic in Epsom, a family photography studio. You may also occasionally see me down at the local pool in Woking or Guildford, photographing families and babies having their first swim. As a freelancer, I have the joy of being able to work for different companies and meet lots of different people. As well as having the freedom to do my own shoots with my lovely clients.

Some other random facts about me!

• I have 3 nieces and 2 nephew’s…. currently! Ages ranging from 8months- 11 years. I love them all to bits. Taking them to the beach is my favourite thing to do.
• I did a dance club outside of school for about 10 years, it was a mix of contemporary, hip-hop and street dance. I loved it and still miss it in all honesty!
• I was on ‘Meridian News’ on ITV when I was 10 as my little sister found a black widow spider in our bag of grapes which we had all been eating from all day!
• I love travelling and have had some of the best experience’s doing so. I have been to India, Thailand, the USA and many places in Europe. Asia is my favourite place.
•  I love animals, when I was a teenager I had 3 guinea pigs. I was mad when we got a dog as he kept trying to attack them. Jake, our dog, is now 15 years old and I am so glad we got him. He loves cuddles and can be found sat on someone’s lap most of the time. He never did hurt my guinea pigs don’t worry!
• I have been trying to learn Welsh for years. It’s very hard…
• I’m a big Harry Potter fan!

That’s all for now! I hope that helped you understand how I got to be where I am now and why I love photography so much. I can’t wait to get to know you all more!

Thanks

Kayla x