About Michelle M. Pillow, Photographer
 

I love being creative and telling stories, whether it's with words or pictures. I'm pretty laid back with work-a-holic tendencies. I love research, learning new things and going new places, museums, photography, history, films, books and the paranormal. And I'm always on the lookout for new opportunities.

Not only am I a photographer, I'm a published author with (at the time of writing this in 2011) over 75 romance fiction books including paranormal, historical, futuristic, contemporary, fantasy and every combination thereof. I've been published at some of the biggest publishers in the world, as well as at small presses. I co-own small press publishing houses: The Raven Books and Raven Nevermore Books. 

I have a degree in photography, and am working towards a degree in History with a minor in English. I hosted a paranormal radio show for three years. I write a monthly interview column and am a journalist/photographer for Paranormal Underground Magazine. To read more about the writing side of my personality, click here.

Have a project you'd like to work with me on? Email me. You never know, I might say yes.
 

Why "Pretty Poison"?

Photography and writing are my artistic drugs of choice. They're in my soul and in my veins, a pretty poison I cannot live without.


My Photographer Story...

When I was 10 my dad gave me my first camera, a Kodak Instamatic X-15F, and so began my lifelong love of photography. It still is the coolest thing and has my initials on the back. Even then I loved the idea of capturing fleeting moments in time and telling stories with images. Plus, I was shy so it really helped me to get out there and mingle. If I haven't said it enough--Thanks Dad!

In High School, I participated in art shows, had my own school-wide exhibition and pretty much spent every spare moment in the darkroom developing film and teaching myself different developing techniques. They just handed me the keys and let me go. We only worked with B/W, and that might be why I love that style so much. Another reason would be my love of old movies and all things historical. I really thought I'd never do anything else.

In adulthood, as it often does, life got in the way and I wasn't able to pursue my art as much as I wanted--though the 9 rolls of print film I went through on every vacation might dispute that fact. I set up my own darkroom for awhile, did some freelance work including a few weddings and portraits. For fun, I enrolled at the New York Institute of Photography and graduated with a degree in Professional Photography.

After spending the last five years focused on my writing career I'm ready to pick my camera back up. Now, I'm taking the next step, starting this store and putting up my work for the world to see!


Philosophies...

Life experiences and trial & error can teach so much. You don't have to have a fancy degree or be the most technically savvy. (though if you are or you do, then great!) If you love doing it, then pick up that darn camera and shoot!


Equipment...

I shoot with a Canon AE-1 for print and a Canon EOS 20D for digital. I do have other cameras, but those have become my primary ones. I have a few studio lights, flashes and an assortment of lenses from 19mm - 1300mm.


Future...

I love doing and trying new things and am always open to new ideas and opportunities. I'd love to be a part of a paranormal investigation (DONE! May 2010), work on a nonfiction project, publish a photography book, travel the world, work on a horror movie (preferably as a zombie LOL), have my own show (just don't ask me what about). The great thing about the future is that the possibilities are endless.

 

Thank you for visiting and checking out my work!     Conditions of Use LEGAL WARNING: It is illegal to distribute, sell, resell, share or transfer ownership of ebooks or digital prints, even if you've purchased it for your own use. It is illegal to make additional prints of copyrighted material (like printed photographs), even if you've purchased it for your own use. COPYRIGHT NOTICE: All photographs on the Pretty Poison Photography site are copyrighted to photographer and author, Michelle M. Pillow, unless otherwise marked. Pretty Poison Photography, Michelle M. Pillow sites and all affiliated sites are (c)2008-2010 copyrighted to Michelle M. Pillow. All Rights Reserved. OTHER INFORMATION: Photographs will remain on sale at the photographer's discretion and may be taken down at anytime. MODEL / PROPERTY RELEASES: I am not responsible for how you use the licensed images. They may or may not require a model or property release, especially if they depict people, copyrighted items or trademarked items. You, as the user/publisher take responsibility for the image(s) use. I recommend contacting your legal representative if you have questions. See the Image License FAQ for more information.   We DO NOT share your information. Period. Pretty Poison Photography, Photographer Michelle M. Pillow and all affiliate sites will never sell or give out your information. I don't like it when people do it to me, I won't do it to you.