About michaela Joy Photography
Experienced event photographers for high-profile brands.
Trusted by organizations like Google, NVIDIA, and Uber, we capture high-level experiences with a calm, unobtrusive perspective.
Hi! We're Michaela and Tim.
a Northern California–based photography and video team.
We specialize in corporate events, leadership retreats, and executive headshots across San Francisco, Napa, Sonoma, and Silicon Valley. Our work is led by Michaela and Tim, with a trusted team supporting and, for select events, leading under our direction.
We create imagery that feels natural, elevated, and deeply aligned with your brand. From tech summits in San Francisco to wine country retreats in Napa, to on-site headshot studios for corporate teams, our work is grounded in one goal: To document your people and your presence with clarity, discretion, and intention.
Before founding Michaela Joy Photography, Michaela trained in photojournalism - a foundation that continues to shape how we see, anticipate, and capture moments.
We do not over-direct.
We do not interrupt the flow of your event.
Instead, we arrive prepared, tuned in, and highly aware - capturing what is real as it unfolds. The result is imagery that feels effortless, editorial, and true to the energy of the room. We operate with the understanding that many of the spaces we work in are high-profile, fast-moving, and trust-sensitive… and we carry that responsibility with professionalism and ease.
A Note on Us…
When we are not behind the camera, we lead with kindness, patience, and a touch of the unexpected.
We keep things easy. We make people feel comfortable.
And more often than not…
our clients hug us before they have even seen a single photo.
What sets us apart:
Effortless to work with
Prepared. Professional. Trusted.
Thoughtful in what we capture
Not just what happened -
how it felt.
Refined, natural imagery
Guided when needed. Invisible when it counts.
Victoria P., Bay Area
"I hired Michaela for an AI Bootcamp-themed event and she did an exceptional job capturing the essence of the evening. From speaker shots, to audiences engaging with the content, to candid shots from the reception, Michaela did it all without sparing any details. On top of that, she was lovely to work with throughout the process! Would highly recommend her to anyone in the Bay Area."
Our PROCESS
Start to finish, we’ve got you
Step 1
Schedule a quick consult
We'll hop on a call to learn more about your event or session, walk you through the process, and send over a custom quote.
Step 2
Prep and planning
Before the shoot, we’ll confirm the schedule, locations, and anything specific you'd like captured.
Step 3
Photoshoot day
We arrive early, work with your team or planner, and document everything with care and flexibility.
Meet Michaela (as told by Tim)
What impresses me most when we work together is Michaela’s ability to put people at ease - immediately.
She has a rare, intuitive presence that is both grounded and disarming, allowing her to connect effortlessly with everyone from executives to keynote speakers to high-profile guests. In fast-paced or high-pressure environments, she brings a sense of calm, clarity, and quiet confidence that people naturally trust.
I often say she has a gift for drawing people out - even the most reserved, analytical personalities - bringing ease, warmth, and genuine expression in front of the camera.
It is not just about getting the shot. It is about creating an environment where people feel comfortable enough to be seen.
Meet Tim (as told by Michaela)
Tim is the operational backbone of our team - especially for multi-day events and complex productions.
He leads logistics with precision, ensuring everything runs seamlessly behind the scenes - from travel coordination and scheduling to staying aligned with the run of show onsite.
Tim also brings a natural ease that balances every environment. He is calm under pressure, highly observant, and effortlessly personable - the kind of presence that keeps both our team and our clients grounded throughout long, high-stakes days.
He is a musician and composer, a dedicated sports fan, and a lifelong student of culture - from symphonies to cinema.
Meet our team
Lead Filmmaker & Video Editor
Konnor
Konnor got hooked on videography 11 years ago when he took a video production class and hasn’t been able to put a camera down since! He has always liked pushing himself outside of the box, whether it’s exploring new places, creating with different types of art media, or trying new foods. He loves immortalizing special moments. We love having him on our team!
Photographer
Diana
Diana loves photography because it lets her use her endless imagination. She enjoys living in the Bay area for the city and for its hiking and biking trails: it’s where she's found some of her favorite places to photograph. Diana is drawn to small, sweet, and intimate moments and strives to create ease and comfort for the clients she works with. We are honored to have her with us.
Assistant & Photographer
Tifani
Tifani was led to photography as a way to capture life’s beauty, in all its forms: when they smile, nature’s endless bounty, the beauty of our messy but meaningful days… Her dad’s 35mm Canon AE-1 from the 80’s got her going. She brings an additional perspective to the wedding team and a helping hand-literally! Her attention to detail and kindness has no limits.
Every photo~hand edited.
we hand select and Hand edit the best photos from your session and deliver them to you - ready to print or publish.
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FHE Founder Morgan is the one who personally touches and edits all our digital images. She is based in San Francisco. Has a perfect eye, loves animals and noodles.
We trust her with your pretty. She has truly changed our lives. We now have more time to run our business, less time editing.
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If we use film during your session, we send it to Southern California to our pals at Richard Photo Lab. They use sustainable practices for their film chemicals.
We love the way the softly edit our film. When we call them, they greet us by name.
