I have written a bunch of bios over the years. Michael as a business owner, Michael as a photographer, Michael as an Artist. But sitting here right now, thinking of myself in this role, I am at my most honest and relaxed.

Hello I am Michael Stewart Patrick Kent, educator, community building, creative, and passionate helper.

I built Allen-Kent Photography out of a need to pay the bills, and only dreamt that we could make a decent living with it. We did.

I built Photo Club out of a sense of boredom at a photo networking event, talking about taxes. I never thought it would carry us where we are today. It did.

I tend to the Photo Club as a parent to their child, as a gardner to a beloved plant, with the hopes that the fruit it bears will feed the community that I adore. When I was growing as a creative and a photographer, I CRAVED community and peers. I just wanted to know that I was not alone in this project. And, while I know that our success as photographers was on Brooke and my shoulders alone, I never wanted to win at the expense of those around me. It is my deepest truth when I tell you that I am at my most realized when I see those around me succeed.

So, if you are here for the first time. Welcome. Come plug in, and find your place in our community. You are welcome here, and you are not alone.

If you are coming back again, I hope what we build and craft continues to help you on your journey.

Welcome to Photo Camp!

-Michael Stewart Patrick Kent

I always jump to define myself by how long I’ve been in business (15 years), by the type of photos I take (weddings, portraits and commercial work), or the city I live in (Portland, Oregon). But those things aren’t really me: they’re just context.

At my core I’m an artist, a business owner and a creative nerd. I’m also a toddler mom, an animal lover, and someone who is forever optimistic about what I can get done in a day. I’m a hardcore extrovert with introverted hobbies. I’m just as happy on a dance floor full of people as I am curled up with a fantasy-romance book or some watercolors. I love birdwatching and modern art and adventure travel. I love spontaneity, surprises, drama and I am endlessly fascinated with interpersonal relationships and people. I love that photography challenges me in SO many beautiful ways. I feel deeply present while taking pictures and I live for the depth and access it gives me to humanity and stories.

To me, running my own business feels like a never-ending game that I’m usually winning at, but sometimes losing too. I’m always making small tweaks here and there, driven by curiosity and how it results in new bookings and relationships. I’m passionate about a LOT of different things, and I don’t think you have to stick to just ONE thing to be successful in this field.

I have always had such trouble writing my “about section”, even after 15 years in the industry. When I sit down to write about myself all I can really think to do is list out the generic things I like.

And yes, while it’s important for you to know how much I love a good craft beer, or Seinfeld, or tacos or my kids etc. what I want you to really know about me is that so much of who I am is woven into the fabric of the people around me.

My desire is to serve. I want everyone, in every moment, to feel loved, seen, appreciated and cared for. I cannot even begin to describe myself without starting with that truth.

My desire is to serve you, I want to make you laugh and to leave you feeling fuller than before.

I love to adventure, but sometimes I would much rather lay in bed with my kids watching a movie. I would much rather eat and drink my way through a city than hike a trail. We live simply in our 120 year home that is constantly under construction.

Relationships are where everything begins. They make this life worth living. I care deeply about those around me because I understand the conditions of our hearts. We all want to be loved, we all want to be understood and we all want to just laugh.

I want you to know that I see you and I hear you. You are so important, and you are so loved. xo.

I'm Sydney, a wedding photographer since 2012 with roots in photography dating back to 2008. Creativity has always been my outlet, and photography became the perfect fit. My journey began with self-portraiture, even leading to being published in a book celebrating self-expression. While I love the artistry, my true passion is weddings—the planning, anticipation, and connections fill me with joy. Beyond capturing moments, I cherish the client experience, building relationships that make this work so fulfilling.

// Combining informal portraiture with authentic delight, Jessie’s artistry stems from her aptness to make people feel good, honorable, and understood. //

The reasons in which I’ve dedicated my life to documenting are simple, really.
This work is incredibly versatile & documenting truthfully can be far more complex than one may recognize.

It is portrait photography by which I am drawn. I love people, and the relationships I have with them fiercely. Photography is as much about connecting as it is an art form itself. So much about what we do is about conversation and it is the conversation, movement and shifting natural light that guides me.

There are moments in which it is our responsibly to be still & silent… and moments when our energy and orchestration are mandatory.

Thank you for trusting me.

Hola amigis! My name is Marcela

I am a Pacific Northwest wedding and elopement photographer specializing in deep, earthy tones and modern, timeless imagery. My aesthetic is all about that laidback luxury vibes.

I currently live in Portland, Oregon but I’m originally from Southern California.

My work is rooted in inclusivity and diversity. Being a Latina in the PNW isn’t always easy but for me it’s all about finding and creating my community and chosen familia, tu sabes?

I am a born and raised Florida surfer girl who packed up her husband and animal farm and relocated to Northern Michigan. I REALLY love animals and my husband (in no particular order sorry babe). Traveling is my obsession, I love getting to experience different cultures. Water is a huge part of my life. You can catch me in the lake all summer!

My husband and I just made our dream of buying a log cabin and living in the woods a reality along with our dog,Hank, two piggies, Marble and Maybelline and last but not least our cats, Oscar, Grey and Tiger. We are now based in Traverse City and love living the cabin life and the slower pace of living Northern Michigan offers. I live for story-telling and taking photos. I’m rarely serious and always making jokes, mostly at my own expense. I could live off of tacos and sushi and never get sick of either one.

The past 14 years I’ve been photographing weddings all over the world, even as far as South Africa. Being able to capture love in so many forms in so many places over the years has been such a blessing.

// Embracing An Unconventional Path //

For the past decade, my life choices have revolved around my passion for travel. After deciding against pursuing a traditional four-year degree, I went on extended travels to the UK and Europe, then worked gig jobs while at home, eventually stumbling into a position in the photography industry. Despite working remotely, I remain rooted in Northern Michigan, cherishing its comforts while exploring the world.

While I’m not bothered to tick off every country on the map, I love exploring new destinations whenever I can. My travels are sporadic, and I have often revisited destinations. I have no rush to see it all – just a desire to experience and live outside the box.