I was 15, and I remember it vividly—the moment I knew photography was my calling. I was photographing a young girl near a pond in my friend’s neighborhood. She moved so naturally, and I had this vision: I wanted to capture her as she was—nothing posed, nothing traditional. The thrill of developing those images in the darkroom was pure magic. It gave me butterflies then, just as photography still does today. From the very first image I developed, I knew this was what I was meant to do.

I immersed myself in photography, taking every class I could in high school, attending photography school in college, and working in the photo industry in California for many years before finding the confidence to start my own business.

People often ask me how I came up with the name Bella Luce. It started during a college print competition, where I titled my entry “Bella Luce,” meaning “beautiful light” in Italian. That print won, and many years later, when it came time to name my business, I knew it was the perfect fit.

For 16 years, I’ve had the privilege of owning Bella Luce Photography, with over 25 years in the industry. And yet, every single day, I wake up in love with what I do. Every session is a chance to connect, to create, and to help someone feel beautiful and seen.

For me, the magic of photography is about connection. It’s about the moments we share leading up to your session—the conversations, the laughter, the trust we build together. That connection is what makes every image timeless, heartfelt, and uniquely yours.

Meet Michelle Andrea

the woman behind the lens

Let’s create something beautiful together

Timeless | Ethereal | Delicate | Natural | Warm | Soft

I’m passionate about capturing genuine moments. While I’ll guide you to feel at ease, I focus on letting your natural expressions and movements shine. Rather than placing you in traditional poses, I create an environment that allows your personality and emotions to unfold naturally in every frame.

MY SIGNATURE STYLE

I’m passionate about capturing genuine moments. While I’ll guide you to feel at ease, I focus on letting your natural expressions and movements shine. Rather than placing you in traditional poses, I create an environment that allows your personality and emotions to unfold naturally in every frame.

The Details

Photography has been a dream of mine since I was very young. I’ve spent years honing my craft, starting from my time in photography school to the countless hours of training I’ve invested in since. The magic, for me, is in the little things—the details others might overlook but that make your story uniquely yours. This meticulous attention to detail is what I do best.

A Note from Michelle

When I think about what matters most to me, it’s this: creating a space where professionalism meets heartfelt dedication. My dream is to offer you a truly personalized experience, one that reflects my unwavering commitment to capturing your story with care and artistry.

patience

I believe in giving you the time and care you deserve. Capturing your memories isn’t about rushing or fitting into a schedule; it’s about taking the time to connect, to create, and to let moments unfold naturally. I approach every session with the patience to get it just right, no matter the challenge.

inclusion

My favorite part of this work is seeing the beauty in every person I photograph. I strive to create a space where you can feel completely comfortable to be yourself, knowing that my camera will honor your individuality and tell your story authentically.

timeless moments

I love what I do and believe in what I do. My clients often tell me they feel my dedication—not just to the photos, but to them as people. For me, this is the value: creating timeless portraits and wedding memories that hold deep sentimental meaning. It’s not about the money—it’s about the joy of preserving your moments in a way that will bring you happiness for years to come.
I’ve learned to find the light, even when it isn’t obvious, and to see my clients in a meaningful way right from the start. Photography is more than my career; it’s my passion and my joy. I can’t wait to create something beautiful with you.