Today we’d like to introduce you to Michael Fried.
Michael, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I actually stumbled into wedding photography in a pretty funny way: I was getting a haircut, which is kind of ironic, considering I’m basically bald now. My hairstylist was sharing her wedding plans with me as we were just chatting away. When she found out I was a photographer, she gave me the chance to photograph her wedding. I’d never done a wedding before, and I’ll be honest, I was nervous but very excited. It was one of those moments where everything just clicked. Even though it wasn’t a full wedding day, the time I spent was enough to spark my passion for capturing weddings. That day showed me how much I love capturing people’s stories, all the little details and big feelings that make a wedding unforgettable. I’ll always be grateful to her and her family for taking a chance on me. It’s wild to think a simple conversation in a hairstylist’s chair could lead me here. I’m thankful for what hair I had back then.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a perfectly smooth road, there’s been a lot of learning along the way. In the beginning, I was just figuring out how to pose couples and find the best light, but I quickly realized that wasn’t enough. I also had to learn how to run a business, navigate this big, sometimes intimidating industry, and find my own style as a photographer. One of the biggest challenges has been figuring out how to stand out in a sea of other talented photographers.
Building relationships with other vendors has been huge too, it turns out it’s not just about taking great photos, but also about creating a great experience and collaborating with everyone involved. That’s actually one of the reasons I joined PPCF (Professional Photographers of Central Florida). Being part of that community helped me find mentors, friends, and people who truly understand the ups and downs of this work.
Even though it’s been bumpy at times, every challenge has pushed me to be better, not just behind the camera, but as a business owner and someone my couples can count on. Honestly, I wouldn’t trade those growing pains for anything.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a wedding photographer who’s all about creating a fun, stress-free experience while capturing vibrant, authentic moments. My style blends artfully posed shots with prompted candids and colorful storytelling that really brings out the personality of each couple and their day. I specialize in weddings that are full of energy, quirkiness, and those nerdy little details that make every celebration unique.
What I’m most proud of is the way I make people feel comfortable and hype them up, I like to think of myself as more than just a photographer; I’m your wedding day hype man, making sure you and your loved ones are having a blast in front of the camera. That energy translates into photos that are joyful, genuine, and full of life.
I’ve been in business for 11 years now, and for the better part of a decade, I’ve been volunteering with the Professional Photographers of Central Florida (PPCF). I’m also proud to give back to my community by photographing the adoptable dogs at Orange County Animal Services, helping them find their forever homes.
What sets me apart is how I combine professionalism with a laid-back, approachable vibe. I’m passionate about strong communication, making the whole process easy and fun from the first hello to the final gallery delivery. Couples tell me they appreciate how I capture the chaos and calm in equal measure, turning moments into memories that feel just as vibrant years later as they did on the day.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I’m all about building relationships, so the best way to work with me is just to reach out and say hey! Whether you’re getting married, planning an event, or dreaming up a styled shoot, I’d love to chat and see how we can make something awesome together.
You can connect with me through my website or social media. I’m always happy to answer questions, talk ideas, or just get to know you. If you want to support my work, sharing my name with friends and family or engaging with my photos online is always appreciated. Let’s create something amazing!
Pricing:
- Typically a couple will invest around $3500 for the most popular collection.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sonacityphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orlandoweddingphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/orlandoweddingphotog
