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Meet Michelle Robertson: Mesa Senior Photographer
Photographer, Confidence-Builder, and Your Teen’s Personal Hype Woman
Michelle Robertson
I’m the photographer behind Magical Memories by Michelle, and I create a full-service portrait experience for high school seniors, teens, and college graduates in Mesa, Phoenix, and throughout the East Valley. This is a time worth celebrating, and I love helping families do exactly that!
I believe every senior deserves to feel confident, celebrated, and truly seen. My goal is not just to create beautiful images, but to help teens recognize the beauty and strength that’s already there.
This is not a high-volume, churn-and-burn experience. I keep my sessions intentionally personal so every client feels seen, celebrated, and taken care of from beginning to end. From outfit planning to location ideas to helping your teen feel comfortable in front of the camera, I’m there for all of it.
I make the whole process easy, exciting, and fun. You won’t be left guessing about what to choose or what comes next.
And yes, you’ll absolutely get gorgeous images. But I believe your photos deserve to live somewhere better than a forgotten folder on your phone. That’s why I offer custom artwork and guided ordering, so your favorite images become keepsakes you’ll actually enjoy every day.
My Real-Life Dream Team
I’ve been married to my husband Lance for 27 years, and we have two amazing kids. Trevor (25) graduated from ASU with his degree in Mechanical Engineering and now gets to use blend his tech skills and creative side working at World of Illumination—how cool is that?! Alex (23) graduated with her Nursing degree and is now living her dream as a PICU nurse at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
It’s been such a big season of milestones around here. Alex recently bought her first home, Trevor got his first apartment, and I’m still wrapping my head around the fact that I’m officially in my bird-launching era. I’m so proud of both of them, and I love watching them build lives of their own!
This season of life has been full of milestones, change, and all the proud mom feelings. Alex just bought her first home, Trevor recently got his first apartment, and I’m still a little shocked to realize I’m officially a bird launcher now. I’m just soaking up this season and I love watching them build lives of their own!
Sophie & Roxie
Sophie is the tan one—a sweet little Shorkie who’s been running the house for 16 years now. She promised she’d make it to at least 18, so we’re holding her to it! She’s ridiculously soft, has pillows everywhere, and when she’s not snoozing in a cozy corner, she’s probably outside getting into something and pretending she can’t hear me. But the second a popcorn bag opens, her hearing is suddenly perfect!
The black & white cutie is Roxie (aka Squish), our wild little Shih-poo with way too many toys and a tongue that’s always hanging out. She’s the only dog we’ve ever had who actually comes when she’s called. Not for treats, of course, but squeak a toy and she comes flying! No matter who shows up at the house, Roxie is convinced they’re there to see her, and honestly, she’s not wrong!
Quirky, Creative, & a Little Bit Camera-Crazy
Camera Talk
I used to be obsessed with scrapbooking and wanted better pictures for my pages, so I bought myself a “good” camera. Our daughter was a gymnast, and since flash is a no-go in gyms, I had to learn how to actually use it!
My first DSLR was a Canon XTi, remember those?! Now I shoot with a Canon R5.
Favorite lens? That depends on my mood! I love my 70–200mm 2.8, the 24mm 1.4 for wide, edgy shots, and the 85mm 1.4 for that creamy, flattering bokeh.
Career Twist
I graduated from ASU with a B.S.E. in Mechanical Engineering… because photography and engineering are basically the same thing, right?!
Truthfully, I didn’t catch the photography bug until I had kids. But the more I learned, the more I realized how much more there was to learn, and I loved that!
Photography gives me space to keep growing creatively and learning new things, which is probably a much better fit for my personality than life in the semiconductor industry!
Color Confession
Yep… I’m part of the 0.5% of women who are color-deficient. So here I am: a photographer with an engineering degree and a quirky color challenge. Do you hear God laughing? Because I sure do!
And somehow, by the grace of God, I’ve been thriving in this business for 17 years.
A few years ago, I stepped waaaaay outside my comfort zone and attended a Stories With Light seminar… and now I’m playing with colored gels in my portraits. Gasp! Who even am I?!
Disneyland Obsession? Absolutely!
I’m a huge Disney fan—always have been, always will be! Lance and I first went to Disneyland together in 1998, got married in 1999, and even spent part of our honeymoon at Walt Disney World.
The magic never stopped. Now our kids (23 & 25) are just as hooked. Trevor’s favorite is Winnie the Pooh, and Alex loves Dory because, well, of course she does!
Now that they’re older and working, Lance and I have been doing Disneyland trips without the kids. It’s definitely different… but still so much fun! Our family trip to Disneyland Paris was last summer, and we’re heading to Disneyland again in July. I’ll say hi to Mickey for you!
Favorite Character: Tigger (because bouncing is what Tiggers do best!)
Favorite Ride: Toy Story Midway Mania—it’s a must-do every single time!
Favorite “Old” Movie: Cinderella… classic, magical, and those mice? Adorable.
Favorite Pixar Movie: Absolutely obsessed with Inside Out and Inside Out 2
Favorite Park: Disneyland—forever and always!
Favorite Restaurant: Goofy’s Kitchen—breakfast and chaos? Yes, please!
Rope Drop or Late Nights?
Um, both!!! Sleep is for after vacation!
Bucket List: Visit all international Disney parks. 3 down, 3 to go!
5 Fun Facts About Me!
Pool, lake, beach—if there’s water, I’m in my element!
I know, I know… I’m one of the few adults who just can’t stand it. Coffee is for grown-ups, and I only adult when absolutely necessary.
Not really a football fan, but I married into it, so here I am, yelling at the TV on Sundays!
Huge Phoenix Suns fan over here! My dad even tried to get Jason Kidd to our wedding. I still watch almost every game—even when they stress me out with those nail-biters!
We’ve watched it for years and quote it almost daily. Bazinga!
I’ve been an active member of PPA (Professional Photographers of America) since 2012. Being part of this amazing organization keeps me insured, supported, and always learning! It gives me access to incredible resources, continuing education, and a community of photographers who are just as passionate as I am. Want to check it out? Feel free to visit my PPA profile!
