Collins Photography has been in business since 1996. Now located in Meridian, Idaho, Michael specializes in Senior Portraiture, Commercial Photography and Photoshop. He is a Certified Professional Photographer, a member of the Professional Photographers of America, Past President and member of the Professional Photographers of California, Past President and member of the Gold Coast Professional Photographers Association. Michael is now a proud member of the Professional Photographers of Idaho.
Michael has taught classes in several states and at numerous conventions. He is sponsored by Miller’s Professional Imaging and loves sharing his knowledge with anyone wanting to learn. He holds back NO SECRETS.
Michael began photographing professionally in 1996. He began with one senior portrait and built a home-based studio in Lompoc, CA. Up until the pandemic he only photographed 60-80 Seniors a year and a few families. NO WEDDINGS! (OK 5 weddings). He branched out to food and families and occasional children and pet portraits.
Michael began playing with Photoshop in the 90’s with version 2.5 and learned mostly on his own what to do and what not to do. Not being very artistic he just adapted with the program and learned everywhere he could.
For the last three years Michael has hosted a weekly Photoshop class online (Photoshop Party) for anyone who attends (at no charge). He now lives in Meridian, Idaho.
AWARDS / CREDENTIALS
Michael has over 50 print merits with PPA. In 2022 he placed 2nd in the ASP Print Competition for the Nature/Landscape Category, Professional Photographers of California (PPC) “Animal Photographer of the Year”. He has a Bronze Medal, Silver Medal and Platinum Medal from PPA’s IPC. He was the Professional Photographers of Idaho Landscape Photographer of the Year in 2023. He has served on the Professional Photographers of California’s Board of Directors including President in 2008. He holds almost all of PPC’s awards and degrees and has taught Photoshop at the prestigious weeklong West Coast School five times.
PPA – M.Photog.Cr., CPP
PPC – Calif. Master Degree
Business and Arts Degree
Service Award (Plus 17 bars)
Fellowship Award
Evans-Kingham Award
National Award
Carlos Lozano Mentor Award
President’s Award (5 times)
People’s Choice Award 2013
PPC Hall of Fame
PPI – 2023 Landscape Photographer of the Year
2022 and 2023 People’s Choice Award Winner
2022 and 2023 Judge’s Choice Awards
2023 – ASP and CPP Awards
