ONCE A WOLVERINE…

… always a Wolverine.

Hello! I'm Sam, the founder of Michgrads, a brainchild of my larger creative agency, Goldinprojects . I opened up our shop while I was shooting content for the Michigan Football Team as a film student at UMich. I quickly found a deep passion for photography by exploring college with a camera in-hand. Since graduation, I spent a few years traveling around the world as a photographer working with artists, brands, and individuals alike.

The “Why” Behind Michgrads

The concept behind Michgrads comes from the very beginning - the first portraits I took with my first camera were of my friends who were seniors graduating Michigan. What started as just having fun with them during some of the best moments of their lives grew into years of dedicated practice. I personally photographed the graduations for over 250 students at the University of Michigan and other schools around the nation, and I’ve mentored and worked alongside many photographers in portraiture and family event photography, and was able to guide creative teams that were driven by a common vision — to enable you to feel your best while we celebrate your essence and accomplishments. These moments live on forever, and that’s what I love about them.

This Spring of 2024, we are returning to Ann Arbor to accomplish exactly that.

Mission and Values

Our job as photographers is to enable you to look and feel their best. It’s what I learned during my first shoots with models when I was with SHEI Magazine in my senior year, that being photogenic is more about confidence and attitude. It's one thing to tell someone they're amazing just as they are, it's another to show them as they are.

Our aim extends beyond just creating stunning pictures, we focus on crafting a welcoming and empowering environment that allows individuals to feel valued and confident. In my photography, I concentrate on capturing each person's distinct beauty through careful composition, lighting, and a true connection with my subjects. My goal is to foster a culture of celebration and empowerment by capturing the essence of those in front of my camera.

Please see our Inclusivity Statement to learn about our commitment to preserving and respecting the diverse clientele we work with, and our FAQ Page to check out our approach to capturing photos!

We are ready to hear from you, feel free to contact us about your next session!