“She Says” with Michelle Dokes
You want to know how to help women become unstoppable? One word, seven letters: SUPPORT. When women have the proper support and belief in their dreams, they are truly a force of nature. Michelle Dokes, owner of Michelle Dokes Photography knows this all too well. From the moment she decided to step out of her comfort zone and inquire about a unique camera, she was met with a series of fortunate events. From her husband gifting her the camera she inquired about, to her job funding her photography classes, to her family and friends encouraging her to go for it, to her photography peers and instructors providing feedback when needed, Michelle has been supported throughout her 10+ years in the photography industry. She has even seen greater success long after retiring from her 32-year career with AT&T. Going from photographing clients on the side, to now working out of her own studio full-time where she captures the stories and uniqueness of those she works with through headshots, branding photos, events, and much, much more.
Michelle’s story is one of hope, determination, faith, and the importance of having the right people around to help you see your vision come to life. Something Michelle now does with each picture she’s entrusted to take. And as if her work isn’t enough, she has also found time to pay it forward by offering the same support to up-and-coming photographers that she was once given. If you take anything from Michelle, it is as long as you know the what, you will be supplied with the how.
In this month’s “She Says,” we talk with Michelle Dokes of Michelle Dokes Photography about how her husband reminds her that she’s good enough, the importance of working with mission-based organizations, and her advice to women going after their passions, even in their later years.
Tell me about yourself.
Well, my name is Michelle, I am the owner of Michelle Dokes Photography, and I’ve been shooting for a little over 10 years. Back in 2010, I attended my cousin’s wedding and was fascinated by her photographer’s camera. It was white and I had never seen a white camera before. I went over to talk to her, and she graciously shared that her camera was a Pentax K-x.
Unbeknownst to me, my husband was listening in the background, and on my birthday, he gave me the exact same camera! Now, I’ve always liked taking pictures. Even as a kid. So, when my husband gave me that camera, I immediately started using it. But all my pictures came out blurry. So, my husband suggested that I take a class.
I began researching photography classes and signed up for the Chicago Photography Academy’s two-day weekend DSLR basic class and was fascinated by everything. After completing the class, I learned they offered a more extensive year-long course that taught you everything from lighting, to how to use your camera, and more. I wanted to take the class but got discouraged because of the cost. However, AT&T — where I was working at the time — offered programs that covered the cost of college. And with me being a union worker, I qualified for another program that paid for trade schools and other trainings. So, I decided to complete the paperwork, and later learned that they would be paying for the course!
From there, I began taking photos of my family, friends, and nature. My family and friends all thought my pictures were great and suggested that I start a photography business. But I wanted to talk with another photographer, someone who had been in the business for a long time, to get their feedback. My cousin connected me with a photographer who agreed to review one of my images. While he could tell that I had an eye for photography, he noticed that my picture was flat and gave me some editing tips. After incorporating his suggested edits, I re-shared the picture with him and was pleased to hear that my picture was popping.
His feedback pushed me to do better. And whenever I had questions or needed help, I sought feedback from him and the teachers from the Chicago Photography Academy. I’m just so grateful to have had that support from my circle. I retired from AT&T after 32 years and get emotional thinking about it because I realized my passion at an older age. I love what I do, and I take it very seriously. When I am shooting people, places, and things, I am so grateful to know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be and to have been given the resources to do it. The path was literally laid out for me. And it all started with me asking someone about the camera they were using. Because had it not been for her answering my question, I don’t know where I would be right now.
Before retiring from AT&T, you were only doing photography on the side. How did you manage to juggle the two?
It was tough, but I made it happen. At the time, the studio I worked at was only 15 minutes away from my job. So, I would just go there and work in the evenings. That was the tough part. It was a shared space with three of the instructors and two other students from the school I attended, and a space became available for me to join them.
I was over there for about five years before my husband told me that I had outgrown the space. Most of the supplies and props were mine, so he encouraged me to step out on my own. But that was easier said than done. I was afraid that if I opened my own studio, no one would come. I had this feeling that it wasn’t going to work, and my husband kept pushing me. He reminded me that if I didn’t do it, I would be left wondering what would have happened if I did.
My lease was up in August of 2022, and in July of that same year, the new space called me saying they had an opening and that it was just remodeled. My husband and I toured the space and immediately knew that I wanted it. Everything was so aligned. It was meant for me to move out on my own.
My husband has always pushed me. I’m always second-guessing myself and he constantly reminds me that I am good enough. We’ve been together for 23 years and he’s had my back and supported me in everything I’ve done. He always wants me to better myself.
What do you love most about photography?
Gosh. Everything. I love helping my clients bring their vision to life. We’ll have a conference call to help them overcome any nervousness and discuss ways I can help them. I just want my clients to feel comfortable. I have clients who have either never taken pictures or don’t feel like they’re photogenic, and my job is to bring out the best in them. That’s my goal. Some people don’t think they’re beautiful, but in my eyes, they are. I like to give my clients an experience. It’s not just about taking pictures. I want them to feel good when they leave.
When I take pictures of people and they express how happy they are with the final product, it makes me feel good. Because I listen to them and deliver what they are looking for. I really love what I do.
How were you introduced to Women Employed (WE)?
Back in 2017, I shot an event for the Chicago Foundation for Women and a WE staff member reached out to me inquiring about capturing your annual fundraiser, The Working Lunch. And I was so excited. From there, I was introduced to WE’s Chief of Staff, Mary Kay Devine, and I shot your event that year. Since then, I have returned to capture the luncheon, as well your Women’s Economic Power Agenda (WEPA) summit.
Why is it important for you to work with and support organizations like Women Employed?
Because you’re standing up for women’s equality and creating a better world for women. As a woman, I like working with organizations that help women. It’s both inspiring and important to me. I love supporting organizations that serve underrepresented groups. Especially those who are providing opportunities and informing them of their rights.
I’m a visual storyteller. Working with mission-based organizations allows me to share their stories through the images that I capture. It gives me the opportunity to share a series of candid photographs that showcase the emotion that’s felt in the room. That’s always my goal.
Photographing these events serves me too. It allows me to be in close connection with influential leaders and hear their messages. A lot of what they have to say resonates with me. I’m especially looking forward to shooting The Working Lunch again this year. I’m excited about seeing everyone coming together and their interactions with one another. I enjoy seeing people being honored for the impactful work they’re doing.
How are you Centering Women’s Voices in your work as a photographer?
A lot of women come to me for headshots for their jobs or personal branding photos for social media profiles. I want them looking and feeling their best when they’re going after new roles or boosting their businesses. I love doing that type of photography because it’s more than a picture, it embodies you and your personality. And because we live in such a visual society, the right pictures make people take you more seriously.
It makes me feel good when people book me to capture them. It shows that they trust me to show them in their best light and enhance their features or unique qualities or the story they’re trying to tell. I love seeing my work on social media, or when a guest speaker uses it for speaking engagements or to know that someone has gotten more job opportunities based on the pictures that I took. That makes me the happiest.
What’s your advice to women who are afraid of going after their passions?
Go for it. So many people will try to talk you out of chasing your dreams, but don’t let their opinions deter you from your vision. Especially if you’re passionate about it. You need to be around like-minded individuals who are going to give you that boost you need to get started and keep going.
I had so many people in my circle pushing me. Telling me that I can do this. And showing me that it can be done. It shows that if you have the right people in your corner or are just around positivity, you can do anything.
