07/14/2025
Hi everyone,
This is a difficult message to write, but I want to be transparent with you. Over the past several weeks, my health has significantly declined. I’m experiencing the same symptoms I struggled with in 2023–2024, and unfortunately, things have only been getting worse 💔.
This week, I’ll be working on getting appointments on the mainland U.S. to seek a second opinion and have a fresh set of eyes review my case. I’ve already been to urgent care and the hospital twice in the past week 🏥, and my doctors are now helping me build a plan to receive more comprehensive care.
To those of you with sessions booked, I’ve already reached out to my July clients. For everyone else, here are the two options moving forward:
Option 1:
You can choose to work with my associate shooter at a significantly discounted rate 💸. She’s been shadowing me for the past two years and has assisted with many of my sessions. While she’s still gaining experience and this would be her first time leading sessions solo, I will still personally handle all of the editing 🎨.
Please note: She is a beginner, still developing her own style and technique, but she is passionate, kind, and eager to do well 🙌.
Option 2:
I can issue you a full refund and provide a list of other experienced photographers on the island 📸. Each has their own unique style, which may differ from mine, and their prices will reflect their level of experience.
Unfortunately, due to the need to travel for medical care ✈️, I won’t be able to personally photograph any upcoming sessions. If I haven’t contacted you yet and you have a session booked, please feel free to message me so we can talk through your options 💬.
To give some context: since March 2023, I’ve been battling a complex health issue. I started to feel better earlier this year and resumed taking clients, but in the past few weeks, my symptoms have returned with intensity. This past week has been especially tough, and I feel like I’m barely getting by 😞.
My partner Joey and I are planning a move off the island later this year 🌴➡️🌎 to Roatan, Honduras, where we’re launching our new photography brand: Catch My Drift Photography 📸. We’re really excited to work together as a team in this next chapter! While we’ll be building the business side by side, Joey may be taking on sessions solo in the beginning, as I continue focusing on getting the healthcare I need.
Thank you so much for your understanding, patience, and support during this incredibly difficult time 🙏. Please reach out if you have any questions or need to discuss your session.
⭐️Update: I am leaving Oahu, and will be back the last week of September into the first 2 weeks of October. If you are booked during that time, I will be keeping your session booked with me.
September 21st-October 13th - you are good.
Everyone else from now til then, I am reaching out to you all!
With gratitude,
Michelle 💛
