HEADSHOTS•PERSONAL BRANDING

Classic to contemporary, in-studio to on-location, 1 person to 200, we've got your headshots covered. Or go beyond the standard headshot and create your own unique personal brand image.

learn more

SENIORS

Why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary senior portraits? My senior portrait sessions are free-flowing, creative and customized to you.

learn more

BEAUTY•FASHION• EDITORIAL

I have an extensive portfolio of beauty, fashion, and editorial work, and welcome inquiries for campaigns, product lines, individual portfolio building, and collaborations.

learn more

COMMERCIAL•PRODUCTS

I have worked for everything from startups to Fortune 100 companies. I combine 15 years of advertising agency experience with 20 years as a photographer to deliver clean, well-crafted and beautifully designed images for your brand.

learn more

FAMILY

It's time to create your family portrait.

learn more

2021 Wisconsin Portrait Photographer of the Year!

RECENT NEWS

Teen and Tween Actor Headshots

Jan 23, 2024

Yes, I also create headshots for the burgeoning teen and tween actor headshot market. It's easy, it's fun, and it's far less than what you'll pay in Chicago, LA or NYC.Learn more. 

Read More

Actress headshots for Abi

Jul 13, 2023

I get actors and actresses from all over coming in for their updated headshots, which I think is pretty awesome. Abi stepped away from acting for a little while to have a family, but now she is getting back on stage and need updated headshots. For all of my actor clients, I make sure that I capture different looks, emotions, expressions to give you a full array of options from which to choose.Need an updated headshot? Book now. 

Read More

MORE

 
 

Why settle for ordinary when you can have extraordinary portraits?

BRAG SECTION

Master photographer, author, teacher, International Photographic Competition juror and entrepreneur, Michael Mowbray is deeply involved in all aspects of the photography industry. His DeForest, Wisconsin-based studio focuses on seniors, headshots, family, and commercial photography, while his MoLight brand of lighting equipment has quickly become a leading national retailer of online lighting products.  Michael is the author of the popular photography books Shoot to Thrill and The Speedlight Studio (Amherst Media). He is in demand on the national photography speaking circuit with his programs on Headshots, Lighting, and Business. Photographers enjoy his podcasts "Monday Morning Cup of Mo" and "Photo Happy Hour".

 

Since opening Beautiful Portraits by Michael in 2001, Michael Mowbray has gone on to win many awards for his portraiture and was named a medalist in the PPA International Photographic Competition in 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2018, 2019, and 2021. He has had the highest scoring wedding portrait in Wisconsin eight times. He has won the prestigious Kodak Gallery Award five times, and the Fuji Masterpiece Award for Outstanding Wedding Portraiture three times. Michael was recently named 2021 Wisconsin Portrait Photographer of the Year, and has also been named one of the Top 10 photographers in Wisconsin multiple times and “Best of Madison” by the readers of Madison Magazine.

Michael Mowbray, Photo by Janet Van Blarcom

My Story

Hey! I know I'm supposed to write some witty and engaging personal details, like how I love lattes and yoga and long hikes in the mountains with my kooky Pomeranian named Ralph. Well, I drink my coffee black, I have zero flexibility, long hikes are for when your car breaks down, and I'm allergic to dogs. But, I do love being creative. I enjoy helping people look their best and feel their best. Life is too short to get crappy pictures and have a lousy time while doing it. A photo session should be fun, creative, and enjoyable. It should feel like it breezed right by, whether it was a short headshot session or senior portrait session with multiple locations. When you feel good and are having fun, it shows up in your photos. That's what I do...I mix a little fun with a whole lotta skill in order to craft extraordinary images. Let me create something extraordinary for you and let's have fun while we do it. :)  And, yes, I painted my headshot. Sometimes I'm a little extra. #bedifferent

 

 
 

Thank you for contacting us!

We have received your message and will contact you shortly
View Receipt View Submission
INTERESTED IN BOOKING WITH US?
If you are ready to book an appointment, there's a link floating towards the bottom of the page on your computer or in the top menu if you are on your phone. If you have a few questions first, just fill out the form and we'll chat.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for contacting us!

We have received your message and will contact you shortly
View Submission
Leave this field empty
 
 
Book an appointment
MOLIGHT
Book an appointment
MOLIGHT
Book an appointment
MOLIGHT