Who I Am: Upper Peninsula Photographer
Hi there! If you haven’t figured it out yet, I’m Veronica Urbaniak (VU = “enjoy the view”). I’m a big fan of coffee, podcasts, really bad “dad jokes,” perfecting the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipe, and – of course – always working to be a better Upper Peninsula photographer for you!
My mom runs a portrait studio in the lower peninsula. I grew up working behind the scenes and learning the ins and outs of portrait photography including lighting set ups, and poses that flatter. Most importantly, I gained the understanding that being a photographer is so much more than buying a camera, clicking the shutter, and handing someone a USB.
I am the only Keweenaw Upper Peninsula photographer focusing on serving my clients by providing a full service experience from planning your outfit to hanging frames on your walls!
I’m also proud to share that I hold a 5 star rating on Google, and I’m also a registered member of the Professional Photographers of America.
While I mainly photograph humans, I’m always checking the forecast for a chance of the northern lights – because what else do you do when you live in the Upper Peninsula?
My Other Half
My husband Rob runs Copperdale Window Cleaning, but he often comes out with me for shoots, too! I’m a little silly, he’s a little more sane. It’s a good match 😉 He also works as my second shooter at weddings, so your guy has another guy to hang out with.
In our free time you can find us hiking the Keweenaw, camping, fishing, and kayaking on the canal. We love being outdoors because there’s always somewhere new to explore. Do you have a place you think we would love? Let us know – we love recommendations!
Where I Work:
I live in Hancock, Michigan and serve the surrounding area – this includes Houghton County, Keweenaw County, Ontonagon County, and Baraga County. There’s too much beauty in the Upper Peninsula to limit to just one area, and we’re always spying new session locations when we’re out hiking, too!
Why I Do What I Do:
Everyone has a why, right? Here goes. *Deep breath.*
When I was in school, insecurities overwhelmed me. Despite a supportive, loving family I struggled with a borderline eating disorder throughout my teenage years that sucked a lot of joy out of what should have been the most memorable years of school.
I constantly compared myself to others, always finding something new wrong with myself, never cheering for the other girls – too worried about what they might be thinking about me. I was desperate for someone to tell me that it was okay to be me, that life wasn’t a competition.
It took a long time, but I’m so thankful to be past that time in my life.
Why am I telling you this?
It’s because I don’t want you to have to feel that way. I’ve been there, done that. I don’t want you to be so concerned with yourself that you end up paralyzed, never capturing those memories, never putting them on your wall. This is why I work with you every step of the way, helping you select the best clothing for your shoot, preparing you with e-mails ahead of time so you never feel lost or confused. One of the things most often included in my Google reviews is that I help people feel comfortable in front of the camera – that means the world to me!
My fiancé and I have never had pictures taken professionally together and we were nervous because we didn’t know how to pose but Veronica made it so easy and effortless!
-Briana M.
Now I LOVE being the personal cheerleader for others – to celebrate their accomplishments, to give them the support they need to accept themselves with grace, to tell them they are going to crush that next step in life. I can’t wait to be your professional photographer /slash/ cheerleader, too!
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