ABOUT ME

My name is Michael  Candee, Lead Photographer and Creative Director for FirstLight Creative. The art of photography has been in my blood for a long time. My father gave me my first camera and I’ve been looking at life through lenses ever since. People are my passion. Whether photographing people or working with people to create spectacular images for them, it’s the people that inspire me.

I have been working in photography for more than 30 years, and shooting digitally for over 20 years. I’ve had the pleasure of working on many cutting edge technologies, as well as Robotics, and medical breakthrough. My work is well known both nationally and internationally for Annual Report as well as corporate and advertising work.

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I had a commercial photography business/Studio both in Chicago and Kenosha where I was the main photographer. The clientele served are business to business in advertising and corporate work. I work both in studio and on location. I have travelled extensively servicing my clients.

I have a strong commitment to give back as well. I’ve been involved with various Christian groups for missionary work, adoption groups and schools. I’m always happy to lend my God given talents for the greater good. 

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I’m incredibly passionate about my work and love the challenge of each and every project.

 

ACCOLADES

• Award winning published photographer

• Experienced shooting product, people and location photography. Over 7500 product photos published on Amazon in 2015-2016

• CEO and facilities photographer for many Fortune 500 company

• Aerial photography for commercial and residential clients - FAA 107 Certified drone pilot

• Real Estate Photography for residential and commercial clients

• Equestrian photographer- both show and individual sessions

• Studio and location photography

• Auto and auto racing photography

• Extensive experience in retouching, knows clipping paths

• College instructor (5+ years) for photography and photography related software

• Creative and experienced bringing concepts to reality

 

REVIEWS

“Michael is very creative. He has great ideas, listens well to what the client says and works well with everyone. It doesn't matter if he is doing a photo shoot, video or creative directing he is definitely the man to have around. He does a fabulous job, gets it done on time from concept to finish.”

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“Michael is an absolute joy to work with--not only an excellent photographer, but also a pro at putting his subjects at ease. I always knew in hiring him that he would make my job easier. It was fun to collaborate on projects--he was great at listening to what my needs were and then bringing his own ideas and expertise into the mix to ensure the best quality photos in the end. He was also able to work within our university's budget constraints, which I much appreciated. I would recommend Michael to anyone, without any hesitation, and would work with him again in a heartbeat.”

“Michael is truly a gifted and knowledgeable professional-someone you can always count on to come through for you--both professionally and personally. What a great guy! 5 stars all the way.”
 

“If you want a photographer that is easy to work with and does excellent work, look no further than Michael Candee. I had the pleasure of working with Michael at a Chinese/American wedding . He took great photo's of this unique event plus he made it fun too! Michael gets my highest recommendation. If he's available, you have to hire him.”

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“Michael is one of those rare individuals that takes the stress out of stressful projects. Always a creative and pleasurable experience. I give him 5 out of 4 stars!!!”

“We have employed Michael for professional photographic assignments for 20 years now, and he is consistently reliable, personable and delivers great results. So much so that we started using Michael to photograph personal events as well, including family portraits and my sister's wedding. Thank you Michael for your outstanding work!”