Michelle
I was raised in a photo lab with a camera in my hand. My parents toted me along to their film and television classes, so photography has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. As a student, I studied business management and photography at BYU-Idaho and Boise State University. I started this journey with film, and I loved working in a darkroom. There was something special about slowing down, creating an image, and watching it come to life. When I first started my photography business, I was in the throws of motherhood. I needed a creative and stimulating outlet—something I could learn from, grow with, and pour my creativity into.
My mom, Donna, and I decided to accomplish one of our dreams and go into business together. And what an incredible journey it has been. Donna Michelle Photography became so much more than a business. It was a mother-daughter adventure. We learned together, created together, photographed together, and built something that I will always treasure.
Today, my mom has semi-retired from photography professionally, But not as an artist. That's the beauty of photography. As my photography has continued to grow, the business has entered a new chapter as Michelle Norton Photography. While the name has changed, the story hasn't. Everything I learned in those early years—and everything my mom and I built together—will always be part of who I am as a photographer. Donna Michelle Photography is where this chapter of my story began, and I am incredibly grateful to my mom for taking that journey with me.
In the midst of being a wife, mother, and photographer, I found my why.
Through this experience, it became clear just how fleeting these lovely moments with our families are. The little moments, the milestones, the relationships, the way a child fits perfectly into your arms, and the people we love most—those moments don't stay the same forever. I want to capture them. I want to hold on to them. And I want to give families photographs that allow them to remember how it felt to be together in this season of their lives. That is the heart behind Michelle Norton Photography.
And it all began with a camera in my hand, a darkroom, and a dream that my mom and I decided to pursue together.
My Family
I am married to my husband, Stillman. We met at Boise State University. I was dancing on the Boise State institute ballroom dance team.
Together we danced on the Boise State Institute ballroom dance team for 2 years. We have been dancing together ever since, mostly in our kitchen.
We have four rambunctious boys; they keep us on our toes and in stitches, both figuratively and literally.
Stillman and I enjoy watching movies together, playing board games, visiting our two beautiful rivers, and cheering on our favorite football team. Go Broncos!
