My Story:

So my life progression is pretty much this: hyperactive kid, Eagle Scout, Air Force meteorologist, pro photographer.

Given a choice my ideal vacation would be one of physical effort and enlightenment in an awe-inspiring location. Himalaya trekking tops the list while laying on the beach in Cancun will never be on the radar. I think this says a lot about who we are (wife Lauri and I) – not exactly mainstream and that’s OK. We live off grid with solar power, passive solar heat and rain catchment and it all works great. I don’t drink coffee. All I need is dark chocolate, 90% preferably, to get me going.

Our world is the outdoors and we like it all: desert, mountain, forest and water. While adventuring in remote corners of the world is cool so is exploring close to home and we do that regularly. Not all of our pursuits need to be an adrenaline rush or an expedition. We like day trips too. As long as it is human powered fitness, recreation or adventure sports and their related lifestyles and surrounding landscapes then it’s all good! Bottom line is: if it’s outside, we’re in!

Alaska was home for 18 years but we’ve been romping around up there for 25. On all of our assignments and wilderness adventures our bear encounters have all been good. Not so with insects. I’ve endured thousands of mosquito bites and a dozen bee and wasp stings. Bugs and all, Alaska is still the most awesome place ever. Home is now northern New Mexico at 7,400’. Fewer mosquitoes, less oxygen, longer paddling season, and decent skiing.

My style of clean, colorful imagery often with lots of soothing space comes from a combination of outdoor life and professional experiences. Meteorology and its effects on light, knowledge of many things outdoors, a little wilderness guiding, independent foreign travel, workshop teaching, art directing and production all contribute to what you see in my imagery.

What Clients Say:

“I was immediately drawn to the high energy, bright + personable nature of Michael’s work, when I decided to choose him for our South Carolina Tourism campaign. We could not have been more pleased with the results. Michael + Lauri went above + beyond from jumping in frigid water to motivate young talent to offering creative solutions + ideas at each set up. Both are diligent workers with adventurous spirits who make the most out of every second on a shoot. It was a pleasure working with both of them + I hope to have the opportunity again in the future.”

- Alison Best, Art Director at The Bounce Agency

“The Alaska Travel Industry Assn. has hired Michael several times and he always delivers incredible images that help us promote the beautiful State of Alaska. Check out the State Vacation Planner to see for yourself (order at TravelAlaska.com). Michael is easy to work with and is constantly searching for that “perfect” shot – and he doesn’t consider the job done until he’s captured it! I highly recommend his work.

- Kathy Dunn, Marketing Director at Alaska Travel Industry Association

“I’ve known and had the pleasure of working with Michael DeYoung for several years now. I have enjoyed utilizing his services and images for several of my clients, including the Seward Chamber of Commerce CVB, and for my own personal business as well. Over the past 8 years, I’ve used several of his images for Seward Visitor’s Guide covers, on various collateral pieces, and websites for a variety of clientele. Michael and his wife, assistant and business partner, Lauri, are delightful and a pleasure to work with. They are extremely professional, efficient, great with logistics, exceptional in working with and motivating talent, and with creative problem solving. They consistently produce great work even in difficult and challenging conditions and my clients are always satisfied with what they get from the DeYoungs. Due to client requirements, I have had the opportunity to work with other photographers over the years as well, but when I compare the work, style and composition, their images always stand out and if I had the preference, I would work with the DeYoungs, hands down.”

- Yvette Rooney Galbraith, Owner at Alaska Marketing Consultants