“Picture Perfect!”
- Birmingham Eccentric Newspapers

“Your photos are great!”…
- Senator Carl Levin

“You are THE Photographer!”
- Martin Short, Actor, Comedian

“Oh, Wow Man!”
- Steven Tyler, Musician

“Absolutely Unreal!
- Star Trax Entertainment

“You are terrific!”
- George Puscas, Detroit Free Press

“My clients love you!”
- Janice Cherkasky, Gourmet Parties

Emotions combined with strong visual design create stirring images. Within a chosen space- the four corners of the camera’s viewfinder, are the “power points”, where the viewer’s eye will be directed and where all of the energy of the photograph is placed. As a professional photographer I can direct where the eyes of the viewer will go. I pay strict attention to these power points because they will comprise the structure (strengths and balances) of my composition. I like leading lines that will draw viewers into the image. Light can be a leading line, drawing the eye to the main subject. As a professional photographer, light is my paintbrush. It is a major part of the artistic medium and its directional quality creates the fabrication of the image. Light can evoke a mood of tranquility and peace, or it can produce anxiety and tension, such as the soft light of a sunset in contrast to the lightning during a thunderstorm. Backlighting can produce mood. Flat lighting can yield a glamorous effect.

In my quest for fine wedding imagery, I like to encourage couples to experiment with a variety of photography styles. I attempt to discern the mood of the couple’s wedding and then offer a combination of styles that I feel will capture the feelings and excitement of the day. Each couple is unique and no two weddings are the same. My photographic vision is comprised of four basic styles:

Traditional- Portrays classic romance Reveals passion and expression Captures the eyes Contemporary- Graphic design at its best Stately moods Emphasizes design and architecture Simple and clean settings Utilization of buildings with distinct lines, curves, windows or other ornaments from graphic elements that fit the subjects into the space creatively. Photojournalistic approach at wedding receptions Illustrative- Showing elegance in the pictorial style Graceful and flowing interactive posing Usually evokes a feeling of open space; this style applies to outdoor scenes, like trees, hills and water. Fashion- New looks and attitude A dare-to-be-different approach Uses motion and imagination to show the bride and groom’s attire, using photographic techniques similar to those in fashion magazines. Use of black and white film on a creative level

I also offer a very unique and personalized service to my clients. I am with them every step of the way. I am not only responsible for the photography, but selecting and cropping negatives rests with me as well. Once the photo finisher returns the photographs, the final approval on the color and density of the finished images rests on my shoulders. I also enjoy assisting my clients in laying out the wedding album so that the finished Leather Bound book flows beautifully to capture their unique wedding celebration!

It’s an indescribable feeling of joy to be involved in one of the happiest and most important parts of a person’s life. I have photographed weddings for all kinds of people, from the girl who works as a cashier at K-Mart to the daughter of a CEO. The common ingredient is love.

Selected Achievements
Michael A. Jonas, M. Photog.,Cr., CPP, Birmingham, Michigan, has been a professional photographer for over thirty years. He was awarded his Master of Photography degree in 2000 and Photographic Craftsmen degree at PPA’s National Convention in 2004. He is also one of only sixteen International Eastman Kodak Mentors.

Mr. Jonas was the featured U.S. photographer to present the his Wedding Photography and Digital Workflow at Photokina 2002 in Cologne, Germany on behalf of the Eastman Kodak Company

The difficulty the average studio encounters with an efficient studio solution related to digital capture is addressed through Michael’s programs. He speaks from the heart and personal experience in order to obtain the best quality and service to his clients.

Mr. Jonas provides input for additional pieces of studio software such as ProSelect (Perth, Australia), Adobe’s Lightroom and several other Photoshop “plugins.” He personally photographs on average, seventy Wedding, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs and other social events during the course of a year throughout metropolitan Detroit. On several occasions he has been commissioned to photograph events beyond Michigan that include Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio and Canada.

Michael has traveled across the country to lecture and conduct photography workshops on behalf of several big names in the industry including the Eastman Kodak Company and Canon Professional. He consults with photographers and lab personnel while educating those in attendance in the feature enriched aspects digital workflow and software. Attendees of his workshops come away from his programs emotionally fired up knowing that the studio’s customers will continue send precious referrals!

Awarded his Masters in Photography, Certification and Photographic Craftsman degrees by the Professional Photographers of America, Michael also holds a Bachelor of Philosophy degree and majored in Mass Communications at Monteith College, Wayne State University. He is a sought after speaker/lecturer presenting his unique style of photography and his cutting edge approach to his studio’s workflow utilizing the latest in cutting edge technology.

Michael resides in Bingham Farms, Michigan and has been a professional photographer for over 30 years! He has dedicated more than half his life to further improve his photographer and customer service.

Mr. Jonas will be presenting his program, “Increasing Customer Service While Understanding the Digital Workflow” at the WPPI Photographic Conference in Las Vegas- March 2008. The Eastman Kodak Company is sponsoring his program. There will be over 7000 professional photographers from around the world in attendance.