Michelle Andonian

Michelle has been telling powerful stories for more than 30 years through her award-winning still photographs and her videos that possess the heart and soul of documentaries. No matter what the medium is, Michelle’s work connects with viewers in powerful, lasting ways.

As a producer, director and photographer, she has spent the past decade photographing children’s philanthropic programs around the world. The corporate-sponsored work has partnered with organizations such as UNICEF, Habitat for Humanity, Operation Smile, EasterSeals, and other grass roots programs.

Her most personal work, telling the stories of Armenian Genocide survivors as well as the 1988 earthquake, has resulted in several trips to Armenia. Among Michelle’s other credits are pieces for The Henry Ford Museum’s OnInnovation education program, which involved photographing and producing a series that documented the work of American innovators. She has also done work with The Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Gleaners Food Bank, and The Community Foundation.

With a resume full of intensely creative projects that include books, videos and exhibitions, Michelle’s work is marked by originality and a deep understanding of the human condition. Her strength in uncovering what’s best and distinctive in people makes her a much sought after resource.

As a fine arts professional and educator, Michelle’s editorial work has appeared in newspapers and magazines worldwide. The excellence of her advertising and commercial work has brought her assignments from leading agencies and corporations. She was a photo editor at The Washington Post Magazine and a senior editor at Detroit Monthly. She started her career 30 years ago as a staff photographer at the Detroit News, where she was nominated for a Pulitzer Prize.

Michelle studied at The College for the Creative Studies in Detroit as well as the International Center for Photography. Her photographs are in the permanent collection of The Detroit Institute of Arts, The Henry Ford Museum, The Grand Rapids Art Museum as well as public and private collections worldwide.