Cleveland Ohio Photographer for Family, Event, and Portrait Needs
From family lifestyle and senior portraits to galas and festivals, get the candid shots everyone will enjoy.
"Michael went above and beyond and captured some great candid moments with attendees and speakers."
- Heidi Wilson, National PTA








I Take Photos that Capture the Joys and Precious Moments
I’ll match my creative instincts with your expectations.
Regardless of the park, home or commercial venue, I will accommodate your plans and budget.
Please contact me about your plans. Or, call me at (216) 236-4742
“The final images are simply breathtaking, and we will cherish them for years to come. I highly recommend Michael Murray Photography to anyone looking for a talented and thoughtful photographer!”
– Kristi Waski, Independence
“Michael is THE local artisan in Cleveland when it comes to photography! I have been so impressed with his photography expertise and creative eye. I hired him to capture our special event. Mike worked tirelessly delivering dozens of top-notch images we have used over and over in our marketing.”
– Jennifer Speer, Broadview Heights
“His willingness to work with our dogs and my son’s car, his flexibility to roll with location and weather changes and his integrity to come back and reschedule time lost due to crowded locations sold us on him.”
– Curt Kowalewski, Berea
Call 216-236-4742
From Cuyahoga Valley National Park to the Arcade in Cleveland, I love taking photos for individuals, families and organizations. I’m centrally located in Broadview Heights, which allows me to easily be available for customers’ needs. Families like my approach to lifestyle photography where I can get the best photos while they’re enjoying a scene in their home out somewhere that’s special to them. I’ve been asked to be the photographer for everything from a pre-school graduation party to to a 75th surprise birthday party for a veteran.






























Cleveland Photographer for Events, Portraits, and Family
I’m a Cleveland photographer who plans, prepares, and delivers images that feel natural, personal, and well thought out. Every session—whether it’s for events, family photos, senior portraits, acting headshots, or a modeling portfolio—starts with listening. I learn what you want to share, how you want to be seen, and where you feel most comfortable. From there, I build a plan that fits your style, your schedule, and your goals.
I work throughout Greater Cleveland and across the surrounding area and region, including Cuyahoga, Medina, Summit, Portage, and Lorain counties, along with nearby communities like Broadview Heights, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Parma, Akron, Kent, Chagrin Falls, Stow, Solon, Twinsburg, and many others. Whether you’re drawn to city streets, quiet parks, waterfront views, or unique indoor spaces, I help you choose a setting that supports your story.
What sets me apart is how I balance planning with flexibility. I come prepared, but I also know how to adapt. Light changes. Weather shifts. People warm up at different speeds. I stay calm, focused, and reliable so you can relax and enjoy the process. My goal is simple: to present you with photos that feel outstanding, look exceptional, and truly represent you.
Events
As a Cleveland photographer specializing in events, I know that no two events move the same way. Some are fast-paced and energetic. Others are quiet, thoughtful, and detail-driven. No matter the tone, I plan carefully so nothing important is missed.
Examples of event photography include:
Corporate and business events
Conferences and seminars
Fundraisers and galas
Community and nonprofit events
School and university events
Performances and presentations
Brand launches and promotions
Networking and social events
Cultural and arts events
Before your event, I talk with you about timing, key moments, and what matters most. Maybe it’s speakers on stage, guests interacting, décor, signage, or behind-the-scenes moments that most people never notice. I build a clear plan, but I stay flexible so I can accommodate changes as they happen. That balance of structure and adaptability is what keeps coverage smooth.
I photograph events throughout Cleveland and nearby cities like Lakewood, Parma, North Olmsted, Solon, Twinsburg, Broadview Heights, Akron, Stow, Kent, and Chagrin Falls. The region offers a wide range of settings, from modern venues to historic spaces and outdoor locations. In Cuyahoga County alone, places like Edgewater Park, Rockefeller Park Greenhouse, Wade Oval, and the Cleveland Cultural Gardens offer striking backdrops. Summit County features locations such as Stan Hywet Hall grounds, Lock 3 Park, and the Towpath Trail area. In Medina County, spots like Buckeye Woods Park and Medina Public Square bring small-town charm. Portage County includes places near Kent State University and parks like Towner’s Woods. Lorain County offers waterfront views near Lakeview Park and scenic areas along the Black River.
I don’t need to say I’ve photographed at every park or venue—what matters is that I know how to walk into any space, quickly understand the light and layout, and start working in a way that feels organized and reliable.
When the event begins, I move quietly and confidently. I look for natural interactions, strong expressions, and moments that tell the real story of what’s happening. I know when to step back and observe and when to step in to capture something important. My job is to document, not distract.
After the event, I carefully select and refine the best images. I focus on clarity, consistency, and style so that when you share your photos, they feel polished and professional. Whether you’re using them for marketing, internal use, social media, or personal memories, you’ll receive images that feel complete and thoughtfully presented.
Portraits
Portrait photography is about more than standing in front of a camera. It’s about feeling comfortable, understood, and confident. As one of the Cleveland photographers focused on people-first sessions, I design every portrait session around you.
Portrait sessions can include:
Senior portraits
Acting headshots
Modeling portfolio sessions
Professional and branding portraits
Lifestyle portraits
Pet portraits
Newborn sessions
Baby and milestone sessions
College graduation portraits
Individual and personal portraits
This includes senior portraits, acting headshots, professional branding images, lifestyle portraits, and modeling portfolio work. Each type of session has its own purpose, and I treat it that way from the start.
For senior portraits, I plan sessions that show personality, interests, and style. Some seniors want an urban feel in places like downtown Cleveland, Ohio City, or Tremont. Others prefer parks like Rocky River Reservation, Mill Stream Run Reservation, or Huntington Beach. In Summit County, locations near the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the Ledges, or Cascade Valley Metro Park offer dramatic natural scenery. In Portage County, areas around Kent, Towner’s Woods, or Fred Fuller Park bring a relaxed, outdoorsy feel. I help choose a location that fits who you are.
For acting headshots and modeling portfolio sessions, planning is especially important. We talk about your goals, the kind of roles or work you’re aiming for, and how you want to be seen. I help you prepare outfits, discuss looks, and think through expressions and poses. During the session, I give clear direction without making it feel stiff. The result is a set of images that feel natural but intentional—ready to be shared with agents, casting directors, or clients.
Professional portraits and branding sessions follow a similar approach. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, artist, speaker, or business professional, I help you present yourself in a way that feels authentic and strong. Some people prefer studio-style simplicity. Others want environmental portraits in places like Public Square, University Circle, Crocker Park, or near local cafés, offices, or outdoor spaces. I accommodate your needs and adapt the session so it fits your comfort level.
I know that many people feel nervous in front of a camera. That’s normal. I move at your pace, explain what I’m doing, and keep things relaxed. My style is supportive, patient, and flexible. You don’t have to know how to pose or where to stand—I guide you every step of the way.
When you see your final images, I want you to feel confident sharing them. Whether they’re for a website, social media, auditions, or personal use, they should feel outstanding and truly reflect who you are.
Family
Family photography is about connection, not perfection. Kids move. People laugh at the wrong moment. Someone always blinks. That’s part of what makes family photos real.
Family sessions often include:
Family portraits
Anniversary sessions
Family reunions
Holiday and Christmas sessions
Generational portraits
Milestone family sessions
Kids growing-up series
Blended family sessions
Small extended family groups
Life-change moments as families grow and shift
As a Cleveland photographer who works with families across the area and region, I focus on making sessions easy and enjoyable. We start with a plan—location, time of day, clothing ideas—but I always stay flexible. If kids need a break, we take one. If the light changes, I adjust. My goal is to accommodate real life, not fight it.
Families often choose outdoor locations because they give kids space to move and explore. In Cuyahoga County, places like North Chagrin Reservation, Brecksville Reservation, Acacia Reservation, and Lake View Cemetery offer a mix of open fields, trees, water, and paths. In Lorain County, Lakeview Park, Carlisle Reservation, and French Creek Reservation are popular. Medina County offers spots like Huffman Park and Reagan Park. Summit County families often enjoy locations near the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Brandywine Falls area, or Sand Run Metro Park. Portage County includes places like Wingfoot Lake State Park and Towner’s Woods.
I don’t need you to memorize park names. I help you choose a spot that’s easy to get to, comfortable for your family, and right for the season.
During the session, I guide you gently but don’t over-direct. I’ll suggest where to stand, how to move, or how to interact, but I also let moments happen naturally. Some of the best photos come from small in-between moments—kids leaning into parents, siblings laughing, quiet hugs, or playful energy.
I know that every family is different. Some are calm and soft-spoken. Others are loud, playful, and full of motion. I adapt my approach to match your family’s rhythm. That flexibility is what makes sessions feel less like a chore and more like a shared experience.
When your photos are ready, you’ll receive a collection that feels warm, honest, and easy to share. They should look great on your walls, on your phone, and wherever you choose to present them.
Why Work With Me
There are many Cleveland photographers, but not all of them work the same way. What I offer is a blend of thoughtful planning, flexible execution, and reliable delivery.
I don’t rush into sessions without a plan. I talk with you, listen, and help shape the experience around your needs. I show up prepared, on time, and ready to adapt. I stay calm when things change. I pay attention to details without losing sight of the bigger picture.
My style is guided but natural. I give direction, but I leave space for real moments. I want you to feel comfortable, supported, and confident throughout the process.
Whether you’re planning an event, updating portraits, building a modeling portfolio, preparing acting headshots, celebrating senior year, or gathering family photos, I take your goals seriously. I know these images matter. They represent you, your work, and your life.
I photograph across Cleveland and nearby cities like Lakewood, Parma, North Olmsted, Solon, Twinsburg, Broadview Heights, Akron, Kent, Chagrin Falls, and Stow, as well as many other communities throughout the region. No matter where we meet, my approach stays the same: thoughtful, flexible, reliable, and focused on giving you photos that feel exceptional.
If you’re looking for a Cleveland photographer who plans carefully, adapts easily, and truly cares about the final result, I’d love to work with you and help you share your story through images you’re proud to present.