Why Customers Choose Michael Murray Photography

People don’t just hire photographers – they hire problem solvers, storytellers, and professionals they can trust in high-pressure environments. Events move fast. Lighting changes. People come and go. There are no do-overs. That’s why my clients choose me.

I show up early, prepared, and calm. I scout lighting, angles, and flow before guests arrive. I communicate clearly with planners, coordinators, and staff so nothing important is missed. I blend into the background when needed and step forward when direction helps.

Customers also appreciate that I understand purpose. Some events are about branding. Some are about memory. Some are about community. Some are about celebration. My job is to match the visual tone to the reason the event exists.

Photographers are everywhere – but not all photographers understand events. I do. I’ve photographed crowded convention floors, emotional family milestones, fast-moving sports, dark concert venues, bright outdoor festivals, formal galas, and casual backyard celebrations. No matter the setting, I focus on three things:

• Telling the full story, not just highlights
• Capturing people naturally, not stiff or staged
• Delivering images that actually get used

From marketing teams to nonprofit boards to families planning once-in-a-lifetime gatherings, clients choose me because they want photographs that feel real and professional at the same time.

Types of Events Support as an Event Photographer in Cleveland Ohio

I photograph a wide range of events throughout Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. I do not photograph weddings, but I do cover almost every other kind of gathering.

Corporate, Industry, and Professional Events

I work with businesses, organizations, and institutions on events like:

• Conferences, summits, and symposiums
• Trade shows and expos
• Product launches and brand activations
• Corporate anniversaries and milestone celebrations
• Networking events and professional mixers
• Grand openings and ribbon cuttings
• Training sessions and workshops
• Board meetings and shareholder events
• Hackathons, pitch competitions, and tech showcases
• Press conferences and media events

These events are often about branding, credibility, and growth. My photography reflects that with clean compositions, flattering lighting, and strong storytelling.

Personal Milestones and Family Celebrations 

I document meaningful life moments like:

• Surprise proposals and engagement parties
• Bridal showers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, rehearsal dinners (no wedding day coverage)
• Baby showers and newborn celebrations
• Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, Quinceañeras, Sweet 16s
• Graduation parties and senior celebrations
• Milestone birthdays
• Family reunions and legacy gatherings
• Retirement celebrations and send-offs

These events are emotional, fast-moving, and personal. I photograph them with sensitivity and respect.

Religious, Spiritual, and Cultural Events

Cleveland is incredibly diverse, and I photograph events across many traditions:

• Baptisms, communions, confirmations
• Jewish celebrations and holidays
• Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, and Sikh events
• Cultural festivals and heritage celebrations
• Spiritual retreats and ceremonies

These events require awareness, patience, and respect for tradition. I take time to understand what matters most in each culture.

Sports, Athletics, and Action

I photograph movement, competition, and effort:

• Youth and adult sports tournaments
• Marathons, triathlons, and races
• Skate, BMX, and motocross events
• Boxing, MMA, and martial arts
• Swim meets and regattas
• Winter sports and fitness competitions

Action photography is about timing and anticipation – and I love the challenge.

Arts, Entertainment, and Media

Creative events are some of my favorites:

• Concerts and music festivals
• Theater, dance, and performance art
• Film premieres and screenings
• Art openings and gallery events
• Fashion shows and creative showcases
• Nightlife and entertainment events
• Book launches and spoken-word events

These Greater Cleveland Ohio events let photographers really play with light, mood, and energy.

Non-Profit, Civic, and Community Events

I work with organizations that serve people:

• Fundraisers and charity galas
• Awareness events and advocacy walks
• Community festivals and markets
• Memorials and celebration-of-life events
• Civic gatherings and public ceremonies

These images often become part of an organization’s history.

Popular Event Venues Throughout Greater Cleveland

As a photographer, I take photos of events all over Northeast Ohio – not just downtown Cleveland. Each area has its own character and lighting challenges, which photographers must understand.

Downtown Cleveland

• Huntington Convention Center
• Hilton Cleveland Downtown
• Cleveland Public Library
• House of Blues
• Playhouse Square
• Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
• The Westin Cleveland
• Tower City complex

University Circle and Cultural District

• Cleveland Museum of Art
• Cleveland Botanical Garden
• Severance Music Center
• Case Western Reserve University venues
• Cleveland History Center

Lakefront and Waterfront

• Voinovich Bicentennial Park
• Edgewater Beach House
• Rock Hall plaza and harbor areas
• Lakewood Park

West Side and West Suburbs

• Crocker Park (Westlake)
• Rocky River Civic Center
• Lakewood venues and breweries
• Bay Village lakefront locations

East Side and East Suburbs

• Beachwood and Orange event centers
• Chagrin Falls venues
• Shaker Heights community spaces
• University Heights and Cleveland Heights locations

South and Surrounding Areas

• Strongsville event venues
• Medina and Brunswick facilities
• Cuyahoga Valley National Park
• Akron-area venues

Every venue changes how photographers work. Ceiling height, wall color, window placement, outdoor access, and crowd size all affect lighting and composition. I plan for those details before the event begins.

How I Build a Shot List

Shot lists are one of the most important tools in event photography. They help ensure nothing important gets missed – but they should never be so rigid that they ruin natural moments.

I usually break shot lists into categories:

People and Relationships

• Key speakers, hosts, and organizers
• VIP guests and sponsors
• Groups, teams, families, or departments
• Candid interactions and conversations

Moments

• Arrivals and first impressions
• Speeches, presentations, and performances
• Awards, recognitions, and reactions
• Emotional or high-energy moments

Environment

• Venue wide shots
• Decor and details
• Signage, branding, and programs
• Food, drinks, and atmosphere

Action and Energy

• Dancing, cheering, networking
• Sports or performance highlights
• Crowd reactions

I work with you before the event to understand priorities, but I also stay flexible so real moments lead the way.

What It’s Like Working With Me

From first contact to final delivery, I keep things simple:

1. We talk about your event, goals, and expectations
2. I help you think through timing and coverage needs
3. I arrive early and prepared
4. I photograph professionally and discreetly
5. You receive clean, organized, high-quality images

Photographers are part of the experience, not just observers. I take that seriously.

Serving Greater Cleveland and Northeast Ohio

I proudly serve:

• Cleveland
• Lakewood
• Rocky River
• Westlake
• Bay Village
• Fairview Park
• Parma
• Strongsville
• Beachwood
• Shaker Heights
• Cleveland Heights
• University Heights
• Chagrin Falls
• Solon
• Medina
• Akron and surrounding areas

If your event is in Northeast Ohio, there’s a good chance I’ll come to you.

Event Photographer Cleveland Ohio – Michael Murray

If you’re looking for event photographers who understand people, timing, light, and purpose – and who do not photograph weddings – you’re in the right place.

I photograph events that matter: professional, cultural, creative, athletic, community, and personal (excluding weddings). I work throughout Greater Cleveland, telling stories that feel real, useful, and meaningful.