Behind The Lens

About Michael S. Wentzel Photography

Founded in 2019, Michael S. Wentzel Photography started as a fashion portrait business, showcasing rising models in Manhattan.  With many magazine covers published and multiple billboards on display in Times Square, the business thrived and many models found their way in the fashion world with the help of their professional images.  This invaluable experience led us to working with individual businesses and medium size corporations in the Manhattan area. We are now proudly serving the Gulf Coast and Southern Florida.

Our mission is to craft compelling images that not only capture the genuine essence of our clients but also reflect the style and sophistication synonymous with the vibrant energy of South Florida. With a foundation rooted in fashion photography, we strive to bring forth a fusion of creativity ensuring every headshot is a timeless representation of our clients’ authentic brand.

We offer a comfortable experience for our clients to ensure that we capture genuine expressions and images that our clients are proud to display, even if they feel they are not photogenic.   We have several packages available that include headshots to full body portraits to ensure that your brand is expertly represented.

Our process is as simple as schedule, capture, and publish.  We offer free consultations to ensure that we understand your needs and we provide you with guidance before you are presented in front of the camera.  Our expert guidance before, during, and even after the shoot will establish a foundation for images that you will be thrilled to share.

My name is Michael, owner and lead photographer at Michael S. Wentzel Photography.  I’m originally from Toronto, Canada, but lived in Manhattan with my family for 8 years and before moving to Sarasota, Florida. 

I completed my studies at the New York Institute of Photography and have been trained by one of the world’s premier headshot photographers, Peter Hurley.

I started as a fashion portrait photographer, with many published magazine covers and multiple billboards in Times Square.  I quickly learned that I was able to make a valuable connection working with people by capturing their authentic essence through my lens.  This, coupled with the changes in today’s digital landscape, professional headshots have become a crucial first impression for individuals and businesses bridging the gap between virtual interactions and real-world connections.  These images establish credibility, trust, and professionalism and are a true reflection of your brand.  I specialize in making people comfortable in front of my camera, especially for those who feel they are not photogenic.  My expert guidance will ensure that we capture genuine expressions that will create images you will be proud to publish.

When you book your headshot session with me, you are getting much more than a photographer, you’re getting a personal experience.  I believe that it is important for you to build confidence with me as your photographer and I do this through pre-shoot consultations and in person discussions before I click the shutter.  

Your final edited and retouched images are delivered to you in a timely fashion, usually within 48 hours, and can be specifically cropped and sized to meet your individual needs.

Testimonials That Paint a Portrait of Our Excellence

Michael S. Wentzel Photography LLC place picture
5.0
Beth Gittleman profile picture
Beth Gittleman
2 years ago
Mike is amazing! I will never use another photographer for my headshots again. Mike made the entire experience easy and fun. I never felt like I wasn’t doing it right. He let me try multiple outfits and did test shots to show me how it was coming along. I was so impressed by his subtle directions that made huge differences in the photos. The quality of his shots are incredible and we even did some lifestyle shots after the headshots which are great for using in my marketing. Mike is talented, accommodating and simply the best!
Yana Fridman profile picture
Yana Fridman
2 years ago
Very professional and gets great pictures!
Dani DeMars profile picture
Dani DeMars
2 years ago
The experience was exactly as I had hoped - I have the most beautiful headshots - Michael made the entire process easy - he is a great photographer and runs a great business - I highly recommend his services
Stephen Dalton profile picture
Stephen Dalton
2 years ago
Great experience. Very happy with the photoshoot and the resulting pictures. Mike is professional and an excellent photographer.
Michael did an amazing job with my headshot. He worked closely with me to get the ideal shot for my business and social media. I would recommend him for anyone looking for a professional photo or any other type of photograph.
Shimon Perry profile picture
Shimon Perry
2 years ago
Amazing work that captured exactly the way I wanted to appear in my profile picture. Michael's attention to detail is clearly shown in his work. I highly recommend Michael's service, and I plan to refer my colleagues and friends as well.
Katrina profile picture
Katrina
2 years ago
Valerie Volinski profile picture
Valerie Volinski
2 years ago
I share the common experience with headshots that maybe anyone might have, even though I am a photographer myself. Don't we all want to have a good experience (prepping, during and after the shoot ) and have photos we can be proud of and use? No matter what we may think about our looks, photogenicness (or lack of it), along with other demands and self-perceptions, we pretty much want to enjoy the shoot and have fantastic photos we can USE right away. Michael S. Wentzel made my photo session easy and fun. He was accommodating and nimble. My ask might not be your ask but he can grasp very quickly what you have in mind or help you figure that out. My ask was that he photograph me as a photographer with and without my cat and my camera in a photo studio setting. Not a small ask. I needed some very general and specific looks. It was a relaxed easy time and I am very happy with the results that have to be used in a variety of contexts, ranging from the serious headshots for my photography career, to more general LinkedIn photo use, to my Iphone pix, along with many promotional things that crop up. I think no matter what we do or how many hats we wear (lawyer, banker, realtor, dancer, doctor, photographer, actor et al) we are seeking the same thing in a headshot experience--we want it to be easy, reasonable, fun, efficient with great communication and a fantastic end result. You be the judge. Here's a single sample of that session. Cheers!
Karen Munro profile picture
Karen Munro
2 years ago
I thouroughly enjoyed my photo session with Mike for my professional headshot. He made me very comfortable and I am thrilled with how the pics turned out. I would highly recommend him!
rachel acevedo profile picture
rachel acevedo
2 years ago
I went into the headshot process nervous and Michael did an incredible job at guiding me through poses and making me comfortable. He was thorough, made sure to address all my ideas and outfit changes and I never felt rushed. Very excited to build my brand with these new images!
Michael made my sister & I feel so comfortable in front of the camera! I highly suggest using him for headshots and other photography! We did a shoot for our family for Christmas and I had my headshot updated. Great experience and will definitely go back!
Julia Plumadore profile picture
Julia Plumadore
3 years ago
Michael S. Wentzel Photography exceeded my expectations! Michael's keen eye captures moments beautifully, and his attention to detail is truly remarkable. The quality of the photos is outstanding, and working with him was a pleasure. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a talented and professional photographer!
Tom Finkelston profile picture
Tom Finkelston
3 years ago
Great photography. Mike was very knowledgeable and helpful, and was able to turn around the photos quickly
Getting a headshot for LinkedIn from Michael was a great end-to-end experience. He's extremely responsive, personable, and great at providing general direction and information on how to optimize your shoot. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a headshot!
Tara Simonson profile picture
Tara Simonson
3 years ago
It was great working with Michael. He provided helpful guidance to get a good shot and we had plenty of time to make adjustments, do outfit changes, etc. Love how the photos turned out as well. He was very professional and I'd definitely work with him again. Highly recommend!
Kira Godfred profile picture
Kira Godfred
3 years ago
I had a fantastic experience taking headshots with Mike last Friday! The atmosphere was comfortable and professional, making it easy to get the perfect shot. He was patient, provided excellent guidance, and he made the process extremely enjoyable. I received my photos promptly and they exceeded all expectations. Highly recommend!

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