Welcome to M.Martinez Photo
Hola! My name is Mikaela Martinez, and I am a facilitator of memories and a creator of experiences. I’m a visual storyteller who uses digital photography and videography to transform ideas of possibility. I have more than 20 years of diverse experience, photographing everything from edgy boudoir, family portraits, food and commercial photography, to pivotal events and moments in time. I'm passionate about sharing expressions of identity that are less prominent in mainstream media through educational moments, commercial collaborations, and transformative photography experiences.
People often ask me, 'What kind of photos do you specialize in?' and the truth is, I don't specialize in any one genre. I specialize in storytelling. I strive to remind people that there is no one way in life and that the possibilities of who we can be and how we create don't have to fit into a box. I believe that photos are documented memories frozen in time. In these moments whole stories are communicated through still and moving pictures. What we see and how it's shared influences our perception of self, others, and the world around us. With this in mind, my role is to help mindfully tell stories and provide alternative perspectives via photography and teaching.
I'm currently based in Portland, OR, and frequently travel to Los Angeles, the California Bay Area, Chicago, IL, and Dallas, TX for sessions, to teach workshops, showcase work, and collaborate on impactful projects. I'm here to break the boxes we're expected to occupy by sharing stories that are diverse, and authentic, and are created through collaboration and integrity.
We all have a story that is worth sharing, what story do you want to tell?
2025 International Women's Day March - Portland, OR
"I think that any photographer is an investigator. Photography is a pretext to know the world, to know life. To know yourself."
(Graciela Iturbide)
Visual Storyteller
It's more than an image, we're telling a whole story. What story do you want to tell?
Educator, Speaker, Workshop Facilitator
Sharing my knowledge with those interested in learning.
Mikaela Martinez - Recorder of History
Visually Archiving Historical Moments
Mikaela Martinez
Visionary, Photographer, Changemaker, Filmmaker
Noteable Projects
A 2024 Project
!Soy Yo! - Portlandia
A photographic essay that celebrates the different styles and expressions that makeup the Latinx identity. The project provides audiences with a contemporary idea of how diverse Latinx culture is in Portland, while also contributing to a broader representation of us in media.
Shared in 2023
PDX Catrinas
Exploring Mexican identity through the lens of the iconic symbol, La Catrina. 'Portland Catrinas' is a multi-media project that brought together 10 different Latin creators to produce 5 unique expressions of La Catrina to be shared via photographs and a short film.
Created in 2021
Confidence Is...
A photographic collection of how confidence is, experienced, expressed, and embodied by everyday people. Exploring a nearly universal feeling 'Confidence Is...' shares personal expressions each tell a powerful story about resilience, connection, and self love.
Produced between 2017-2019
Sexuality Over 50
Created for my mother, 'Sexuality Over 50' explores the identity and sexuality for quinquagenarians and beyond. Each set reflects that individuals own perception of their sexuality and expression of it in relation to their identity.
Let's work together
Collaborations I'm Open To...
Currently, I am open to collaborations that disrupt traditional narratives and value equity, intentionality, and authenticity in the work being produced. I have extensive experience mindfully creating photographic projects and essays from start to finish, I support other creators through mentorship, professional development, as well as project management.
I love supporting others in creating their vision. Collaborative projects are my passion. If you have an idea for a photo or video project and are looking for a producer, let's set up a meeting. With more than 22 years of photography experience, I have gained a lot of different skills as a creator and photographed nearly everything you can think of.
Let's talk about ethics! It's one of my favorite conversations to have with creators. From the words we use and the meaning behind them to the power that we hold as artists and the influence we can have on the world. You don't have to be a visual storyteller to examine your why and explore more mindful practices. Facilitating these conversations for businesses, artists, and corporations is pivotal to creating change.
So, let's connect and create some change!
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