top of page
About
Complacency is the death of mastery.
Nilas Photography is far more than a portrait photography service:
Nilas Photography is a full-fledged portrait photography service, but it is also the umbrella to a much wider array of photographic fulfillment.
Located in Portland, Oregon, and consisting of one photographer, Michael (Nilas), and an equal partner, manager, and model, Rose. This is a family-run operation.
Together we manage Nilas Photography, Wedding Photographer Guy, Cobalt Studios PDX, and Darchive.
Between these four branches, we accomplish editorial, lifestyle, commercial, and fine-art portraiture, weddings, elopements, and engagements. We own and manage Portland's premier photo studio, Cobalt Studios, where we not only offer up rentable space and equipment for photographers, but also host workshops, lessons, and networking events for creatives of all kinds. Our networking and creative community building, Darchive, also extends well beyond the photo studio.
A photography mission and obsession:
From the photographer:
Nilas photography is an addiction to life behind a camera. Capturing the raw and timeless moments, and inspiring creativity, self-confidence, and inclusivity.
As a dedicated freelance photographer in Portland, Oregon, I am committed to crafting unique portraits, storytelling visuals, and conceptual art that push creative boundaries. Together with my partner, I prioritize inclusivity and strive to work with individuals from all walks of life. We believe that every person has a story worth sharing, and our mission is to capture and celebrate the diverse beauty of our community. My partner and I are always unapologetically ourselves, and we hope the same from our clients and collaborators. With a strong emphasis on building meaningful connections, we aim to create a safe and welcoming environment for our photography clients and networking collaborators. Let's collaborate and bring your vision to life.
The vision
They dreamt they could hold a memory in the palm of their hands. A fantasy, even.
They sought to immortalize a moment and the moments in between moments.
To steal it from thin air or build it from imagination.
So do I.
Our experience and goals:
Nilas Photography service began in 2016 and I've since captured countless creative portraits, professional headshots, events, and roughly 200 weddings (www.weddingphotographerguy.com).
As a transplant in Portland, photography has been our catalyst for every connection made, including my partner, Rose. Together, we aim to continue creating full-time and find stability in the hectic world of freelance photography. As a photographer and model duo, we bring a unique experience to our clients, understanding how to create a great image and inspire the perfect poses.
We work hard and we work... a lot. Whenever we're not doing photography for work, we create art together or spend time with our creative community. Together, we host an event called Darchive, a photographer and modeling meet-up centered around Portland, but shooting in and gathering creatives from throughout the Pacific Northwest.
In October 2023, we purchased and transitioned into Portland's core photography studio, Cobalt Studio PDX. Since then, we have shifted heavily into expanding our creative community and offering photography and modeling education/workshops. We intend to expand our photography education curriculum while experimenting more with advanced studio photography techniques. It also provides our creative community with a home base.
Photography is a central part of our family's life, and the community we build has become our extended family. We dubbed our creative community events Darchive, and they are not meant for any specific photographers, models, or creatives. Inclusivity is key and community is very important to us, and we believe in community over competition. We accept and collaborate with individuals who are amateur or high-end professionals with zero bias.
We hope you'll join us on this wild journey.
Image by Tonya
Nilas Photography and our little team.
Short, short summary.
Michael is an alternative and highly experienced fine art, portrait, and event photographer working with his partner Rose who is a dedicated model and creative collaborator. His passion for photography is mostly derived from a darker aesthetic but loves all photographic challenges, especially involving people who may not have their images captured often. Common services include portraits, branding, boudoir, and tons of weddings (as seen on weddingphotographerguy.com).
Us.
Our team, as you may assess quickly, is our family. We work out of our home, coffee shops, and our professional photo studio, Cobalt Studios PDX. Our lives revolve around photography and creativity around the camera. The extended family we've built in Portland is very camera-centric. Everyone we pull into our lives is from creative shoots, networking events, workshops, and, of course, clients.
Together we are dedicated educators, organizers, and parents to our photographic community.
We strive to stay adventurous, always seeking new locations like incredible hike-worthy waterfalls or abandoned spots to sneak into and do creative photoshoots. Attending weddings also opens us up to a whole new array of amazing places to explore and photograph.
Us, the individuals.
Michael
Photography and Operations
The eye behind the lens. A dad, weirdo, wanderlust, and passionate photographer, dedicated to art and authenticity. Fascinated by natural sciences, abandoned buildings, and the unknown. If it wasn't for family, would be wandering with little more than a backpack and a camera. Deeply, madly in love with Fox (our baby), Salem, Nilas, and twin flame, Rose and creating alongside them.
@xnilasx / @weddingphotographerguy
Rose
Model, Communications, Booking, and Studio mgmt
Fierce mother, passionate model, studio manager, avid concert and music lover, vinyl collector, obsessive waterfall chaser, and an absolute badass. Keeping things organized when all is unhinged. Loyal to anything she supports or involves herself with and is the perfect counterpart for a photographer.
@rosegerberpnw
Nilas
Assistant photographer and occasional lens caddy
A budding artist who has given two tattoos by age 9 and attended (even photographed) various weddings. Patient and kind. Passionate about reading, games, playing pranks, and his little brother. Loves to learn and be involved. A very mature and charismatic young charmer at events, and extremely helpful as a volunteer photographer's assistant.
Salem
Photographer in training and loveable wildcard
A roaring ball of energy that contains well when composure is necessary. Passionate about building, animals and ancient beings, the outdoors, and spending time with his family. Sweet and loving. His time in our work is currently spent learning the basics and child communications. He loves to pose for the camera and encourages others to laugh or set a pose for a shot when attending certain sessions.
Fox
He's a baby.
Our adorable and tiny tyrant.
He's pretty cool <3
Our work together, with backstory
If I could choose to stay here forever, I would. And I will.
Unapologetically myself.
Information
What we offer
Nilas Photography offers photography services including (but not limited to):
Natural light and on-location flash portraiture for individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Studio photography that includes, but is not limited to, fine art, commercial, editorial, product, lifestyle, and just about anything you could need in a photography studio.
Studio rental and education for other creatives
Candid individual and event photography coverage.
Conceptual dark art, fine art, and alternative photo sessions.
Travel
Based in Portland, Oregon, most commonly servicing the Portland metropolitan region, the Oregon coast, the Pacific Northwest, and throughout California.
Beyond willing to travel anywhere around the entire globe and often providing incentives in beautiful scenic destinations.
Engagements are typically captured within the Pacific Northwest. but known to conduct sessions during travels, so don't hesitate to inquire if you're looking to shoot elsewhere.
bottom of page