About Us
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Dean Michaels Studio shot our wedding and we couldn't be happier! Besides the incredible photos, they were so personable and professional. We are beyond happy and highly recommend them! – Irene & Richard
Family Owned for Over 40 Years
Capturing Moments. Creating Legacy. Dean Michaels Studio is a full-service photography and videography studio with over four decades of experience in preserving life’s most unforgettable moments. Based in Madison, NJ for over 40 years, we are a family-owned business that specializes in weddings, portraits, commercial and corporate work, as well as school and sports photography. Our signature approach combines photojournalistic storytelling, cinematic video production, and timeless portraiture—with a personal touch that only decades of experience can deliver.
Our Story
Founded by Dean Michaels in 1985, the studio began as a dream sparked while Dean was working at a liquor store in Madison, NJ and studying photography in New York City. Driven by a passion for people and a gift for storytelling through the lens, Dean transformed a small storefront opportunity into what would become one of New Jersey’s most respected studios.
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With a background in editorial and tabloid photography—including work for People, Life & Style, and Star Magazine, and celebrity portraits of icons like Whitney Houston, Princess Diana, and Paris Hilton—Dean developed a signature, behind-the-scenes approach to wedding coverage that feels candid, effortless, and deeply personal.
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One of Dean’s most unforgettable assignments? Capturing the wedding of Hollywood super-agent Jay Bernstein, who married 50 feet underwater in the Caribbean. Jay sported a custom scuba tuxedo while the bride wore a specially made scuba wedding gown—a true testament to his fearless creativity and commitment to telling every story, no matter how unconventional.
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By the early 2000s, Dean had expanded the business into a full-service studio, embracing the digital evolution while staying rooted in the values that made his work timeless. After over 30 years of dedication, Dean retired in 2017, proudly passing the torch to his son Alec and daughter-in-law Christin, who now lead the studio with a fresh perspective and the same unwavering commitment to excellence.
A New Generation. Same Focus.
Today, Dean Michaels Studio continues to thrive under the creative direction of Alec and Christin. Our small but mighty team of award-winning photographers, videographers, and post-production artists uphold our legacy of excellence. Most of our team members have been with us for decades, and each brings their own artistic eye and vibrant personality to the table—ensuring that every client feels comfortable, seen, and celebrated.
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With access to Dean’s deep expertise and a drive to innovate, Alec and Christin have brought the studio to new depths—pushing boundaries creatively and technologically, while broadening our reach into new regions beyond New Jersey. Today’s couples have more access than ever before to our signature and exciting style and seamless, full-service experience.
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Whether we're capturing an elegant wedding, a dynamic corporate shoot, or a milestone portrait, our renowned style blends modern fine-art storytelling with journalistic precision. We believe your photos and films should be filled with life—highlighting the emotion, beauty, and excitement of every moment.
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Our commitment to detail, collaborative team workflow, and artistic post-production make us uniquely equipped to deliver galleries and films that consistently exceed expectations.
Your Story Starts Here.
Contact us or schedule a time to meet with us at our convenient New Jersey location or chat about your upcoming event or project. Whether you're planning a wedding, updating family portraits, showcasing your brand, or capturing school and sports milestones—we’d love to show you our beautiful photographs, timeless albums, and captivating films. Let’s explore how we can preserve every special moment with creativity, care, and style.