Honored as the winner of “Best of Bethesda” in the wedding & special events category every year the edition has run, Michael Kress is the go-to photographer of Betheda/DC.

Beloved for his reassuringly calm and good-humored demeanor, Michael is widely recognized for capturing images that are energetically alive - telling the emotional story of the day. His capacity for sensing those moments - during these once-in-a-lifetime occasions - is a talent par excellence. His passion for his craft is evident in his images that evoke the beauty and emotional life of the day; this is his signature style in wedding portraiture. Michael endeavors to capture images that will be cherished for a lifetime.

After graduating from the prestigious Rochester Institute of Technology, Michael Kress opened his photo studio in Bethesda, Maryland. It was an immediate success and is still going strong today, more than 30 years later. Over his enduring career, Michael has won many awards, including several for "Best Photographer" from the International Special Event Society.

Michael is funny, passionate about his craft, and calm, which comes in handy when families start freaking out at weddings and mitzvahs!

Besides photography, Michael’s passions include biking on the canal, skiing out west, always hoping for a win with Washington’s football team, and most importantly sailing on Stella Blue, his sailboat.

• Tears up at most of the weddings he photographs

• Married his best friend like in the movie When Harry met Sally

• Has two grown kids and a black lab named Harper

• Is a “potential” life-long fan of the Washington Commanders. "Until they prove themselves worthy, I'm not a fan yet."

• Was a bone marrow donor for a random stranger

• Photographed his first wedding at 17

• Wore purple polka-dot socks at his wedding

• Favorite cocktail is an Absolut citron on the rocks with a minimum of 3 lemon wedges

• Loves watching "The Shark Tank"

• Has good weather karma