Photograph by Ben Rollins
As half of the creative photography studio Tropico Photo (with fiancé Forrest Aguar), Michelle Norris spends her days dreaming up bold and bright imagery for fashion layouts and advertising campaigns. Tropico’s portfolio includes work for Red Bull, Samsung, the New York Times, SanDisk, and King of Pops, but Norris says her favorite shoot was for the summer 2017 edition of Georgia-based Secret Catalog, a mini magazine and shop featuring limited-edition goods by indie brands. “It’s important that the clothing works with the entire image to tell a story,” Norris says. “The story can be different each time, but it should always transport the viewer somewhere.”
Dream Subject
Solange Knowles
Photoshoot Jam
My “Relax” playlist on Spotify. It’s just a mix of pleasant music that sets a mood but doesn’t distract, like St. Vincent, Spree Wilson, and Kishi Bashi.
Shoot-Day Shoes
My Cole Haan sneakers. They are so comfortable and low-key. I’m sure there is a shoe that is realistically better for your back, but I refuse to wear it.
Ultimate Outfit
My State the Label striped overalls with literally anything underneath. My little sister calls this style a “baby suit,” and I can’t think of anything else I would rather wear.
Neighborhood
Inman Park. I can walk and bike almost everywhere in my daily routine. The neighborhood is perfect for strolling, with lots of nearby restaurants.
Local Hang
Chrome Yellow Trading Co. It’s near my house and always has a great ambiance and reliable Wi-Fi.
Style Icons
Miranda Makaroff or Iris Apfel. Both of them take crazy risks and brighten the world with what they wear.
Podcast In Queue
Risk. The stories are always so different, and I love peeking into different people’s lives.
Go-To Shop
Citizen Supply. I’m really interested in small makers and ethical fashion, and this is one of the best spots for that in Atlanta.
Dreaming About
Travel. We have Europe and Asia in our travel plans right now, and if we can swing it, we just might get married, too.
Photograph courtesy of Michelle Norris
See the Work
Follow Norris’s work on major fashion and advertising campaigns on Instagram @tropicophoto.
This article appears in our April 2018 issue.
