Hi, I’m Michael, Your Washington Elopement Photographer

A photo of Michael Graw, the elopement photographer behind Wandering Sole Studios. He's holding a camera with a telephoto lens while leaning on a rock in the middle of a large, open valley.

I’m a Bellingham, WA wedding photographer focused on helping couples celebrate their biggest adventures in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

I moved to the PNW 15 years ago for school and and instantly fell in love. It’s where I started my photography career, where I built an incredible community, where I met my partner, and where I most love exploring.

I got my start in photography shooting endurance sports and focused mainly on editorial and commercial work, until one summer a friend asked me to photograph their elopement in the North Cascades. Elopement photography clicked immediately for me, and I’ve been working with adventurous couples ever since. It’s beyond gratifying to help couples bring their dreams to life and capture once-in-a-lifetime moments in truly wild places across the PNW.

I’ve carried over many lessons from my early days and still have deep roots in the mountaineering and endurance sports communities, so you’re getting much more than a traditional Washington wedding photographer when you work with me.

I’m comfortable with both big mountain days and relaxed adventures closer to home. I love a good bushwhack and I bring a huge smile to every day outside. You can count on me to be in for whatever you have planned for your elopement.

When I’m not behind the lens working with couples, you can find me skiing and climbing in the North Cascades, on my bike around Bellingham, or trail running in the Chuckanuts.

Let's Start Planning Your Adventure

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at a Few of My Favorite Adventures

Michael, the photographer behind Wandering Sole Studios, trekking through the Brooks Range of Alaska. He is walking along a rushing river with mountains in the background. 
Backpacking through the Brooks Range in far northern Alaska
Michael, the photographer behind Wandering Sole Studios, running through a barren post-glacial landscape around Glacier Peak, in Washington. He is running away from the camera and Glacier Peak is visible in front of him. 
Mountain running towards the summit of Glacier Peak
Michael, the photographer behind Wandering Sole Studios, taking photos while wearing a full backpack and climbing harness. He is in the middle of the Ptarmigan Traverse on a snow-covered glacier. 
Exploring the famous Ptarmigan Traverse on skis
Michael, the photographer behind Wandering Sole Studios, ice climbing a frozen waterfall in Canmore, Alberta. The photo is taken from inside a cave with icicles hanging down. 
Ice climbing frozen waterfalls around Banff, Alberta.
Michael, the photographer behind Wandering Sole Studios, scrambling in the Entiat Mountains in Washington. He is on a rocky summit ridge on Mt. Maude with the rest of the Entiats in the background. 
Scrambling in Washington's Entiat Mountains
Michael, the photographer behind Wandering Sole Studios, standing at a campground in North Cascades National Park with his bike, which is loaded with multiple bikepacking bags. 
Bikepacking an 800-mile route from Washington to Montana
Michael, the photographer behind Wandering Sole Studios, sitting on the snow-covered summit of Dragontail Peak in the Enchantments with his skis on, getting ready to backcountry ski back to Colchuck Lake. 
Getting ready to ski off Dragontail Peak in the Enchantments
Michael, the photographer behind Wandering Sole Studios, walking on a glacier in Bugaboos Provincial Park in British Columbia. The climbers are walking towards a granite spire. 
Climbing in the Bugaboos in British Columbia

  • “If you're on the fence about hiring Michael, just do it. We had a last-minute weather issue and he suggested a backup spot that was honestly better than our original plan. He nailed every little detail and we just got to enjoy the day.”

    —Sarah and Eric, Bellingham town and trail elopement