about michael
Michael Cignoli is an event, portrait and lifestyle photographer based in Oklahoma City. A former journalist and freelance writer, his articles and photographs have been published in a variety of newspapers across the country. His resume also includes extensive experience creating and designing websites, both personal and commercial.
photography services
Live Sports & Entertainment
From amateurs to professionals, Michael specializes in capturing stunning images of athletes and entertainers. He was formerly the team photographer for Missouri State ice hockey and has provided images for top Branson attractions.
Portraits & Lifestyle
From headshots to family portraits, great photos are the ones in which your personality shines through. Whether you're looking for serious, fun-loving or downright goofy, Michael loves conveying emotions through his photos.
Special Events
Whether it's a family gathering, community festival, corporate function or another celebration, Michael aims to preserve every event's blink-and-you-miss-them moments so they may become cherished memories.
Everything Else
With a background in multimedia journalism, Michael has captured photos to accompany all kinds of news stories, many of which he wrote himself. His work has been published in leading newspapers and national media outlets.
additional services
TESTIMONIALS
Santino Tomasetti
Performer / Pittsburgh, PA
“Michael's ability to capture picture-perfect moments is a combination of diligence, quick response and his desire to study the product and find moments, both intimate and/or showstopping. Whether he is put on the spot, or given time to study with a fine-tooth comb, Michael is not only someone you can trust to get the job done, but he will keep you laughing and surrounded by positivity in the midst of the session."
Mallory Cunningham
Dancer / Glastonbury, CT
“Michael has an innate eye for authentic, dynamic and beautiful moments! His photos reflect this gift, combined with his studied familiarity with the subject of his shoot and exceptional editing skills! You can feel utterly confident that Michael will capture the perfect images, all the while creating a fun, stress-free environment. I can’t sing his praises enough — choosing Michael for your photographic needs is a no-brainer!”
Aubrey Reece
Performer / Houston, TX
“Working with Michael has been an absolute dream. His attention to detail and commitment to the quality of his work is astounding. He is consistently working to capture important momensts that make the show look the best that it possibly can. He has also helped me build a portfolio of phenomenal pictures that I will be using on my website and for promotions for years to come. I can not possibly recommend him more!”
Kelsie Watts
Performer / Lubbock, TX
"I had the pleasure of working with Michael for a shoot I needed done for a worship conference. It was super last minute and he was able to scout locations and set a time within a few days notice. I had an absolute blast! I was provided with many different scene options, the turnaround was very quick and I had multiple photos to use for the event. I would work with Michael again without a doubt and highly recommend him to anyone needing professional photographs."
Alex Dominish
Musician / Mentor, OH
"Michael was a pleasure to work with! He was on the same page as me from the second we started talking. He provided me with countless options and variations for the project, worked diligently until it became final and was eager to meet my deadline. I am ecstatic with how the finished product turned out."
selected publications
ARTICLES
- The Saratogian
- Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
- The Citizens' Voice
- Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
- Ozarks Sports Zone
- Springfield, Mo.
- The Charlotte Observer
- Charlotte, N.C.
- The Times-Tribune
- Scranton, Pa.
- The Greater Pittston Progress
- Pittston, Pa.
- The Standard-Speaker
- Hazleton, Pa.
- The Troy Record
- Troy, N.Y.
- The Daily Freeman
- Kingston, N.Y.
- The Delaware County Daily Times
- Upper Darby Twp., Pa.
- The Oneida Dispatch
- Oneida, N.Y.
PHOTOGRAPHS
- The Saratogian
- Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
- The Citizens' Voice
- Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
- The Springfield News-Leader
- Springfield, Mo.
- Ozarks Sports Zone
- Springfield, Mo.
- The Oklahoman
- Oklahoma City, Okla.
- Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
- Lowell, Ark.
- 417 Magazine
- Springfield, Mo.
- The Washington Missourian
- Washington, Mo.
- The Edwardsville Intelligencer
- Edwardsville, Ill.
- The Joplin Globe
- Joplin, Mo.
- The News-Herald
- Greater Cleveland, Ohio
- Bluegrass Today
- VisitMo.com
- ExploreBranson.com
selected awards
- Top 10
- Best Sunday Sports sections
- Top 10
- Multimedia, Website and Project reporting
- Second Place
- Online Content
- Second Place
- Sports Writing
- Third Place
- Blogging
- Fourth Place
- News Story of the Year