Michael Van Auken

Michael Van Auken has been “recording the history of people’s lives” for more than twenty-five years. MVA is accomplished in the art of photojournalism, portraiture, pictorial photography and is fluent in “Photoshop“. After owning a successful photography studio in Pleasant Hill, California he joined Cantrell Portrait Design as a senior associate photographer in 2002 specializing in family portraits and special event photography.

He was the inaugural president of NCPP in 1998 He is a founding member of Northern California Professional Photographers as well as and currently serves on the board of directors. He has presented educational programs for many Professional Photography associations including The Wedding and Portrait Photographers International in Las Vegas (WPPI) and the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers in the United Kingdom. In 2007 Michael was awarded one of the top album awards from WPPI. He also created the Print of the Year for NCPP in 2006 and was also named Photographer of the Year for 2007. He and everyone else at Cantrell Portrait Design are dedicated to capturing amazing images that reflect the most unique experiences of people’s lives. Creating photographic essay’s for generations to come. Providing impeccable service and quality photographs for all of our clients. And perhaps the most important thing, making sure that you look great and have fun in the process.