About Me

My name is Michelle Ja'net Wojdyla and thank you for coming to visit my website.

I grew up in North Plainfield, NJ, and currently reside there. I attended Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA, graduating with a B.A. in Creative Writing. After substitute teaching for a few years at my alma mater (NPHS) I went through the Alternate Route Program and received my provisional certification in secondary English. Life has a way of throwing some curves, and I never applied at any schools, instead leaving the teaching profession. I had some health problems that turned everything upside down.

As a celebration of my recovery, I treated myself to the 1999 World Figure Skating Championships in Helsinki, Finland. It was there that I first picked up an SLR camera, taking photos from the stands during the ice dance events and the exhibition gala. And that was the just the beginning. I am a self-taught photographer, learning what I can from colleagues willing to share insights, articles that open my eyes to new things to try, and good old trial and error. Thank goodness for digital.

Since '99, I have had the privilege of photographing in many countries and all around the United States. Being a writer first, I had the advantage of being a self-contained roving reporter, bringing both the story and the images back to my editors.

My favorite place in the world is Lake Placid, NY, and I find reasons to photograph up there at least twice a year. I have spent more time in the 1980 arena (now Herb Brooks Arena) than any other sports facility. While each city leaves me with indelible memories, nothing will surpass the excitement I felt in Moscow, Russia in March of 2005. Back in third grade, our chorus teacher traveled to the Soviet Union and brought back stories that captured my imagination. Decades later, I myself stood in the middle of Red Square.

I am so lucky to do what I do, to travel and to meet the amazing people who have welcomed me into their lives.