Your story. Your life. Shared with love.
That’s the motto that local Cochrane photographer Michelle Spice works by, and the love she puts into her work is clearly shows through.
She has just captured the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA) Awards spotlight, earning a nomination for Creative Design Team or Designer of the Year.
This recognition comes from her collaboration with an industry designer from Ontario and Canadian country music sensation Chad Brownlee, a former hockey player turned country crooner.
The nomination stems from the team’s work on Brownlee’s new single, The Country Kind, his first in a few years.
Brownlee’s management approached Spice to create the song’s cover art and promotional photos.
After getting a sneak peek of the track, Spice chose The Crossing at Ghost River, just outside of Cochrane, as the perfect backdrop for the photo shoot.
A Surprise
The nomination pleasantly surprised Spice, who discovered the news while scrolling through social media.
“I saw the announcements on CCMA, and I went to the page where it said Creative Designer of the Year, and I saw my name but it didn’t click,” she shared with The Cochrane Eagle.
“I had to stare at it for a few seconds, and that’s when it was like – ‘Oh my goodness, I got nominated for a CCMA Award!'”
Spice’s journey into country music began as a DJ at the Ranchmans in Calgary.
After exploring different career paths, she found her calling in professional photography following the birth of her son.
Her big break came in 2013 when she documented the Alberta floods and donated the proceeds from her photos to flood relief charities in Calgary. This led to her being the official photographer for the Alberta Flood Aid Concert, and she’s been hooked on concert photography ever since.
“In no way am I at the top; on my end, I’m walking the journey, and I’m so happy and fulfilled all the time,” Spice said.
Over the years, Spice has worked with several Canadian country music artists, creating their single and album cover art and photographing numerous country music events.
Beyond the music scene, she continues to offer her photography services to the Cochrane community.
Reflecting on her nomination and journey, Spice expressed gratitude to every manager, agent, and musician she worked with.
“[It’s] almost 14 years having Michelle Spice Photography; it’s so amazing, and I don’t want anybody else to stop believing in yourself.”
So, as we gear up for the CCMA Awards in Edmonton later this year, let’s cheer on our local talent as she continues to make her mark in the world of country music.
