Michael Kaal has loved photography for 20 years.

Kaal, an Arizona native, who is now a professional photographer and professor at Milligan College, said his love of photography began back in high school.

“Landscape and nature in Arizona were the reason I started. I guess they were my first love for photography,” he said.

Kaal began studying Fine Art Photography at Milligan College in 2007, where he also met his wife. In 2010 Kaal began wedding photography.

Kaal said that while every wedding is different, he loves the outdoors.

“Because I started in nature, I do love outdoor shots,” he said. ”In my perfect world of where I’d want it to be like it would be nice gold and soft light.”

After doing a few shows, including the Woolly Worm and Apple Festivals, showcasing his work in nature, Kaal said he gained a confidence boost and is back into fine arts as well.

Kaal described his favorite landscaping shots as moving and different.

“Anything where there’s movement where I can take it a step further and add motion, I really love that,” he said.

In addition to his work, Kaal began teaching digital photography at Milligan College three years ago.

“It’s kind of come full circle,” he said. “It’s fun teaching and I’ve had students who have gotten into a few shows. My goal is to help them get better at whatever place they’re at. I have a whole group of students from those who have never touched a camera before to those who it is their degree.”

Kaal said some of his students have actually photographed weddings with him and he has brought props on campus for them to shoot, including a Ferrari. He said he loves being able to give back.

For those interested in Kaal’s wedding photography, you can go to www.michaelkaalphotography.com. For those interested in his fine arts photography you can go to www.michaelkaalfineart.com. Kaal said business inquiries are usually done through social media on his Facebook page and Instagram.

“I love Elizabethton and it’s been a favorite place of mine,” Kaal said. ”For me I love to live here and shoot here.”