I’m here to produce visual solutions for your brand’s needs!
As a Pittsburgh-based commercial photographer and videographer with a military background, I bring discipline and precision to every project. Recognized with an Emmy award and multiple nominations, my work is dedicated to delivering exceptional visual storytelling for brands.
Hi, I’m Michel Sauret, a visual storyteller who specializes in documentary-style video production and lifestyle brand photography.
My goal is to produce photos and videos that promote your messaging, help you grow your audience, and ultimately help you increase your business or brand.
If you need photography or video production to promote your brand, let’s talk!
I am a Veteran Small Business Owner with more than 20 years of military service.
I spent most of my military career in public affairs, with experience in strategic communications. I have produced messaging and recruiting campaigns for the U.S. Army and other national and local brands, which means I tailor my photography and video to enforce your communication strategy.
I continue my mindset of selfless service with every client I work with to create the best possible imagery for your needs!
Some of my awards include five Emmy nominations with an Emmy win, Army Civilian Photographer of the Year, Military Visual Awards Photographer of the Year, Army Storyteller of the Year and Army Journalist of the Year during my career with the U.S. Army public affairs. I joined the Army Reserve in 2002 and have been producing photos and videos since 2006.
I live in Pittsburgh, PA, with my God-honoring wife, Heather. Together we have five children.
Creative Achievements
~2025~
Platinum AVA Digital Awards – “I Want it to Stop” – DHS Blue Campaign
Documentary Video (Japan) – RP Global Mission
~2024~
Herbert A. Kassner – Photographer of the Year – U.S. Army Corps of
EngineersHerbert A. Kassner – Communicator of the Year – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
PSA Director & Co-Producer – “I Just Want it to Stop” – DHS Blue Campaign
Director, Cinematographer, Producer – “The Barber” – Department of Labor VETS
~2023~
Website & Marketing (Photo & Video) – Dawg Zebra Gunworks
Web & marketing (Photo & Video) – Pitt Cycles
Documentary Video Series (Testimonials) – Deeper Still
~2022~
Emmy Nomination — Health, Environment and Science (“The Ways of Water”)
Keith L. Ware Civilian Photographer of the Year – U.S. Army
Herbert A. Kassner Photographer of the Year — U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Herbert A. Kassner Videographer of the Year — U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Herbert A. Kassner Writer of the Year — U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
“Like a Tornado Through His Body” — First Place, News Article, Keith L. Ware Communications Awards
~2021~
Emmy Nomination — 18C: Military – Short Form (A Time of Honor)
~2020~
Emmy Award – 10B: Feature News Report – Serious Feature (Carrying the Names)
Emmy Nomination – 30A: Public/Current/Community Affairs – Feature/Segment/Series (Voices of Strength)
Emmy Nomination – 30B: Public/Current/Community Affairs – Program/Special (Voices of Strength)
Emmy Nomination – 10B: Feature News Report – Serious Feature (Carrying the Names)
~2019~
George Mason University “Made a Difference Award” — U.S. Army Reserve (Sponsored by AUSA)
Hosted & Organized “Army Reserve Storytelling Workshop” — U.S. Army Reserve
~2018~
U.S. Army Storyteller of the Year – First Place, Keith L. Ware Communication Awards
U.S. Army Reserve Storyteller of the Year – First Place, Brumfield Mass Communication
Military Photographer of the Year — First Place, Military Visual Awards (Photography)
Produced marketing campaign photo shoot for U.S. Army Reserve Medical
“A contest of wills” — Second Place, Military Visual Awards (Picture Story)
“Light of a warrior” — Second Place, Military Visual Awards (Portrait)
“Down time” — Third Place, Military Visual Awards (Sports)
“Zephan Blaze” — Honorable Mention, Military Visual Awards (Feature)
~2017~
Hosted & Organized “Advanced Storytelling Workshop” — U.S. Army
Mentored the winner of “Military Photographer of the Year” for U.S. Army & U.S. Army Reserve
“Prepare for the worst” — First Place, Defense Media Award (Training Photo Series)
“Prepare for the worst” — First Place, Brumfield Awards (Training Photo Series)
“Prepare for the worst” — First Place, Keith L. Ware Awards (Training Photo Series)
“Small Arms, Big Impact” — First Place, Brumfield Awards (Video Story)
“Gas mask ruck march” — First Place, Brumfield Awards (Feature Photo)
“Army Reserve sniper” — First Place, Brumfield Awards (Portrait)
“Presidential inauguration parade” — First Place, Brumfield Awards (Picture Story)
“Presidential inauguration parade” — First Place, Keith L. Ware Awards (Picture Story)
“Keep pounding” — First Place, Brumfield Awards (Photojournalism)
“Keep pounding” — Honorable Mention, Keith L. Ware Awards (Photojournalism)
~2016~
“Jump” — Novel (Christian / Literary)
Mentored the winners of “Outstanding New Writer” / “Military Print Journalist of the Year” / “Military Photographer of the Year” for the U.S. Army & U.S. Army Reserve
~2015~
“The Computer that Saved the Soldier’s Back” — First Place, Keith L. Ware Award (Feature)
“The Computer that Saved the Soldier’s Back” — First Place, Thomas Jefferson Award (Feature)
“I Hear You Calling” — First Place, Keith L. Ware Award (Photojournalism)
“I Hear You Calling” — First Place, Thomas Jefferson Award (Photojournalism)
“Why I serve” — First Place, Keith L. Ware Award (Commentary)
“Why I serve” — Third Place, Thomas Jefferson Award (Commentary)
“Miles for Lives” — First Place, Brumfield Award (News Video)
“More than Just Blast Masters” — Honorable Mention, Brumfield Award (Feature Video)
“Framing Conflict” — Editor’s Spotlight, National Geographic (Photography)
“Operating the Night” — Honorable Mention, Military Photography of the Year (Picture Story)
“Burning the Night” — Honorable Mention, Military Photography of the Year (Portrait)
“Koalafying” — Third Place, Military Photography of the Year (Feature)
Photography Portfolio — Top Five, Military Photography of the Year (Portfolio)
~2014~
“Sapper Stakes” — Honorable Mention, Keith L. Ware Award (News Photo)
“Soldier Field” — Honorable Mention, Keith L. Ware Award (Feature Photo)
~2013~
“Amidst Traffic” — Winner, 2013 International Book Awards
“Amidst Traffic” — Finalist, 2013 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
“Amidst Traffic” — Finalist, 2013 Indie Excellence Book Awards
“Amidst Traffic” — Finalist, 2013 USA Book News Awards
~2012~
“Afghan Work” — First Place, Brumfield Award (Human Interest Article)
“Amidst Traffic” — Short Story Collection (Literary Fiction)
~2010~
“Three Straws” — Honorable Mention, Monty Culver Award (Short Story)
“Role Players” — Third Place, Brumfield Award (Feature Article)
“Role Players” — Third Place, Keith L. Ware Award (Feature Article)
“Freedom Ride” — Honorable Mention, Brumfield Award (News Article)
~2009~
Internship with Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (News reporting & Photography)
Keith L. Ware Journalist of the Year Award (Army-wide Journalism)
Brumfield Military Journalist of the Year Award (Journalism)
“Black Coats (at the Cheyenne Diner)” — Daikaijuzine (Short Story)
“Amidst Traffic” — Ampersand Review [Vol. 3] (Short Story)
“Brick Wall Giants” & “Son of Man” — Sybil’s Garage (Poetry)
“The Tin Can Mind” — Brand Literary Magazine (Short Story)
~2008~
“The General’s Backup Seat” — The Whitefish Review (Nonfiction)
“The Weapon was on Safe” — Collision (Nonfiction)
“Midnight” — Wet Ink (Short Story)
“Lost in the Night” — Eric Hoffer Award Finalist (Short Story)
“Lost in the Night” — Best New Writing 2008
Assignment Editor & Photojournalist — The Mountain View (Army)
Copy Editor — The Dog Faced Daily (Army)
~2007~
Submissions Editor — The Writers Post Journal (Literature Mag)
Freelance writing — G.I. Jobs Magazine
“Child, Hold Me” — Lulu (Memoir)
“The Tin Can Mind” — Lulu (Poetry)
~2006~
Worked as a ghostwriter for Dr. Dan Pompa on “Generation Toxic”
Silver Pen Award — Military Police Magazine
Staff Writer — The Checkmate (Army)
~2005~
“Breathing God” — Publish America (Novel)
“The Duct Tape People” — The Writers Post Journal (Short Story)
“The Problem with my Shoes” — Peridot (Short Story)
“The Follower” — Balance Anthology (Short Story)
~2004~
“Out of a Dream” — Cafe Irreal [issue 11] (Short Story)
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