Meet Dionel Lake | Photographer & Owner of The MittenTog

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dionel Lake and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dionel, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My journey to starting my own business was deeply personal and evolved over time. It wasn’t just about photography; it was about finding a way to balance my creative passions with the needs of my family. As a single parent raising a young family while growing my photography business, I realized how important it was to have a career that gave me flexibility while allowing me to connect with others through art.

Photography, for me, is about capturing real, everyday moments—whether it’s the joy of a new family addition or the details in a beautifully designed space. I work closely with builders, designers, and families to help their personalities shine through in every shot, and I love bringing color, energy, and life into my work.

I wanted to create something that not only provides for my family but also lets me be a part of other people’s important moments. With The MittenTog Studios, I wanted to build a brand that’s personal and professional while doing something I truly love.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is all about capturing real moments and showcasing the unique personalities of the people and spaces I photograph. What sets me apart is my ability to bring a sense of life and energy into each image, whether it’s a family session full of joy and love, or a meticulously designed interior space that tells its own story. I work with both families and professionals—builders, designers, contractors—so I understand how to blend technical precision with a creative approach to let the subject’s personality or style shine through.

I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built along the way. Clients become friends, and I feel incredibly honored to be part of their lives. One of the things I’m most excited about is seeing how my business has grown while raising a family. I’ve built something that allows me to be present for my kids while pursuing my passion for photography, and that’s been incredibly rewarding.

Getting here wasn’t easy. It’s taken a lot of hard work and resilience. As a single parent for much of my journey, balancing family and business was tough, and I had to learn how to manage everything with limited time and resources. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of patience and perseverance. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, but staying true to my vision has paid off.

Working in a food photography studio early on also shaped my career. It taught me how to manipulate light and composition, skills that have since evolved into my style of photography. I now bring that technical knowledge into everything I do, creating visually compelling images that capture the essence of my subjects.

The world should know that my brand, The MittenTog Studios, is more than just photography. It’s about connection, community, and capturing the moments that matter. Whether it’s a beautifully designed home or a family gathering, my goal is to create art that reflects the personality and emotion of each moment. At the end of the day, my story is about finding balance between my personal and professional life, and I’m grateful for every part of that journey.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d kick off the week by taking them to my all-time favorite brunch spot, Linear. The atmosphere is amazing, and their focus on local, seasonal ingredients makes every meal a memorable experience. From there, we’d grab coffee at Lyon Street Cafe and Nantucket Bakery next door, to fuel up for a day of exploring.

We’d definitely hit up the Grand Rapids Art Museum for some culture, followed by shopping at Rebel and Covet for unique finds, with a sweet stop at Sticky Fingers candy store for some nostalgic treats. I’d take them to Tree Runners Grand Rapids for some outdoor adventure and ziplining, and cap off the day with dinner at Terra, a perfect spot for farm-to-table dining.

During the week, we’d also make time for Duckpin Bowling—a fun and quirky spot—and visit The Downtown Market to sample different foods and enjoy the bustling vibe. A stop at Fox Naturals and Pink Lemonade is a must for some local self-care goodies. For tacos, we’d head to Luna, and we’d make sure to enjoy a night out at Grove for a more upscale, intimate dinner.

We’d wrap up the week with one last drink or mocktail at Pursuit of Happiness, and dinner at my all time favorite, Sovengaurd, where the food and atmosphere are always uplifting. It would be a packed week, filled with great food, fun adventures, and plenty of opportunities to show off the best parts of the city!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My journey wouldn’t be what it is without the support of my family, especially my kids, Ayden and Lucy. My husband, Nick, deserves a huge shoutout too—he’s been my rock, pushing me to keep dreaming big. Even when imposter syndrome finds it’s way in, my family is the first to pull me out!

I’m also grateful for the builders, designers, mentoring photographers, and clients who’ve trusted me with their visions and shaped my photography.

In the beginning, I spent time working in a food photography studio, and that experience truly transformed the way I approach my work today. Food photography is so precise, especially when it comes to lighting and composition. I learned how to manipulate light in creative ways, making even the smallest details stand out. This technical foundation gave me the ability to understand how light interacts with different subjects, whether it’s a beautifully styled dish or an interior space.

That early experience refined my eye and honed my skills, allowing me to translate those techniques into my current photography. It’s not just about capturing the subject; it’s about telling a story through the play of light and shadow, creating a mood, and showcasing the unique qualities of everything I photograph. It really changed my style and elevated what I could offer to my clients.

Website: https://www.themittentog.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themittentog/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dionelfisher

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themittentog/

Image Credits
Dionel Lake, Photographer of The MittenTog