Meet Mike

Family and Background

Mike Baker is a dedicated husband, father, and business owner who has lived and worked in Ohio his entire life. He and his wife, Allison, are proud parents to four wonderful children, and together they are deeply rooted in the community. Family has always been the foundation of Mike’s life, shaping his values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance.

Photo: Mike with a few of his staff photographing sports teams for a local school.

Education and Early Career

Mike grew up in Elyria, attending the Elyria School District before transferring to Midview High School for his high school years. During his junior and senior years, he attended Lorain County Joint Vocational School in the Multimedia Tech Prep Program, where he developed a passion for technology and digital media. After graduating high school, Mike went on to earn an Associate of Applied Science from ITT Tech, further expanding his technical skills and business knowledge.

Check out this article from Lorain County JVS Featuring Mike!

Building a Career and Starting a Business

After college, Mike began his career working for several companies in the technology and media fields, gaining valuable experience along the way. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to take a leap of faith, and in 2008, he founded his own business—First Choice Photography. Since then, First Choice Photography has become a trusted provider of services for the wedding industry, schools, and sports leagues, capturing memories for countless families and organizations.

Commitment to Community and Volunteering

Mike has always been passionate about giving back to his community. He has dedicated his time and leadership to various volunteer roles, including:
✅ President of the local Little League, where he works to provide opportunities for young athletes and foster a love for the game.

Photo: Mike presenting a plaque to a local business owner for her years of dedication to Elyria Little League West.

✅ Over 15 years of leadership in Scouting BSA (formerly Boy Scouts of America), serving in multiple positions, including at the district level to mentor youth and promote character development. Through these roles, Mike has worked tirelessly to support youth programs, strengthen the community, and make a positive impact on families throughout the district.

Photo: Mike and his 2 oldest sons Christian & Nathan at Philmont Scout Ranch New Mexico