Many of my clients become lifelong friends. This is one of the BEST parts of my job. Being able to watch first hand my couple’s hit milestones + grow their families years and years after their commitment to each other is an honor I can’t even begin to explain in words.
Family, maternity, and newborn sessions will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where I started when I first picked up a camera. As a mom, I felt the need to document every single cute (or not so cute in some cases lol) things that my girls did. Now that they are older, I cherish those photos SO MUCH + I believe that every family deserves those memories, too.
We are in the day and age of the cell phone. I bet if you took a look in your phone you’d have hundreds - if not thousands of photos of you child(ren), am I right? Though there is nothing wrong with these photos, where do you come in? How many photos do you have of your whole family doing everyday things?
That’s where I come in. My approach is to capture those authentic moments. I give families prompts to do with their children that evoke emotion + REAL smiles. REAL laughs. Whether that be in the comfort of your own home making cookies or playing at the beach in the water.
Creating memories instead of forcing poses
Focused on having fun + interacting
Creating imagery of your family's unique personalities
No pressure to smile or behave perfectly
One hour, one location of your choice (travel fee may apply)
- A private online gallery to download, print, + share from
- Pre-session consultation
- Professional edited, high resolution images with printing rights
- Travel within 30 miles of Grand Rapids
Because I shoot weddings, my weekend availability is scarce between May-November. This doesn’t mean I can’t ever make a weekend date work, but if it’s the only option for you let me know and I will try my best to fit you in when possible.
Newborn sessions take place in-home. This is where the baby is most comfortable. Families, Seniors, Couples, and other types of portrait sessions can choose where they’d like them to be taken. If you’re unsure, I’d love to give you some options - just ask! Want to venture somewhere not in GR? I’m always down to travel!
Wear something you are comfortable and feel confident in. Coordinate clothing with others (don’t match). Think same tones + complimentary colors (neutral colors are easiest) - Avoid busy patterns and logos.
One outfit change is allowed, but keep in mind it will cut into our shooting time so I don’t recommend a full outfit change for families. If you want some variety without doing a full change, consider layering a different jacket, cardigan, ect.. adding a hat, changing jewelry, ect.
Feeling comfortable is most important. This tends to vary from person to person, but generally around the 30-33 week mark is a perfect time.
Pick a few rooms in the house that have a good source of natural light. These rooms do not need to be magazine worthy - just a quick clean + declutter in the shooting spaces will do!
Lifestyle photography is based on everyday life. It focuses on your daily routine - for a newborn session that may look like baths, snuggles, feedings, ect. and for families that may look like playing at the beach, baking cookies at home, or playing a game together.
5-10 days after birth is typical, but up to two weeks is recommended.