Rick & Phil!

My very good friends Rick and Phil told me they were getting married next year and wanted me to be their photographer! Eek, I was so ecstatic, words cannot describe. We met up for an engagement photo session this weekend and, honestly, I wasn't sure I was ready. This was the first time I've ever photographed a same-sex couple and I adore these two so much…I didn't want to screw this up. However, they compliment each other so much that as soon I arrived at the location, I immediately started shooting and I found ways to capture their personalities and love for each other without being too cheesy. 

After spending a bit of time in Eastmanville, we worked our way to downtown Grand Rapids to a really cool spot that Rick suggested and I think it will be my favorite urban backdrop from now on! I forgot my step stool, so I improvised and used the trunk of my car to stand on to get just the right angle!

Through the lens, I learned about them that day and feel honored to be a part of their journey. I am so very excited for these two and cannot wait until September 2016 when I get to be the photographer for the best wedding ever!!

Jon senior session (Ann Arbor, MI)

Sunny days can be a challenge for portrait photography...especially when you don't know your surroundings. I've been to Ann Arbor plenty of times but, never really walked around or explored much so, I let Jon lead the way. He had some great spots picked out and we had a great time.

Lennox senior session- Grand Rapids Portrait photography

I first met Lennox about 4 years ago when I photographed his family's portrait. It was exciting to photograph him again and see how he has grown in to a very bright, mature and handsome young man.

I picked the first location, an old train trestle downtown...at first, the sun was way too bright and making me work hard to avoid harsh shadows and highlights.  Then Lennox picked the second location (top secret) with a cool wooden dock, paths thru tall switchgrass and a really cool hill parked under high voltage power lines. By the time we hiked up the massive hill, the sun was starting to set and the light was awesome. We would've stayed longer but we didn't have flashlights to make the trek back through the woods. I can't wait to take someone back there to my new favorite portrait location!!