Family!

Last week, I drove down to Schoolcraft, MI to do a family session for the Bolz family. Every time I see them, I'm touched by their sense of 'family' and their closeness...this is what family get-togethers should be like...exchanging stories, sharing cooking duties and taking turns occupying the kids. They inviting me to stay for dinner afterwards and I shared in the dinner table conversation.  Family photos just in time to celebrate the holidays...I had such a good time and the kids were so well behaved, I can't wait to watch their family grow through my camera lens!

Ryan and Samara (W. K. Kellogg Manor)

What a great place for a wedding...the W. K. Kellogg Manor was perfectly suited for this autumn wedding. The wind and cold kept us inside for most of the day but, we didn't mind, this mansion was so beautiful and interesting. The staff and service was exceptional and, I have to say, it was my favorite wedding meal ever! And I've had A LOT of great wedding meals. The McPherson family made me feel like they had known me for years and everyone was so happy to be a part of Ryan and Samara's big day. I can't wait to get all of the photos done and sent to the happy newly weds but, for now, here's a little preview.

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!!

Theo!

I drove up north this weekend to visit friends and photograph their son Theo.  Let me tell you, this little man is an expert in cuteness! I followed him around for a couple hours while he played around at grandpa's house; he had my laughing so hard I cried! It was warm outside, so his shirt did not stay on long and the cold garden hose was a welcomed relief.

Inaugural Intersection Wedding

I had the pleasure of photographing the first ever wedding at the Intersection concert venue here in downtown GR. I had my work cut out for me between very little light to work with and a huge wedding party of 25 people, but, in the end, I had a blast. From an impromptu match of Rock/Paper/Scissors between the bride and groom during their vows to the groom dipping his mom during the mother-son dance.  Everyone in attendance was over-joyed to be a part of Matt and Val's special day! Here's a peek...btw, Valerie was completely at ease in front of the camera and is one of the most stunning brides I have ever worked with.