There are some families who become part of your story too, and this sweet crew is one of them!

Years ago, I had the honor of photographing Emily and Wyatt's wedding day, and it has been such a joy watching their family grow over the years. These days, life has come full circle in the sweetest way in that Emily here also lovingly cares for my youngest daughter, making this session feel even more special!

​We met at Asylum Lake Nature Preserve in Kalamazoo on a warm June evening, where the soft light made the perfect backdrop for documenting this special season of life! It's such a privilege to continue telling my clients' stories long after the wedding day. Watching families grow is truly one of the greatest gifts of this job.

Some photo sessions are about more than updating the family Christmas card. This evening at Pilgrim Haven Natural Area in South Haven was one of those sessions! This sweet family was vacationing together along the Lake Michigan shoreline and wanted to capture a moment that doesn't happen nearly often enough - everyone together. At the heart of the session was Grandma, surrounded by her three adult children and their own families. 

Pilgrim Haven Natural Area is a beautiful preserve protected by Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy and it provided the perfect backdrop! The wooded trail and glimpses of Lake Michigan create an incredible variety of scenery without feeling too crowded. It's one of my favorite locations for extended family portraits because grandparents can comfortably enjoy the paved walkway to the water while little ones have room to explore naturally.

Family vacations often become the only time everyone is together, making them the perfect opportunity to schedule professional portraits. Instead of trying to coordinate everyone's calendars throughout the year, you already have your favorite people gathered in one beautiful place. It's a chance to preserve not just what everyone looked like, but what this season of your family's story felt like. If your family is planning a vacation anywhere along Michigan's lakeshore (whether you're staying in South Haven, Saugatuck, Holland, Sawyer, or the surrounding areas) then I would love to help document your time together! Extended family sessions are relaxed, fun, and designed to create images that celebrate every generation.
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Thank you to this wonderful family for inviting me to be a small part of your vacation memories. It was a joy spending the evening with all of you!

Asylum Lake is one of the most scenic natural areas in Kalamazoo, with expansive fields, wooded trails, and a peaceful lake setting. The preserve spans over 200 acres and is protected as a natural recreation space. For most sessions, we stay in the open field areas for easy access and beautiful light. The lake itself is available for deluxe sessions due to the extra walking time but can certainly be worth it for a more adventurous experience.

Heritage Hall on WMU’s East Campus offers a timeless, classic backdrop with beautiful architecture and open green space. Sitting on Prospect Hill overlooking the city, this historic area was part of the original campus established in the early 1900s and still carries that elegant, collegiate feel today.  This location is perfect for seniors who want a more polished, traditional look with a mix of structured backdrops and natural surroundings.

Pilgrim Haven is my go-to location in South Haven and the perfect option for seniors wanting that Lake Michigan look. With a mix of wooded paths, sandy shoreline, and unique rock formations along the water, it offers incredible variety in one session. Protected by Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy, it is well-maintained and truly ideal for seniors who want a more destination-style feel with stunning sunsets and a relaxed, coastal vibe. It's a stand-alone location with a ton of variety for either the full or deluxe package and a small travel fee is required if you select this spot.

Bow in the Clouds is truly a hidden gem right in the heart of Kalamazoo. This 70+ acre preserve is protected by Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy and features winding trails, a beautiful boardwalk through wetlands, and peaceful natural scenery that feels far removed from the city. This location is perfect for seniors who love nature and want something unique, with textures like tall grasses, beautiful tree lines and wood fencing adding variety to their gallery.

Downtown Kalamazoo offers a modern, urban look with brick buildings, alleyways, storefronts, and murals. The Kalamazoo Mall area adds a walkable, city-style backdrop that feels energetic and fun. I typically do a walking loop here to capture a wide variety of looks in one session- from bold and editorial to relaxed and candid.

Did we think we were going to have 80-degree weather for this family session at the apple orchard?! No, no we didn't, but these guys were champs and made it work! It was a beautiful afternoon and we even got donuts after. Sign me up for more fall sessions at the orchard!

We had a beautiful evening out at Pilgrim Haven Natural Area for Cullen's senior portrait session. I often take Kalamazoo and Portage seniors out this way because of the wide variety of scenery it offers - it's just my favorite place for senior pictures! As we can see, he nailed it.