portraits

ON THE BLOG

When it comes to summer family photos ideas, there’s something truly special about photographing a family on their own land. Especially when that land holds generations of stories. This session took place just outside of Grand Rapids, Michigan, on the family’s farm, and it was the perfect setting for a laughter-filled, playful evening together. We […]

Aug 19, 2025

family photos ideas on a farm with a tractor in grand rapids, michigan during golden hour

I am just itching to share these beach engagement photos I worked on with Savannah and Brook. They were super excited to find a unique spot to commemorate their engagement. At first, we toyed with the idea of going all the way to Colorado. After talking logistics, we zeroed in on the breathtaking scenery of […]

Aug 12, 2025

couple sitting in the lake for their engagement photos in northern michigan near sleeping bear dunes

I’m more of a night owl, but as your engagement photographer, I’ll roll out of bed before the crack of dawn for some beach sunrise photos. Especially anywhere in Northern Michigan. We met for this engagement session at Mission Point Lighthouse Park in Traverse City. I’ll admit, we were greeted by some pretty dreary skies […]

Aug 8, 2025

couple running on a michigan beach with their dog during sunrise for their engagement photos

As an engagement photographer, I get asked all the time for advice on outfits, so here are two casual looks as examples! I recently had the pleasure of capturing this engagement session at Millennium Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan. It truly felt like a scene straight out of a romantic movie. The couple had just […]

Aug 5, 2025

couple wearing casual outfits for their engagement photo shoot at millennium park in grand rapids, michigan

The Wild Phern has expanded service areas in the last two years to include more of the MidWest states, and these engagement poses were from a photoshoot in Crystal Lake, Illinois. From the moment we started, it was all about keeping things light and easy. I kicked things off with some candid shots. It’s such […]

Aug 1, 2025

engagement poses for photos

In my years of being a family photographer, I find that having your family photos taken at home puts little kiddos and pets in a state safety and comfort. Not to mention convenient with treats for bribery or new outfits being in the next room! I’ve been on this wonderful journey with Kaitlyn and Andrew […]

Jul 29, 2025

professional photos at home in grand rapids, michigan

This engagement session made the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts) one of my favorite places to take photos at. The clean backdrops of the stunning marble building paired with the golden hour light just gives me joy. We started right at the iconic front of the building, basking in that gorgeous golden light as the […]

Jul 25, 2025

engagement photos at the dia in downtown detroit, michigan

I had the opportunity to work with Chloe on this editorial studio maternity shoot a couple months ago. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her for years! Everything from her engagement and rehearsal dinner to her wedding day and even a handful of family sessions. So when she told me she was expecting again, […]

Jul 22, 2025

studio editorial style maternity session

It’s not too often that I get to work with extended families, but when I do, here’s my approach! One of my favorite families to work with, Chloe and Joe’s families, had me take some extended family photos last fall. I’ve been lucky enough to hang out with them during so many different milestones that […]

Jul 18, 2025

extended family standing together looking at each other for a photo in a grand rapids park

I had such a blast shooting Sadie and Brady’s engagement photos at Pohlcat Golf Course recently! Right from the get-go, they told me how much they love golfing together, and it just sparked an idea! We met during sunset at the course, and catching that golden hour light was pure magic. It was honestly the […]

Jul 15, 2025

Let's capture your adventure next!