Grand Rapids Photographers for Queer, Analog-Loving, Unapologetically Fun Couples
Grand Rapids weddings, engagements, and portraits on analog film
If you’re looking for photographers in Grand Rapids MI who’ll keep you smiling stiffly at the camera…I’m not your person. I photograph the blur, the chaos, the “oh sht did you see that?” moments that make your day yours.
I’m Kari, a queer wedding photographer who shoots mostly on film. My work is colorful, imperfect-on-purpose, and rooted in real life.
Photography in Grand Rapids
for the Colorful & Candid
Grand Rapids is one of my favorite places to photograph. Downtown murals, Meijer Gardens, Lake Michigan sunsets. This city gives you art, nature, and grit all in one. I’ve photographed courthouse “we’re getting married while we still can” elopements, post-storm portraits, and group hugs that loosen into laughter. GR is a backdrop for stories, not staged poses.
I believe that taking photos shouldn’t feel staged. For me, documenting authentically means that I’m giving you prompts for where the good light is and then letting the two of you be yourselves. We’ll get pictures of you being goofy, smiling at the camera, and everything in between. I’m experienced in both documentary-style photography (letting things unfold without intervening) and editorial-style photography (posing people), so I’ll work with you to help you feel relaxed and natural.
I don’t storyboard your day, I witness it. Sometimes I’ll guide you into good light. Sometimes I’ll wait until you forget I’m even there. Group photos that loosen into laughter, portraits that reflect you, not LinkedIn energy.
My style is documentary + editorial, but with room for accidents, blur, and whimsy. Film keeps me honest. Digital backs me up when the moment calls.
Photography Services in Grand Rapids
Here’s what I offer around Grand Rapids (and all of West Michigan):
Wedding Photography: From courthouse “let’s do this right now” elopements to full-day parties and everything in between.
Engagement Photography: A hangout with your partner(s) that just happens to be photographed. We’ll pick a spot you love and let the magic unfold.
Family & Maternity: Sessions that feel like life, not stiff photo day. Whether that means chasing toddlers at Riverside Park or cozy at home.
Portraits & Headshots: For creatives, brands, or anyone who wants photos that look like you (not your 5th-grade school picture).
Every photoshoot includes a mix of film + digital images, delivered in an online gallery. Rates start at $600/hour.
Hi, I’m Kari. I love taking photos of people. It’s that simple. I got my start back in 2017 when a friend asked me to photograph her wedding because 1. I knew how to operate a shitty DSLR camera 2. I was gay and 3. she was gay. The rest is history! I love documenting people’s lives in Grand Rapids and beyond to tell an authentic story about who they are and what the moment felt like.
I love photographing on film. My first film camera was a hand-me-down from my dad, who loved capturing concerts on film when he was growing up (my favorite image of his is one from a Bowie concert).
My work has been featured in Equally Wed, Dancing With Her, Dancing With Them, the Knot, Wedding Wire, Zola, and Carats & Cake. I’m part of a cohort featuring photographers from around the world who do documentary-style photography on film, which is a group that brings me great joy, camaraderie, and growth.
About Your Grand Rapids Photographer
FAQs – For Your Grand Rapids Photographer
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Yes! I will photograph anywhere. If you’re based in Grand Rapids but want to go take pictures on Lake Michigan, let’s do it. I’ll travel anywhere in Michigan and Chicago with no travel fee.
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Since I shoot a lot of film, I send my film to a lab for it to get developed and scanned. Typically, I get the film back within two weeks and have a gallery delivered within 4-5 weeks. I am happy to send a sneak peek photo after the film is delivered from the lab!
If you want to keep your negatives, I am happy to mail them to you after the shoot.
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Yes! I am always happy to provide location recommendations that take into account lighting, crowds, and accessibility. I want you to feel as comfortable and relaxed as possible so you can have a great time.
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Yes! I photograph using 35mm and 120mm medium format film. I typically shoot around 2-4 rolls of film per hour during a photoshoot, depending on the lighting. Sometimes, digital performs better in certain lighting situations, so I bring both digital and film cameras to every photoshoot.
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Film is a timeless medium with a unique aesthetic that is soft, romantic, and true-to-life. It captures the colors and light more accurately than digital, preserving your memories exactly how they were the day-of. The wider range of tones and grain of film are impossible to replicate with a digital camera.
The process of shooting film encourages me to be more deliberate and thoughtful, making more meaningful images. I am more focused on the moment, rather than checking the screen on my camera to see how my photographs turned out.
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I create a custom proposal for people based on the unique needs for their day. Each package includes photography time for the wedding day for 1 or 2 photographers, engagement shoot, film photos, travel, and all photos delivered in an online gallery. You get full rights to print and share your images as you please.
What Past Clients in Grand Rapids Have to Say
“Kari is great. She is incredibly accommodating, thoughtful, and talented. She captured moments from our wedding in a way that was unique to us and our event. We would give her more stars if we could.”
— Carl & Katy
“Kari is so so incredible! She was amazing throughout the whole process of photographing our elopement. Her photography style is not your standard wedding images; they are works of art that beautifully capture the mood and essence of the day. She loves to work in film, but has digital ready as well for any big group shots.”
— Eliezer & Josh
“Repeat business is the sincerest compliment you can pay a business, and we've been happily directing our engaged friends her way, and have hired her for a family photo shoot as well. Kari has taken such beautiful pictures of us and all of our loved ones. We are so grateful to have her help for our big day - she's everything we could want in a photographer.”