Choosing Custom Photography

So you're ready to have your portraits taken. You really want to have them done by a professional photographer, but you're not sure it's worth it. Afterall, those department store photographers are SO much cheaper...But nothing can beat the feel of a custom portrait session. Whether you're a High School Senior, new parents or have your whole family to photograph, a photo shoot in our studio or your favorite place is just the way to to create lasting memories.


Here's a guide of how our sessions work to help you make your decision.

Step 1: The Session & The Session Fee

When you make your appointment, you have the choice to have your photos taken in our studio, or at a location of your choice. Our goal is to capture you and your family just the way you are. Your session fee covers the time during the shoot, travel in our local area, your proofs and our time to perfect your images after we take them.

We want to create a fun, relaxing experience where we can capture your true personality. Most of our sessions last anywhere from 45-90 minutes. If you have a prop or two that you would like to bring, you are more than welcome. If you choose a studio session, we have a couple of small parks nearby that we can go to at no additional charge. If you have a location in mind, we will travel anywhere in the Alanson, Petoskey and Indian River areas at no charge.

Varriety is the spice of life, and you don't get your portraits taken every day! Want formal studio portraits AND relaxed casual photos outside? No problem. Bring a set of clothing for each. We don't charge for extra clothing changes!


Step 2: Your Proofs

Included in your session fee is a selection of 10-20 proofs. Our proofs are printed on the same professional paper that your prints will be printed on, so you get to see the quality before you order.

If you have family that lives far away, we can put your photos in one of our online galleries for you. We'll also upload some your photos to our Facebook page so that you can tag them for friends and family to see! And the best part...your proofs are yours to keep.

Step 3: Ordering

Our ordering process couldn't be easier. We feature 3 packages and there is no limit on how many you can order! We also feature Ala Carte prints, in case you need to add 1 or 2 extra photos to your package.

After you take your proof book home, the easiest way to order is by using sticky notes. Just write what sizes you'd like of each pose and stick it to the page in your proof book. We'll take care of getting it all together on an order form for you.

Step 4: Receiving your order

A basic print order only takes 2-3 weeks to get back to you. We'll include your prints, proofs and any other products you order. You already know the great quality you're getting, because you've seen, touched and passed around your proofs. Your photos are also edited for minor blemishes and color corrected for beautiful skin tones.

Step 5: When its all Said and Done

You can re-order at any time, at NO charge. Forget someone? Count wrong? No problem, whether its a week after receiving your order or a year, you can re-order at any time. We keep your photos on file, and we NEVER charge a re-order fee.

We hope this has helped you. If you have any questions about our sessions, pricing or would like to view our portfolio, visit our website or give us a call. We would love to work with you.

Merry Christmas {Northern Michigan Chidren's Photographer}

Merry Christmas everyone!

This has got to be one of my most favorite photo shoots to date! When I saw that Miss Jenn was looking for someone to photograph not only her family (that post will be coming soon), but also her day care kids, I jumped at the chance!

You see, in my former life I was Miss Jenn's assistant in the baby room at a local day care center. And many of the kids that she now has as preschoolers in her home day care were in our room as babies. So not only did I get to photograph a great former co-worker and friend, but I also got to spend the afternoon with kids that I have watched grow from teeny tiny babies into amazing kids! I hope you enjoy the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them!

I was going to post the pretty, everyone-looking-at-the-camera group shot, but this photo makes me smile every time I look a it. It captures the true personality of each and every one of the kids, and reminds me why I LOVE my job!!

Thank you, Miss Jenn for having me in your home to photograph your kids. And thank you to the parents for having your kids looking so darn cute!!

Nicole {Mackinac Island & Northern MI Senior Portrait Photography}

I've known Nicole since she was 6 years old, so it was a ton of fun to be doing her Senior Portraits. Nicole has been a Girl Scout since elementary school, and has been a part of the Governor's Honor Guard - which gives her the opportunity to spend a week on Mackinac Island - since the summer before her 8th Grade year of School, so it was no surprise that she wanted her Senior Portraits taken on the island.

We started out staying close to the Barracks where the girls stay, and then ventured out to explore some of the hidden gems, and eventually to some of the more popular places on the island. I told her that the next time I have a portrait shoot on the island, that she was going to have to come with me as my guide, because she had found some pretty awesome spots!

After we all got off the island, we spent the rest of the weekend shooting around here. At one point we were shooting near an old building right along the street, and everyone who passed by waved or said hi to us. Nicole is from a medium sized town near a larger city in Mid Michigan, so this wasn't something she was accustomed to. I told her it was because she looked so awesome in her prom dress!

When we finished with photos in her prom dress, I rewarded Nicole with a Slurpee... although she didn't particularly care for the idea of going into 7-11 in her prom dress!

Thanks Nicole for putting up with all of my posing, playing and embarrassing you. I hope you'll agree that it was all worth it!