Photographers: West MI Pros for Senior Pics, Family Photos, Maternity & Birth, Mini Sessions, Head Shots, Candids, Boudoir & More

Area Photographers that Make You Look Good

Welcome to the list of talented, creative photographers serving the greater Grand Rapids area.

Whether you want to capture a special moment, do a just-because photo shoot, or get a fabulous fall photo for your holiday or Christmas card, this list is for you.

Senior Pictures, Wedding Photography, Maternity, Birth Photography & More

Getting a photo to say just what you want it to is an art. Photographers practice for years perfecting their style, their craft.

Some naturally love taking photos of babies and newborns, others can’t wait to document your wedding or take pictures of your graduating senior.

Choosing someone to be a part of your wedding or chronicle your pregnancy means that this person is going to work with you on some of the most memorable moments of your life.

It’s okay to ask questions and look at a photographer’s portfolio – making sure you’re a good fit for each other will help create a pleasant experience for all.

The Photographers

Photographers Tips for Fab Family Photos

Combined, the photographers in this Grand Rapids guide have years and years of experience. They shared their best tips for capturing family pictures and memories –  here’s what they had to share:

• Moms… GET IN the photos (see below for tips for this one!) If we keep making excuses until we find the perfect outfit, lose 10 lbs., get our hair done, etc. we will miss out on a lifetime of memories with our families! NOW is the time to freeze these memories! Life is short. – Cathy Alvarez

• What I’ve learned over the years is to bring lots of snacks, and to be patient with the kids especially. Do not stress! Your photographer will know what to do to ease everyone in – they are used to it and have seen it all. Don’t worry! – Katie Cook

• My tip is this…once you’re at the session, relax and let your photographer wrangle the kids. The more relaxed you are and the more fun you have at the session, the more smoothly it will go. – Julie King

• I suggest getting your clothes ready the day before and have snacks ready for your kids (bribery works wonders). Make sure to explain to your kids what to expect during the session the few days leading up to it. It helps parents to know that most kids have a hard time sitting still and smiling during the session, so don’t be embarrassed if they aren’t acting the way you hoped. -Erica Bacon

How to Look Great in Photos

Maybe you’re the photographer in the family. When you’re snapping away, it’s hard to get into the frame yourself. If this sounds like you, take a few minutes to instruct someone else in your family (husband? oldest child?) on how to take a good photo. 

And then get in the picture!

10 Things Moms Can Do to Look Good in Photos

1. Watch TikToks on how to pose. Not kidding 😉
2. Look up. Make sure the photographer is shooting from above you for a flattering look.
3. Stand at an angle. Shots from the side are more flattering than a straight-on photo.
4. Look past the camera, not right at it.
5. Think about how much fun you are having and give a genuine smile.
6. Practice ahead of time. Yes, like a dorky teenager. Find a mirror, alone, and practice your smile and head tilt. Memorize these.
7. Wear something that you FEEL good in. If you are uncomfortable it will show on the picture. Choose something that you feel confident in.
8. If you are sitting in your picture – sit at the end of the seat – not all the way against the back of the couch/chair- this will naturally cause you to sit up straight and not get lost in the background.
9. Nervous? Take a deep breath and let it out slowly – this will relax your shoulders and release any tension that may show up on camera.
10. Enjoy the moment – it may not be the perfect smile, the perfect weather or your child may have refused to wear what you wanted him to wear. What is most important is that you are all TOGETHER. You will have captured a moment that you will be able to look back on in a month, a year, or a decade. You will be grateful that you took the time to document being a family – regardless of if it was a perfectly “posed” shot or not. Time goes so fast so make sure you get out from behind the camera and capture some moments with YOU in them as well.