Top 10 Lifestyle Photographers in Grand Rapids, MI

Relaxed, natural, and authentic are just some of the words that can be used to describe lifestyle photography, which is all about documenting life as it happens. It’s an engaging style that is drawn on by wedding, family, and newborn photographers, as well as those focused on advertising and branding imagery.

If you’re based in Michigan, you’ll find plenty of inspiration in the portfolios of the following 10 lifestyle photographers, who are among the city’s very best. Ready to start your search for lifestyle photographers in Grand Rapids? Check out this list of some of the city's top talent to find the best match for your life.

Kelly Braman Photography

Kelly Braman is a Grand Rapids-based lifestyle photographer who offers sessions that are fresh, fun, and emotionally inspired. In addition to wedding and engagement photography, she regularly shoots family portraits during lifestyle sessions.

Normally lasting for around two hours, these sessions are all about connection and capturing real-life moments with your significant other, kids, and pets. Kelly is quick to remind clients that your home doesn’t have to look perfect - it’s all about keeping lived in and free.

Alissa Saylor Photography

Alissa Saylor says that it’s a true honor to be allowed into the intimate spaces of her clients and be “trusted to really see the souls in front of my camera.” During her lifestyle shoots, she aims to portray the smallest details in an authentic and emotive way.

In addition to lifestyle and family portraits, she recently had the privilege of traveling around the country with Kim Legget of City Farmhouse to document beautiful old farmhouses and wildflower gardens throughout the country.

Mae Photo Co.

Alyssa Schultz is the owner and photographer at the Mae Photo Co., a Michigan-based wedding and lifestyle photography business. Her photographic journey began back in high school and she went on to study a Bachelor of Science degree in Photojournalism at Cornerstone University.

Today, Alyssa is on a mission to capture “authentic moments of real people” and we love the results. Her images are timeless and full of joy and you can see how much Alyssa loves connecting with people through her work.

Laura Hollander Photography

Laura Hollander specializes in lifestyle newborn photography but she also documents family portraits and weddings. She prides herself on capturing high-quality images and artworks to be displayed in the home that reflect the authenticity of your life.

With the ability to capture a single moment in time, Laura believes that photography is the perfect medium for documenting each season of life and telling your story, whether that means photographing the moment you say “I do” or the craziness of family life.

Sydney Nicole Photo

Sydney Nicole says that her passion for photography all began with a teal blue Fujifilm Finepix camera. She spent her high school years taking portraits of her friends wherever they could. In 2020, Sydney reignited her passion and decided to create something meaningful from it.

Now as a lifestyle photographer, she specializes in portraits of families, couples, and graduating seniors while working with clients throughout Michigan and beyond.

J. Darling Photo

Jessica Darling graduated from the Hallmark Institute of Photography in Massachusetts in 2010, then spent a few years developing her skills on the East Coast. After meeting her husband, she made the move back to her hometown of Grand Rapids where she established her photography business.

Jessica says that she is “obsessed” with her job and feels a deep connection to her work while also being a busy mom. She's a proud ally of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as a supporter of veterans, active service members, and firefighters through her photo services.

Alicia + Harrison

Alicia + Harrison are a husband and wife photography team who are now based in Grand Rapids and work with clients throughout Michigan. They grew up in the east of the state where they met as kids, spending 20 years as friends before coupling up.

As lifestyle wedding photographers, they believe that “everyone’s love story is imperfect in the most perfect way” and it’s this story that they want to tell. They will capture all of the big moments of your special day, plus the unique details and awesome people that make it what it is.

Bird + Bird Studio

Another husband and wife team on our list is Bird + Bird Studio, which is the project of Adam and Kristina Bird. Adam began his career freelancing for local papers while still in high school before going on to work as a photojournalist in western Europe for Wire Agencies.

In 2007, he decided to move back to the United States and establish his own studio in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, with so much demand that his wife, Kristina, came on board to help. In addition to branding-focused lifestyle sessions, they also offer business portraits, architectural and product photography.

Andi B. Photography

Andi B. is a Michigan State University graduate who draws on her experience working at a marketing agency in her work. Lifestyle photography has allowed her to tap back into her creative side, which all began when a friend asked her to capture her engagement photos.

Since that moment, Andi has discovered that photography offers an amazing opportunity to connect with new people and she is now obsessed with “retelling their stories through imagery.”

Find a location in Grand Rapids for your next film or photo shoot, meeting, or event.