About Me
Glad you’re here!
I’ve been shooting weddings since 2009 and have spent countless hours over the years learning how to make beautiful photographs of all types of people. I’ve worked to master the arts of posing and lighting so that I can make you look your best in every photo, and transform what looks like an ordinary scene into a striking image that you never would have envisioned.
Let’s talk about
5 THINGS I LOVE
My family
I love to capture everyday moments when I’m chilling with the fam.
All about the food
You’ll always find me in the kitchen because isn’t that where the best parties happen?
ABOUT ME
Hi, I’m Cora – Your Family’s Storyteller
Share a short, heartfelt introduction about your passion for capturing family moments, your style (e.g., candid, natural, playful), and your approach to making clients feel comfortable.
WELCOME, FRIEND
It’s great to meet you.
I became obsessed with photography while I was studying to be a high school teacher at Michigan Tech. I quickly became “the photographer” for my friend group and several student orgs, photographing live concerts, events, and sports, as well as landscapes and outdoor adventures with my friends: hiking to waterfalls, climbing through abandoned mine shafts, and exploring the shores of Lake Superior.
I started my career as a history and math teacher, but all my free time was devoted to learning photography and lighting. Learning to use flash opened up a whole new world of creativity for me, and after I had exhausted the patience of my friends and family by constantly asking them to model for me, I would grab my tripod and camera remote and continue practicing on my own with self-portraits.
In 2009 I started photographing weddings, and senior portraits, all while teaching history and math in rural school districts in the U.P. Over the next five years my business would grow to the point where I was ready to switch to doing photography full time. I found that photographing weddings was a great match for my ADHD brain, being a mixture of many different genres of photography, and weddings never grew boring to me — the varying locations, weather, lighting, timelines, and personalities always presented unique challenges and opportunities.
I knew I was going to have to transition to a larger market if I wanted to make the business work full time, so in 2014 I moved to Grand Rapids. Over the next decade, I would photograph weddings at every major venue in the city and the west Michigan area, as well as many in Detroit, Lansing, Traverse City, and Chicago, plus destination weddings in Las Vegas, Mexico, and St. Marteen.
Along the way, I met and worked with other local photographers, including my future wife, Amanda. We were married in 2022, and planning our wedding was an eye-opening experience, giving new insight into what it’s like to be a an engaged couple searching for a photographer.
After 15 years studying the art of off-camera lighting and putting it into practice, I was incredibly gratified and honored to be awarded Photographer of the Year by Flashmasters, an international organization dedicated to celebrating the world’s best flash photography.
Now in my 18th year of photographing weddings, my enthusiasm for capturing moments and crafting portraits in new and exciting ways hasn’t waned. I look forward to the opportunities that each new wedding brings and I continue to be grateful for every couple who trust me with their memories and allow me to continue the journey toward mastery of this incredible art form.
2005
The Beginning
I bought my first camera while I was in college and instantly became obsessed with photography.
2008
Teaching High School, Learning Light
After college I became a high school teacher but I continued to practice photography and develop my skills, particularly the use of off camera flash.
2009
The Start of the Business
I started my business while I was still teaching at a rural UP school district, photographing a mix of weddings and senior portraits over the next few years.
2014
Going Full Time in Grand Rapids
By this time I knew that I wanted to leave teaching for a full time photography career. I moved to Grand Rapids and began to focus primarily on wedding photography.
2022
The Photographers’ Wedding
Along the way, I met and worked with other local photographers, including my future wife, Amanda, who I married in 2022.
2023
Photographer of the Year
After 15 years studying the art of off-camera lighting and putting it into practice, I was incredibly gratified and honored to be awarded Photographer of the Year by Flashmasters, an international organization dedicated to celebrating the world’s best flash photography.
TODAY
The Journey Continues
Now in my 18th year of photographing weddings, my enthusiasm for capturing moments and crafting portraits in new and exciting ways hasn’t waned. I look forward to the opportunities that each new wedding brings and I continue to be grateful for every couple who trust me with their memories and allow me to continue the journey toward mastery of this incredible art form.
MY APPROACH
My work is an expression of what I am most passionate about: storytelling, simplicity and human interaction. I see beauty in everything and in everyone.
MY VISION
Photography That Feels Natural & Joyful
Ever since I picked up my first camera, I’ve been drawn to the magic of storytelling through photography. As someone who treasures family bonds, I understand how fleeting these moments are—one day, your little ones are taking their first steps, and before you know it, they’re running ahead of you.
That’s why I specialize in capturing the love, laughter, and connection that make your family unique. My goal isn’t just to take photos; it’s to create images that bring you right back to these moments every time you look at them. That’s what makes this job so special and why I love to create your legacy.
WHY CHOOSE ME
Why Families Trust Me With Their Memories
EXPERIENCE & PASSION
With [X] years of experience, I’ve worked with hundreds of families to create lasting memories
A PARENT’S PERSPECTIVE
I understand how to engage little ones and make sessions fun
NATURAL & AUTHENTIC STYLE
I focus on emotions, connections, and storytelling over stiff posing
STRESS-FREE PROCESS
From helping you pick outfits to guiding you through the session, I take care of the details
BEHIND THE SCENES
When I’m Not Behind The Camera, You’ll Find Me…
01. EXPLORING NEW HIKING TRAILS
02. SIPPING ON TOO MUCH COFFEE
03. READING BEDTIME STORIES
04. HAVING PILLOW FIGHTS
05. CREATING ART
“I believe that life is made up of small, beautiful moments, and I feel so lucky to help families preserve theirs through photography.”
– CORA
FEATURED IN
Ready To Document Your Family’s Story?
A short paragraph inviting visitors to book a session or get in touch. Emphasize how easy and stress-free your process is.
“Thank you for everything”
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“We’re so grateful”
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