Hey there, lovely people! So, you've booked a family photo session with us, and you're probably wondering, 'What should we wear?' I totally get it, it's a big question! But don't worry, we've got you covered. Let's dive right into it.
&nbsp;
First off, think neutral colors. Soft hues like beige, light colors, and grays are a great choice. These shades allow the focus to be on your family's beautiful faces and radiant smiles rather than loud, distracting patterns or colors.
&nbsp;
Next, you'll want to consider complimenting colors. This doesn't mean everyone needs to be in matchy-matchy outfits. Instead, select colors that work well together. For instance, if one family member is wearing a light green shirt, another might choose a dark green dress, keeping within the same color family.
&nbsp;
Also, think about the type of location and the natural colors there! If your location is the Scott Fountain on Belle Isle, you have flexibility. But if we are shooting on a bright red bridge, some colors might clash. You can never go wrong with neutrals!
&nbsp;
Now, we can't forget about the weather. If it's scheduled for a chilly day, make sure to dress warmly. You don't want to look cold in your photos! On the flip side, if it's a summer shoot, dress in breathable fabrics to stay cool. Trust me, a sweaty family is not the most photogenic!
&nbsp;
Finally, consider wearing layers. Not only does this provide you with options if the weather changes, but it also adds depth and dimension to your photos. Think cardigans, vests, or chunky scarves in the cooler months.
&nbsp;
Remember, these are just suggestions. The most important thing is that you're comfortable and feel like your best selves. After all, we're here to capture your family's unique dynamic and personality. So here's to creating beautiful memories together, one snapshot at a time!

What to Wear to Your Family Photo Session: A Photographer's Guide

Today, I am excited to share the extraordinary love story of Mike and Amber!
&nbsp;
Mike and Amber share an incomparable love for art. So, when they decided to get hitched, they chose none other than the grand steps of the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) for their wedding portraits. Can you imagine a more perfect setting? Because I sure can&rsquo;t!
&nbsp;
I mean, who needs a grand ballroom when you have the breathtaking backdrop of the DIA, right? And let me tell you, their intimate courthouse ceremony was every bit as beautiful and touching as the grandest of celebrations. And oh, the excitement of capturing their beautiful moments on the DIA steps!
&nbsp;
I can't wait to share with you the amazing photographs of Mike and Amber.
&nbsp;
Stay tuned for more such unconventional love stories. Because in the end, all that matters is love, and remember, stay as unconventional and out-of-the-box as you can be, because normal is just too mainstream!

Unconventional Weddings: A Day with Mike and Amber at the Detroit Institute of Arts

February in downtown Detroit, and we're not huddling indoors, evading the biting snow? Instead, we're basking in the kind of weather that would make a snowman consider a vacation! That's right, we had beautiful weather for this engagement session, a rare winter treat!
&nbsp;
The charming couple? The stars of our tale are Kelsey and Tom. You know how everyone has a food that they just can't get enough of? For Kelsey and Tom, it's... each other's company. They are that adorable!
&nbsp;
For our first stop, we ascended to a rooftop downtown. Yes, you heard it right! A rooftop! Nothing screams 'unique engagement photos' like the Detroit skyline as the backdrop. As the sun dipped and the city lights began to twinkle, Kelsey and Tom were as radiant as ever. I mean, I love capturing moments that people will treasure for a lifetime, but these two made my job easy peasy lemon squeezy!
&nbsp;
Moving on from the rooftop, we walked to the Book Tower, an architectural marvel that's as much a part of Detroit as the Motown sound. The Book Tower gave us the perfect mix of elegance. The lobby of the Book Tower was the perfect backdrop for Kelsey and Tom's love.
&nbsp;
In the end, this wasn't just an engagement session. It was a celebration of love in the heart of Detroit, blessed by rare February weather. Kelsey and Tom's engagement session was nothing short of magical. From the elegant charm of the Book Tower to the rustic romance of the downtown rooftop, it was a day filled with laughter, love, and a whole lot of heart.

A Tale of Love in Downtown Detroit: Kelsey and Tom’s Engagement Session

This is more than just a style guide! There are also loads of great tips to get the most out of your session with me. Some of these things are GAME CHANGERS that you might not have thought about. Please read this whole page to get the most out of your session!

My Three Main Tips:
<ul>
<li>
Plain, solid colors, or simple designs, avoiding text and graphics
</li>
<li style="font-size: 18px;">
Light, neutral colors; creams, tans. Subtle accent colors; any green, light blue, and blush pink are my favorites
</li>
<li style="font-size: 18px;">
Coordinating as opposed to matching (for family &amp; couples)
</li>
</ul>

Other Great Tips:
<ul>
<li>
We live in Michigan! Enough said, dress accordingly, lol!
</li>
<li style="font-size: 18px;">
Jackets! Blazers, jean jackets, etc! A great accessory AND you can take it on and off for variety
</li>
<li style="font-size: 18px;">
While of course, I will help pose you to look your best, you know your insecurities better than I do, therefore dress to flatter yourself
</li>
<li style="font-size: 18px;">
Long sleeves flatter everyone, even those people you think are already perfect!
</li>
</ul>

Things to Bring With You:
Other than you, here are some things to bring with you on the session day!
<ul>
<li style="font-size: 18px;">
WATER! Seriously smiling is hard work, especially if it is hot out
</li>
<li style="font-size: 18px;">
A blanket! To sit on in pictures and to just stay warm in the winter! A nice plain, light-colored blanket is a great addition to any sitting photo, and much better to avoid getting your clothes dirty
</li>
<li style="font-size: 18px;">
A snack, for sessions just before or during dinner time can be hard for young kids. Preferably one that will not get stuck in or discolor teeth
</li>
<li style="font-size: 18px;">
A bag! This will hold everything you don't want in your pictures; keys, phones, wallets, chapstick, extra clothes etc. Seriously, you don't want your chapstick making your pants look weird in your favorite picture!
</li>
</ul>

Sessions With Kiddos:
<ul>
<li>
Don't let this be a surprise! Mention this multiple times leading up to the day, day of, and on the way. Even showing them photos of me will help all of us. Getting your children comfortable with the idea of a photoshoot and meeting someone new, a weirdo photographer with a big intimidating camera, can be scary for a kid! Showing them what they are going to wear beforehand can be helpful too.
</li>
<li style="font-size: 18px;">
Practice! I know this sounds weird, but practicing their smile (if they don't smile for cameras often) is a big help. This also allows you to find what words (cheese, smile, bubbles, etc) help get that real smile out of them beforehand. Then you can let me know what works and what doesn't.
</li>
<li style="font-size: 18px;">
Plan! Plan extra time to get to the session and plan what to bring. Bring extra clothes, if they get dirty on the way there, you will have extra clothes to change them into before taking photos. With kids it is a good idea to bring a snack, water, and a small toy. Snacks and toys can be used to get their attention or bribe them (lol, you gotta do what you gotta do!)
</li>
</ul>

Style Guide

While it did rain on Danielle and Matt's wedding, I think it was raining with love. These two had a beautiful day surrounded by amazing family and friends, and rain. I began the day photographing both of their details and them getting ready, Matt at their house and Danielle at her mom's house.
&nbsp;
With the rain, we had to make lots of on-the-spot changes like where to do their first look, ceremony, and photos. Luckily the team at Infinity and Ovation Yacht were able to move things around and get the Yacht prepped for a ceremony on the boat. Danielle and Matt's go-with-the-flow vibes made the day amazing. They both rolled with the punches of the rain and at the end of the day just cared about getting married.
&nbsp;
Towards the end of the day, I always ask my couples if there are any other photos they can think of that they want and Matt's request was a photo with me! Made my day! I always become close with my couples and think of them as friends, but Matt took it to a whole new level.
&nbsp;
The amazing vendors that made this day possible:
Venue: <a href="https://www.infinityandovation.com/?utm_campaign=17139403892&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=cpc&amp;utm_content=596039320760&amp;utm_term=ovation%20yacht&amp;adgroupid=137892301802&amp;gad=1&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwtO-kBhDIARIsAL6LorfK0DnhFNiWBqEVtIHXAW4QpkeHcHM9l1-JVUaZzZmuP998YucWHDEaAoALEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Infinity and Ovation Yacht Charters</a>
Floral: <a href="https://emeraldcitydesigns.com/?fbclid=IwAR1l1RpOE-X2BQ1mV0R6w1XchcZdW1lPhmZ0pxyH5HeJuoAKskuKkH58S7g" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Emerald City Designs</a>
Hair/Makeup: <a href="https://jamesedwardssalonandspa.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">James Edward Salon and Spa</a>
Bakery: <a href="http://www.morningglorygrossepointe.com/?fbclid=IwAR2YQaCmX1MbYDsMYzwBZYkcNkww_JC4SsI6z-MF0wY8eGZKBqIEzboA-uQ" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Morning Glory</a>
DJ: <a href="https://prodjservices.com/?fbclid=IwAR2j1r2EenORB2mp0NGLCvNeUHDDUNbJHg7nINFf2pJ384HdjdcxEfDHsms" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pro DJ</a>
Video: <a href="https://www.timothyscottfilms.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Timothy Scott Films</a>

Embracing the Rain with Danielle and Matt: An Infinity & Ovation Yacht Wedding

Recently, I had the absolute pleasure of spending a crisp fall afternoon at one of my favorite locations - Lake St Clair Metro Park, in the charming Harrison Township. But this wasn't any regular afternoon, I was there to capture a beautiful maternity session for the soon-to-be parents, Alex and Irdi.
&nbsp;
The colors of fall were in perfect peak, painting a breathtaking backdrop for our session. Imagine hues of gold, orange, and red delicately framing the radiant couple, almost as if Mother Nature herself decided to join us in celebrating this precious phase in their lives. It was a sight to behold, my friends!
&nbsp;
And guess what? We had an unexpected guest join us - yes, a deer! This gentle creature decided to hang out with us for a while, adding an extra bit of magic to our session. It was as if the universe was conspiring to make this day even more special for Alex and Irdi.
&nbsp;
Here's to Alex, Irdi, their soon-coming bundle of joy, and the deer that decided to hang out with us. And here's to the beauty of fall and the magic it brings. Until next time, keep smiling and cherishing the moments, my friends!

A Memorable Fall Maternity Shoot at Lake St Clair Metro Park

Hello there, fellow adventurers and life enthusiasts! As an out-of-the-box soul, I find joy and satisfaction in creating visual mementos that families can cherish for years. Today, I want to share a particularly joyful experience I had recently, documenting an extended family's get-together at the beautiful Stony Creek Metro Park in Washington Township, Michigan.
&nbsp;
This park, with its sprawling greenery and tranquil ambiance, served as the perfect backdrop for this family's photo session. And of course, the stars of the day were Beckett and Calla. Beckett, the bundle of energy, was such a delight. His zeal for life was contagious, and his giggles and antics gave the session a lively touch that I'm sure everyone will remember.
&nbsp;
Then there was Calla, a picture of contentment, engrossed in her play with the leaves. Isn't it amazing how children find joy in the simplest things? Her innocent charm and serene demeanor added a unique warmth to the session.
&nbsp;
Extended families often don't get the chance to come together, and this is why I especially adore capturing such moments. It's about preserving the memories of these rare occasions when everyone is present, sharing love, laughter, and creating timeless memories.
&nbsp;
There's something uniquely rewarding about being able to capture the essence of family love and unity in a photograph. To all the beautiful families out there, I'm here to help you freeze these precious moments in time. Because memories fade, but the photos we capture remain vivid, reminding us of the love and joy that bind us together.

Capturing Cherished Moments: An Extended Family Photo Session in Stony Creek Metro Park

What's better in the winter than a delightful, warm, and, dare I say, cozy experience I recently had with the lovely Jankowski family. Snow is here, and so are in-home photography sessions, and I couldn't be happier about it!
&nbsp;
Now don't get me wrong, I am still absolutely down for outdoor sessions, especially in the snow. There's something uniquely magical about capturing a family's joy against the backdrop of a winter wonderland. But, there is also something incredibly special about in-home sessions. They are sweet and personable. In-home sessions allow my clients to relax in the comfort of their own homes.
&nbsp;
For this session, I was invited into the Jankowski's home to capture updated family photos. And oh boy, it was nothing short of fun and laughter throughout! Their little bundle of joy, Leo, is growing so fast and his infectious smiles brightened the room, creating an atmosphere that was both fun-filled and heartwarming.
&nbsp;
These in-home sessions give me a unique glimpse into the lives of my clients. Every home has its story and, as a photographer, I feel privileged to be able to capture it. It's like every photo becomes a treasured keepsake, a moment frozen in time, a memory to be cherished for years. These are the moments I live to capture.
&nbsp;
So, here's a toast to the snow-covered winter, to the Jankowski family, and to all the beautiful in-home sessions that are to come. And remember, whether it's an outdoor session in the snow or a cozy in-home session, I'm here to take beautiful photos of you that you will cherish for years.

Embracing the Coziness: In-Home Photography Sessions in Winter

Hello and welcome to my photography blog! I am so thrilled to have you here. This is a space where I share my passion for photography, life, and everything in between. But before we delve into that, I thought it would be a good idea to introduce myself and give you a glimpse of the person behind the camera.
&nbsp;
I am based out of Saint Clair Shores, Michigan. This beautiful city, with its serene lakes and nature trails, serves as my canvas and inspiration. Living here has not only enriched my life but also my photography, instilling in me a deep appreciation for nature and its stunning beauty.
&nbsp;
My journey into photography started quite unceremoniously. As a child, I had this peculiar habit of 'borrowing' my mom's camera to click pictures of my friends. Little did I know then, that this innocent pastime would evolve into a lifelong passion. The thrill of capturing moments, emotions, and the world around me in a frame was intoxicating. I was hooked, and there was no turning back.
&nbsp;
Over the years, my love for photography has only grown. Each click, each frame, each moment frozen in time, tells a story. And that's what I aim to do through my photography - tell stories, your stories, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
&nbsp;
When I am not busy being a shutterbug, I enjoy hiking. Exploring the woods, chasing waterfalls, scaling heights - there's something incredibly liberating about it. It&rsquo;s also great for finding unique photography spots!
&nbsp;
I also love to read. Books are my gateway to different worlds, cultures, and perspectives. They broaden my horizons, inspire creativity, and often provide a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
&nbsp;
And then there's my little family - my fianc&eacute; and our adorable dog, Winifred. The hours spent lounging at home with them, amid laughter, love, and lots of doggie cuddles, are my absolute favorite.
&nbsp;
So, that's a little about me. As you browse through my blog, you'll not only see my work but also a piece of me - my passion, my perspective, my story. And I hope in the process, I can help you tell your story too.
&nbsp;
Thank you for stopping by. I look forward to sharing my journey with you and, hopefully, being a part of yours.

Get to Know Me: The Person Behind the Lens

As a photographer, I've had the pleasure of capturing countless weddings at the most exquisite venues, and one that consistently stands out is The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. This venue, known for its rich history and breathtaking views, offers a unique blend of charm and elegance, making it a dream location for any couple.
&nbsp;
The War Memorial is situated on the banks of the scenic Lake St. Clair, promising an unforgettable backdrop for your wedding photos. The serene view of the lake is not only a pleasure for the guests but also serves as a captivating setting for photographs. From the soft morning light to the stunning sunsets, the view of Lake St. Clair is truly a sight to behold.
&nbsp;
One of the standout features of The War Memorial is its multiple room options. The venue offers a variety of spaces to suit different tastes and sizes of weddings. Whether you're planning a grand, lavish wedding or a small, intimate gathering, the War Memorial has got you covered. Each room holds its own unique charm and can be decorated to match any wedding theme or color scheme.
&nbsp;
Now let's talk about the photo locations. The War Memorial is a photographer's paradise with beautiful photo locations both indoors and outdoors. The venue's historic architecture, enchanting gardens, and the picturesque lake view provide a myriad of stunning backdrops for your photos. The lush greenery outdoors and the elegant interior design indoors add a touch of romance and grandeur to your wedding photos.
&nbsp;
The War Memorial also boasts a beautiful ceremony space, perfect for both indoor and outdoor weddings. The outdoor ceremony space is set against the backdrop of Lake St. Clair, while the indoor space features a grand staircase and stunning architectural details. Both spaces provide a romantic and intimate setting for you to exchange your vows.
&nbsp;
One of the defining aspects of this venue is the accommodating and professional staff. They are committed to ensuring that your special day goes off without a hitch. From the initial planning stages to the day itself, the staff is there to assist with every detail, ensuring your wedding day is everything you've dreamed of and more.
&nbsp;
Last but certainly not least, the food at The War Memorial is simply amazing. The venue offers a variety of menu options, all of which are delicious and beautifully presented. You and your guests will undoubtedly be impressed by the quality and taste of the food.
&nbsp;
In conclusion, The War Memorial in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, offers a perfect blend of historic charm, versatile spaces, stunning views, and exceptional service. As a photographer, I can assure you that this venue will leave you with beautiful memories and stunning photographs that you will cherish for a lifetime.

A Photographer's Review: The War Memorial Wedding Venue in Grosse Pointe, Michigan

If you are searching for a photographer, look no further. Our session with Hannah was so much fun, and the photos just blew us out of the water with how great they are. We were constantly laughing, and Hannah made us feel so comfortable in front of the lens. We have found our photographer for all our milestones in the future

Kadie & Mandy

Hannah was perfection. We had our wedding on the Ovation Yacht, and it rained the whole day. Hannah helped things go seamlessly and was helpful beyond expectations. Thank you for making our day so special.

Danielle & Matt

Hannah was my favorite vendor I hired for my wedding. She answered every question I had and explained how to pose for pictures well. We got our wedding pictures back to us way earlier than what was in the contract, and does incredible work! I highly recommend her!

Hailey & Kyle

Hannah did an absolutely amazing job with our wedding photos! She has such a great personality. We will definitely be booking her for future events!

Dharma & Jake

Default

The Traditional Wedding Collection package is the perfect choice for couples who want to capture every precious moment of their special day. With 8 hours of coverage and a second photographer, you can trust that no detail will be missed. From the bride's getting ready shots to the reception, our experienced photographers will be there to document it all.

Traditional Wedding Collection

The Timeless Wedding Collection package is the perfect choice for couples who want to capture every precious moment of their special day. With 8 hours of coverage and a second photographer, you can trust that no detail will be missed. From the bride's getting ready shots to the final dance of the night, our experienced photographer will be there to document it all. This package also includes an engagement session.

Timeless Wedding Collection

The Micro Wedding Collection is the perfect package for couples looking to capture the most important aspects of their day. With 2 hours of coverage, our photographer will be there for the ceremony and time for portraits after.

Micro Wedding Collection

The Extended Family Session package is perfect for those looking to capture their updated extended family photos. This package includes a 90 minute session that is dedicated to capturing the unique and special bond of a family.

Extended Family Session

The Senior Sessions package is perfect for seniors looking to capture their greatest accomplishments and next milestone. This package includes a 90-minute session that is dedicated to capturing the uniqueness of each senior!

Traditional Senior

The Family Sessions package is perfect for those looking to capture their updated family photos and milestones. This package includes a one-hour session that is dedicated to capturing the unique and special bond of a family.

Traditional Family

The Focal Essentials All You Need Plan lets you create a beautiful business website with the power of AI. Create Packages, Pricing pages and Blogs. Make booking easy for your client with Focal's Booking System. 5TB of Gallery Storage.

All You Need (Website + Booking System) Plan

green - C,B

Light and Bright, People Centered Wedding Photographer

Video Title

Write in a friendly and easy to read tone

Write in the following style of this sample text which is surrounded by parentheses. (I am your most out-of-the-box soul, the term "goofball" does not even begin to describe me! When I am not traveling I am stationed in the amazing Great Lakes State of Michigan! I love potatoes, in most forms (with the exception being cheesy potatoes because I am lactose intolerant, lol) I am a complete animal lover! I cry when the dogs die in movies, not the people... whoops. Most importantly, I'm here to take beautiful photos of you that you will cherish for years!)

R6__9100-204e1c67.jpg

Detroit, MI, USA

Hannah Watkins

Instagram

Facebook

Extended Family: Additional Family Units

Extra 30 minutes + outfit

Extra Hour of Coverage

Second Photographers

Engagement Session

Full Gallery Upgrade

1 Extra Hour

The Mini Wedding Collection is the perfect package for couples looking to capture most aspects of their day. With 6 hours of coverage, our photographer will be there from the beginning of the ceremony until mid-reception. This ensures a beautiful recap of your wedding day.

Mini Wedding Collection

The Build-Your-Own Wedding Collection is the perfect package for couples looking for unique coverage for their wedding day. This is an hourly based package so you can choose just how many hours you want!

Hourly Wedding Collection

The Pregnancy Announcement Session package is perfect for those looking to announce their pregnancy with their beautiful photos. This package includes a one-hour session that is dedicated to capturing high-quality photos to announce a growing family!

Pregnancy Announcement Session

Senior Upgrade

The Growing Family Bundle package is perfect for those looking to capture once-in-a-lifetime family photos. This package includes four one-hour sessions, including pregnancy announcement, maternity, newborn, and 1-year photos

Growing Family Bundle

Headshots

The Maternity Session package is perfect for those looking to capture once-in-a-lifetime family photos. This package includes a one-hour session that is dedicated to capturing unique maternity photos

Maternity Session

The Couples &amp; Engagement Sessions package is perfect for those looking to capture their love and commitment in a stunning and romantic way. This package includes a one-hour session that is dedicated to capturing the unique and special bond between the couple.

The Classic Wedding Collection is the perfect package for couples looking to capture each aspect of their day. With 8 hours of coverage, our photographer will be there from the beginning of the ceremony until mid-reception. This ensures that no moment is missed and that every detail is captured beautifully. This package includes an engagement sesion.

Classic Wedding Collection

The Newborn Session package is perfect for those looking to capture their updated family photos with their newest member. This package includes a one-hour session that is dedicated to capturing the unique and special bond of a family with their newborn

Lifestyle Newborn Session

Senior Platinum Upgrade

The Baby Bundle package is perfect for those looking to capture once-in-a-lifetime family photos. This package includes two one-hour sessions, including maternity and newborn photos

Baby Bundle

Mini sessions are perfect for those looking to capture quick updated family photos or couples photos. This package includes 15 minutes dedicated to capturing the unique and special bond between you and your loves.

Mini Session Website Launch Celebration

The Twin Senior Sessions package is perfect for parents of twin seniors looking to capture their greatest accomplishments and next milestone. This package includes a 90-minute session that is dedicated to capturing the uniqueness of each senior!

Senior Session for Twins

The Branding package is perfect for business owners looking to capture high-quality photos to showcase their brand. This package includes a 60-minute session that is dedicated to capturing the uniqueness of each business!

Light and Bright, People Centered Wedding Photographer

Featured Packages

Let's Chat!