HEY, HI, HELLO! I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE HERE
I'M RICHELLE AND I CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU! AS A WEDDING/ELOPEMENT AND PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER, I'M PRETTY MUCH IN LOVE WITH LOVE. WHETHER I'M CAPTURING THE SOFT SMILES AND LONG GLANCES BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR PARTNER OR HELPING YOU EXPRESS THE LOVE YOU HAVE FOR YOURSELF, I'M YOUR NUMBER ONE HYPE PERSON. THE ENVIRONMENTS I CREATE ARE INCLUSIVE AND I WELCOME ALL FOLKS HERE. HOWEVER YOU ARE, THIS IS THE SPACE FOR YOU TO BE GENUINELY YOURSELF.
HERE'S A LITTLE BIT ABOUT ME
I'm obsessed with podcasts. If I'm at home, there's an 80% chance that I have a podcast playing. Some of my go-to pods are: Maintenance Phase, Let's Not Meet, the Bald and the Beautiful, and You're Wrong About. If you listen to any of these, let's talk about it! I'm the type that thinks they could make a podcast because I love them so much but it would absolutely not work out.
I started doing photography in high school when I was the sports editor of the newspaper. I even had my own hockey helmet so I could sit on the bench and take photos. After high school, I didn't pick up a camera until I started doing some traveling around Michigan and wanted to take landscape photos. After this, I started snapping photos of all my friends and now we're here!
My family consists of my husband, Camden, our three dogs, Pee, Jonie and Marcel, and our chinchilla, Kevin. We just bought our first house and have been having so much fun decorating it. Picture this: lots of plants (like A LOT), retro colors, candles candles candles, and mushroom decor. The only vibe we strive for is cozy and cool. If we like it, we'll find a spot for it somewhere.
My husband and I have been together for six years and got married on our fifth anniversary. We kept it simple, choosing a super casual elopement with a few of our friends and family. He's an elementary special education teacher and I'm so proud of him. He inspires me daily with his passion for his job and how much he cares for his students. But after work, you can find us crocheting together on the couch while watching The Office or walking our dogs around our neighborhood. I hope everyone's love is as great as ours.
Listen, I love Taco Bell. If I've had a long day, a hard day, a wedding -- literally anything, the first thing on my mind is that I have to get home and kiss my dogs. The second thing is "I need Taco Bell NOW". I will never let it go! There's nothing like that static in your throat feeling after the first sip of a Baja Blast. Just know that after your wedding, I'm heading to the closest Taco Bell and I'm about to have myself a good ole time.
I'm a yarn person. I always have at least two different crochet or knitting projects started and it's not guaranteed that I'll finish them. I'm a sucker for starting a blanket or sweater and then leaving it behind. But let's not talk about that. I love making things for folks that I love! After learning how to loom knit like ten years ago, I've been able to learn to crochet and knit. I can pretty much look at a crocheted thing and figure out the pattern in my head. If I'm not working, I'm making something. My ultimate goal is to make all of my gifts by hand. One day I'll get there.
I'M SO GRATEFUL FOR EVERY PHOTO I TAKE, EVERY PERSON I MEET, AND EVERY LAUGH SHARED. BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER IS MORE THAN SIMPLY TAKING PICTURES -- I'M ABLE TO FORM LIFELONG FRIENDSHIPS, WATCH FAMILIES GROW, AND HELP PEOPLE SEE THEIR BEAUTY. BEING ABLE TO DO THIS IS THE GREATEST GIFT. IF YOU'RE READING THIS, KNOW THAT I REALLY AM GLAD YOU'RE HERE.
HAVE A LOOK AROUND AND LET'S PLAN YOUR OWN BREATHTAKINGLY BEAUTIFUL SESSION.
Q + A
How does a session go?
At your session, we'll spend lots of time talking, singing, and hanging out! I try to create a chill environment where it doesn't feel like you're in a high-pressure situation. It can be nerve-wracking to get your photos taken and I want to take that pressure off your shoulders. Upon your arrival, we'll hike our way to the location and create our own private space to shoot in. My goal is to make you as comfy as possible! We'll spend an hour together, where I'll give you prompts that'll get you moving and having fun.
When will I get my photos back?
You will get a preview back within 48 hours that will contain 6-10 photos. These are randomized and I just select some photos that stand out to me. For regular sessions, your full gallery will be sent out within 6-8 weeks of your session date. For weddings, your full gallery will be sent out within 8-12 weeks after your wedding.
What if I'm not used to being in front of the camera?
That's totally okay! I won't ask you to come prepared with all of your poses planned out and I won't leave you hanging. I'll be helping you pose the entire time!
Can I bring a friend?
Of course! It can be scary to meet a stranger in a park with a camera. Bring a friend along to take away some of the pressure.
Do you do newborn photos?
Yes and no. I do but not the ones you're used to seeing. I don't offer studio newborn sessions. If that's something you're looking for, I can recommend a few photographers local to me that do offer those. My newborn sessions are more casual. I want to capture you and your sweet little one in your environment, snuggling each other, and showing your love. Think more like a documentary of your new addition.
What about mini-sessions?
Mini sessions are only offered a few times a year. Be sure to like my Facebook page and follow me on Instagram to see updates about current mini-session offers. You can expect to see these in the spring, fall, and around winter holidays.
What do I need to do to book a session?
To book a session, fill out the questionnaire on my "Contact" page or shoot me an email or dm. You will need to sign a contract and pay your non-refundable retainer before your session will be booked. Without a retainer, your date will not be held.