Christmas {Mini Sessions}

Black Friday {Deals for You}

Family {Home 'Art'}

With the holidays approaching, I thought I would re-post this wonderful article, written by my friend Sam.  I hope it inspires you.  Thanks to her I'm ordering a big canvas with a picture from our wedding.  I'll post it once it arrives. 
 

Big walls used to scare me.  I felt I either had to spend a fortune to buy a big enough piece of art to fill the space or whatever smaller pieces I used would look too small on that huge wall.  Then I had children.  I no longer fear big walls.  My children are my artwork; they fill the walls in our home.  

Many people order family portraits in an 8X10 or 11X13 size and that is about as large as they want to go. For some reason, it is outside of many people’s comfort zone to hang very large portraits, not to mention that they can be pretty expensive.  The first large print I bought and hung was our wedding portrait.  I ordered an 18X24 canvas print, and I admit that when I pulled it out of the box, I thought, wow, that is an awfully big picture...of us.  I was a little nervous to hang it on the wall—hey, everybody, look at me and my new husband!  But it sure looked nice over the fireplace, and we still get so many compliments on that picture.  I love walking into the living room and seeing a reminder of that beautiful day.  And, it fills a big space!  

I would encourage you to branch out and use big prints of your family portraiture to decorate your home.  I LOVE walking up our steps and seeing the smiling faces of our sons hanging there.  Here are some ways to make using large prints easier on you (and your pocket book).

* Using 16X20 prints fills that big wall space!  It takes far more 8X10 prints to fill large walls.  I don’t know about you, but I didn’t have THAT many 8X10s to appropriately fill my walls.

* If using 16X20 prints or larger feels uncomfortable, use frames with mats.  It will really make your photos look polished AND it will take up more space on your walls.  

* Mix and match larger frames with shelves for knick-knacks and smaller frames. 
 
* Think simple! If you have two children, print a picture of each in a 16X20 and hang them in a hallway or stairway.  Done. ☺
 
* If you have book shelves, use a larger print of your family or children on the wall not covered by bookshelves.
 
* Make a collage wall using a variety of frames, but keep them all in the same color.  This works great in a hallway.
 
* I LOVE the ideas on I have seen on Pinterest where you order several larger canvas prints in either the same size or different sizes and make a collage wall.  It looks so sharp and polished and really fills the space in a living or family room.  Many times you can find an awesome deal on canvas prints on Groupon or Living Social.
 
* Another idea I have seen on Pinterest is utilizing old windows or barn wood with family photos. 
 
* Use coupons and take advantage of big sales on frames.  I especially like Michael’s and Kohl’s.  You can end up getting large frames at a reasonable price.
 
* Many photographers will sell you the digital images or a CD of your image. Buy the digital images and then order your own prints.  You will save a TON OF MONEY!  I use www.mpix.com for my family portraits.  I pay .99 for a 5X7 and $16.99 for a 16X20.  At those prices, I don’t mind buying the larger prints OR changing them out periodically. 
 
My family is my greatest treasure, so it would make sense that they would fill the spaces in our home.  Sure, I have other pieces of artwork hanging as well, but the art you will see predominately in our home, is our family.  So, in conclusion, I encourage you to print big and be bold!

Samantha Marquardt

Stephanie + Zach {Love}

Stephanie and Zach are so in love and they are absolutely adorable together.  We met on a beautiful fall afternoon in Fort Atkinson for their engagement shoot.  Congratulations Stephanie and Zach!

Amelia {8 days old}

Beautiful Amelia was born a short time ago to my dear friends. I've had the wonderful opportunity to document their  growing family - Jack {Newborn} and Mason {1 year old}.  It's always a joy for me to catch up with them!  Welcome to the world precious little one!

Kjersten {10 days old}

Welcome to the world Kjersten!

Luke (Senior 2014}

Wishing you the best of luck for your senior year Luke!

Judy and Bob {The Barn at Harvest Moon Pond}

Judy and Bob were married on a beautiful summer day at an amazing country location, The Barn at Harvest Moon Pond.   It's one of my very favorite places for a wedding!

Their laid back day was filled with family and friends, laughter and joy.

It was wonderful!

Ashlie, Ben, Adara, and Emerie

Photo shoots at Lapacek's Orchard are so so much fun!

I met Ashlie, Ben, Adara, and Emerie on a warm morning.  Both girls were champs through the heat.  And aren't they adorable?!?!  

Grand Rapids Theological Seminary {35% discount*}

A special discount in honor of those working hard at Grand Rapids Theological Seminary.

* GRTS id required to qualify for discount

Emily, Scott, Sophia, Ella and Lucy

Red hair, yippee!  It's my favorite.  And this sweet family has red heads all over the place.  In addition to loving their hair, I had such a great time getting to know them better at Hager Park.  They are a beautiful family, inside and out.

Weisensel/Halverson Family

You may recognize Katie, Tim and their family from Bryson's 6 mo and 1 year pictures or Anna's newborn shoot.  It's so much fun to look back through their previous shoots and see how much the kids have grown.  Getting to know the rest of Tim's family was super fun. It's very apparent that they love each other deeply and enjoy their time together.

James, Trisha, and Jim

James recently turned 1 and started walking.  Such fun times for a family.  I so glad I had the chance to get to know all of them at during their shoot at Memorial Union.  James had a great time watching people walk by and making friends with them.  He's just adorable!

Joan, Tom, Erin, Brittany, Nick, and Max

The last time I got together with this family it was 100 degrees and they were awesome, super fun and great sports.  Thankfully this shoot was much cooler and we had a good time again.  It's so fun to watch these guys interact.  They clearly love each other and have grown up with a strong connection.

LivingSocial

Hi LivingSocial Visitor

I'm so glad you've taken a moment to stop by my website.  If you're looking for a specific category of photography, you can scroll to the bottom of the page to check out the options.

I'd love to help you with any of your photography needs.  Please contact me with any questions.

~ Michelle

Alex {Senior 2014}

Good luck in your senior year Alex!