Zoe’s Senior Portraits with Her Cat Hazel | Ann Arbor Graduation Photography

When Zoe reached out for senior photos, I was instantly excited — not just because I love graduation portraits, but because she also asked if we could include her cat, Hazel. Obviously, that was an immediate yes!

We started the session outside the School of Social Work, then made our way to the classic Law Quad and finished near her apartment. By the end, we were chasing the last bit of daylight, but the streetlights near her place ended up creating this beautiful, film-y, nostalgic glow that I absolutely love.

Thank you, Zoe (and Hazel!), for letting me capture this milestone and the start of a new chapter. More pet graduation portraits, please!

Color and Sound: Photographing the Ann Arbor Symphony with Jacob Collier & Chris Thile

What a night! Photographing the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra with Jacob Collier and Chris Thile was such a treat — two absolute musical talents who somehow make performing look effortless and joyful at the same time.

The energy in the hall was unreal. The audience was encouraged to be a part of the performance, singing along, interacting with Jacob, and that kind of atmosphere makes it so much fun to shoot — it gave me permission to play around more photographically and try new things.

The stage lighting was another highlight (literally) — so colorful!!!! - It made for the perfect playground to experiment and play. One of my favorite photographers, Jackie Lee Young, shoots for a number of musicians, but I especially love her concert photography with Khruangbin. I found myself channeling that same vibe during this show — leaning into the color and letting the light tell part of the story.

Just one of those nights that reminds me how lucky I am to do this work — where sound, light, and emotion all collide in the best way possible.

Thank you to everyone at the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra for inviting me back to document the arts and the joy they bring to our community. It’s a privilege to capture how music and the arts create connection and remind us that creativity is a fundamental part of the human experience—enduring through every era and challenge. I’m so grateful to do what I love alongside people who care so deeply about their craft.

Documenting the 2025 Season Opener with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra!

Last month, I had the pleasure of photographing the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra’s season opener—and what an incredible experience it was. The evening featured pianist Martin James Bartlett, who joined the symphony to perform Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto No. 1. Watching him play was mesmerizing. The way he made such a technically demanding piece look effortless was pure joy. There’s something deeply inspiring about witnessing musicians, and really just artists in general, completely in their element—in the flow of live performance. I think that is part of the reason why I love live music so much. As a viewer you can’t help but be drawn in.

As I continue photographing for the A2SO, one of my goals is to showcase new perspectives—capturing moments and angles that highlight the full concert experience, not just the music. From the energy of Hill Auditorium to the quiet interactions between musicians and staff, every detail contributes to what makes these performances so special.

One of my favorite moments from the evening came with the help of the staff at Hill, who gave me access to the ceiling area. From there, I was able to photograph the orchestra from directly above—a truly unique vantage point. I also managed to slip behind the stage to capture the audience, completely absorbed in the performance.

I feel incredibly grateful to continue working with the A2SO this season. I’ll be photographing their second concert soon and look forward to telling more stories that celebrate the importance of art and music in our community.

A huge thank-you to Trianne, Willie, Sarah, Yi-Ching and everyone at the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra for the opportunity!

Neha and Jordan's Pastafarian wedding in Ann Arbor

While weddings aren’t my primary focus, I do photograph them from time to time—and when I do, they usually fall a little outside the traditional mold. From 70s-themed celebrations to the blending of different cultures, I’ve been lucky to capture weddings that break away from convention. Those are the opportunities I love most.

Recently, I had the joy of documenting Neha and Jordan’s small Pastafarian wedding here in Ann Arbor (yes—pasta, and of course, the Flying Spaghetti Monster). Their ceremony was short and sweet, yet overflowing with love, kindness, and laughter. It was such an honor to be invited into such an intimate and meaningful moment in their lives.

What made the day even more special was the weaving together of traditions, with elements of both Hindu and Catholic practices incorporated into the ceremony. That blend of playfulness and cultural richness made the celebration feel completely unique to them. After the small ceremony we made out way to the University of Michigan central campus to take a few quick shots.

Here are a few of my favorite images from the day. A huge thank-you to Neha and Jordan for trusting me to capture your celebration—I couldn’t stop smiling, even while editing these photos.

Celebrating Community and Creativity at JJ’s Homecoming Open Mic in Detroit

I recently had the privilege of photographing JJ’s Homecoming event and Open Mic in Detroit, a night that beautifully showcased the city’s thriving poetry and arts community.

I’ve known JJ since our days at Central Michigan University, and I’ve always admired his ability to bring people together through art and storytelling. Originally from Detroit and now based in Baltimore as a teacher, JJ is an accomplished poet who continues to build creative communities wherever he goes. His recent book, Lessons I Never Taught (Marble Steps Publishing), has taken him on a tour, and this Detroit stop was a special homecoming.

The event was held at Artist Village in Detroit, a vibrant space that set the stage for an unforgettable evening. Poets from across the community shared their work with passion and power, filling the room with energy and connection. In addition to capturing portraits and moments from the night, I was able to bring out my video-making skills to document the performances in motion.

As a Detroit event and portrait photographer, it’s always an honor to use my craft to highlight artists and their impact. In a time when arts funding is being cut at historic levels, it feels especially important to share the power of gatherings like these. Art has always endured—and nights like JJ’s Homecoming and Open Mic remind us just how vital creativity and community are to the soul of a city.

Thank you, JJ, for inviting me to capture such a meaningful evening.

Video by me!

Music: Song: sumu - apart [NCS Release]
Music provided by: NoCopyrightSounds
Free Download/Stream: http://ncs.io/apart
Watch: http://ncs.lnk.to/apartAT/youtube

A love letter to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan

I just spent three days back in my hometown of Grand Marais, Michigan. After a year with a lot of loss and most recently the passing of my father, it felt grounding to return and tend to my roots. Growing up, I was so eager to leave the place I grew up. Yet now, there are moments when I ache to return—to wade into the cold water, wander the dirt roads, and feel the warmth of the sun on my back.

Photography has always been how I process this human experience. I can’t fully explain it, but it’s been with me since childhood. At 13, I would save the few dollars I earned picking up sticks in our yard or shoveling snow and spend them on a $5 disposable Kodak camera during our family grocery trips to Marquette. That small act of preservation—capturing what I saw and felt—still echoes through my work today.

This trip reconnected me to those younger parts of myself, the ones who found comfort in the water, the dunes, and the sun. These landscapes are more than just scenery—they hold memory, healing, and belonging.

As I share these photos, I hope they serve as a reminder of the beauty and fragility of nature. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan, the Great Lakes (HOMES, as we learned in school), and all the wild spaces that sustain us deserve to be protected. They are more than backdrops to our lives—they are vital, living parts of our stories. Conserving them ensures future generations will also find the same peace, wonder, and connection that I continue to find each time I return home.

Gran Fiesta 2025: Honoring Scholars, Celebrating Futures

This year’s Gran Fiesta, hosted by the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative (MiHC), was more than just a celebration—it was a vibrant gathering filled with culture, pride, and community. As a photographer, I had the privilege of documenting this special event honoring MiHC’s high school scholars and college graduates.

The Michigan Hispanic Collaborative, a Detroit-based nonprofit, is working to break the cycle of poverty through education and early career support. By helping Michigan’s first-generation and low-income students navigate the complexities of college access and career development, MiHC provides the resources, guidance, and community they need to thrive.

Held at Michigan Central’s Newlab space in Corktown, the evening brought together students, families, and supporters to recognize the hard work and determination of MiHC scholars.

For high school scholars preparing to begin their college journey, Gran Fiesta was both a send-off and a reminder of what’s possible. It was a time to reflect on all they’ve accomplished and to look forward with excitement to the growth, discovery, and success that lie ahead.

From the delicious food by La Terraza and the live music to the professional headshots and career wardrobe station, every detail of the celebration reflected both achievement and opportunity.

What stayed with me most, though, was the genuine warmth and kindness of everyone I met—the energy of the night made it such a joy to photograph. Beyond preparing their scholars for success, MiHC creates a true sense of community, celebrating the accomplishments of each individual.

Events like Gran Fiesta show the importance of visual storytelling—to honor hard work, capture milestones, and celebrate the bright futures ahead. Thank you to everyone who makes the Michigan Hispanic Collaborative possible, and to Jesús, Amanda, Jen, and Faith for inviting me to photograph such a heartwarming and inspiring event.

OddAnimalSpecimens, Endless Curiosity, and possibly one of my Coolest Shoots Ever!

I recently had the pleasure of photographing Charlie Engelman, the creative mind behind the TikTok and YouTube channel OddAnimalSpecimens, as he was recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the TIME100 Creators—a list celebrating the most influential digital voices today.

If you haven’t seen OddAnimalSpecimens, it’s a fascinating series where Charlie shares quirky facts and debunks myths about the animal world. Since launching it five years ago, he’s built a loyal following—not because he’s trying to “teach” in the traditional sense, but because he sparks curiosity and inspires people to care about science.

Charlie Engelman at the University of Michigan Research Museums Center looking through their collection of animal specimens to feature in his popular video series, OddAnimalSpecimens

Photographing him inside the University of Michigan Research Museum Center’s animal specimen collection was an unforgettable experience! Behind the doors is every kind of specimen you can imagine—rows and rows of preserved wonders. Walking through the hallways felt like stepping into a secret archive of the natural world.

Charlie Engelman poses in front of the University of Michigan Research Museums Center. An Ann Arbor native, Engelman films his popular social media series OddAnimalSpecimens at the research center, where he uses the expansive collection of animal samples stored.

Charlie posing for a portrait with his trusty camera and iconic blue gloves.

Photographing Charlie wasn’t just about documenting a milestone—it was a reminder of why I love what I do. His passion for curiosity is contagious, and I left the shoot with a deeper appreciation for the quiet magic that happens behind closed museum doors.

A huge thank-you to Charlie—and congratulations on the incredible success of OddAnimalSpecimens!

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Inside the Work: University Voices Driving Change →

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I recently had the privilege of photographing Dr. Tareq Khan, a professor at Eastern Michigan University who has developed a powerful new gunshot detection system—an invention with the potential to save lives in classrooms and communities.

Photographing a story like this can be uniquely challenging. There aren’t always obvious visuals to lean on, and when dealing with a subject as heavy as gun violence in America, it’s crucial to strike the right tone. I wanted the portrait to feel grounded and serious, but also to convey a sense of hope—because that’s what Dr. Khan’s work represents: the possibility of a safer future.

As I scouted locations, I noticed a nearby computer lab with windows casting dramatic patterns of light across the space. The symbolism hit me immediately—light cutting through darkness. It felt like a visual metaphor for Khan’s work: a response to tragedy, moving toward a solution. With help we were able to gain access to the room and capture a few quick portraits.

In the above image, I positioned Dr. Khan looking toward the light—a subtle nod to hope, innovation, and forward momentum. I also chose a more reflective, subdued expression rather than a bright smile, in keeping with the weight of the subject matter.

You can read more about Dr. Khan and his work in The Sound of Science in Eastern Magazine.

Khan working with Mohammed Hagras (right), a junior electrical and computer engineering major is Khan’s project assistant.

Photographing Dr. Khan alongside his project assistant, Mohammed, in the classroom added another important layer to the story. It not only highlights the collaborative nature of the work but also shows that as a student at EMU, you have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking, real-world solutions—work that could one day save lives.

Khan's hands assembling the gunshot detection device.

In addition to the candid shots and portrait, I made sure to capture close-up shots of Dr. Khan working with the device itself—hands assembling, wiring, and testing components. These detailed images help bring the story to life by showing the human effort and precision behind the technology. Visually, they also add variety to the narrative by breaking up the wider and medium shots and creating a more dynamic, layered look at the work being done.

The audio-based device can detect gunshots within at least 40 feet.

Many thanks to the Communications team at Eastern Michigan University and Eastern Magazine for the opportunity to visually tell such an important story happening right here in our community!

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Photography celebrating 100 Years of the Benzonia Library & Mills Community House!

A Century of Community: Celebrating 100 Years of the Benzonia Library & Mills Community House

This June, the Benzonia Public Library and Mills Community House marked an incredible milestone—100 years of serving the community! For a century, these two institutions have been at the heart of Benzonia, Michigan, providing not just books and resources, but a true sense of connection and belonging.

To celebrate, they hosted a charming old-fashioned strawberry social —complete with fresh strawberry shortcake, crafting for families and plenty of stories shared among friends and neighbors. It was the kind of event that made you feel like you’d stepped back in time in the best possible way.

I had the pleasure of photographing the celebration and capturing the joy, warmth, and community spirit that filled the day. From kids with sticky fingers to longtime residents reminiscing on a hot summer day on the porch, it was a beautiful reminder of what makes this place so special.

Here’s to another 100 years of community, conversation, and connection at the Benzonia Library and Mills Community House!

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A Surprise Engagement at Nichols Arboretum

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It’s been a busy few weeks, but now that summer is in full swing and things are starting to slow down a bit, I’m excited to finally share some recent projects—including this long-overdue post! A few weeks ago, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Brock and Sydney’s engagement at the Peony Garden in the University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum here in Ann Arbor. The session was such a joy from start to finish!

Sydney had so many laughs and so much fun during her engagement shoot with Brock at the beautiful Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden!

Brock reached out to me a couple of weeks ahead of time with his plan to surprise Sydney with a proposal. Both he and Sydney met while they were students at U of M, so the Peony Garden—especially during peak bloom—was the perfect place to pop the question. With a food festival happening downtown, they had the perfect excuse to spend the day in Ann Arbor, and Sydney didn’t suspect a thing.

Sydney’s beautiful engagement ring among the blooming rhododendrons at Nichols Arboretum.

I had to be extra sneaky with my camera so the surprise wouldn’t be spoiled—but everything went off beautifully! After the big moment, we spent about 30 minutes walking through the Arb and the gardens, soaking in the sunshine and excitement. I wanted to give them space to enjoy the moment naturally, so I captured many of the images from a distance using my Fujifilm 50-140mm f/2.8 and 50mm f/1.4 (an 80mm equivalent on my XT4 and XH2). The goal was to keep things relaxed and pressure-free so they could just be themselves and take it all in.

A sweet, quiet moment captured from afar as Brock and Sydney soak in the joy of being newly engaged.

A huge thank-you to Brock for finding me on Reddit and reaching out! Lately, I’ve had quite a few people book sessions after seeing my name recommended there, and I can’t say enough how much I appreciate the folks who’ve listed me—it’s made such a big difference. ❤️

I love the golden light on Sydney in this one!

Congratulations again, Brock and Sydney! It was such an honor to meet you both. And as a fellow Yooper, I loved hearing about Sydney’s family ties to the Upper Peninsula—so fun to talk about familiar places and shared roots.

More summer stories and shoots coming soon—stay tuned!

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Photographing with Heart at the Building Bridges Gala : My Approach to Nonprofit Events

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With a background in photojournalism—and a lifelong love for people and their stories—I’ve always been drawn to nonprofits. I truly believe they keep hope alive, especially in times like these, when critical programs across the country are being defunded.

I’ve worked for nonprofits in the past and volunteer with one today. The work is not easy. Budgets are tight, roles are stretched, and you’re constantly balancing the desire to help others with the hard reality that money often drives what’s possible.

Since 2023, I’ve had the honor of freelancing for the Center, and this year marked my third time photographing their Building Bridges Gala. It’s one of the most thoughtfully produced and joyful events I’ve ever documented. The setting is stunning, the energy is contagious, and everywhere you look, people are smiling, connecting, and celebrating community. Every team member I’ve met is deeply committed to Detroit’s unhoused community—not just with care, but with real action. Their hearts are fully in the work, and that’s what makes them so successful.

At events like this, my goal is to stay unobtrusive. I often shoot from a distance with my Fujifilm 50–140mm 2.8 lens, which allows me to capture authentic, candid moments. If people don’t notice I’m there, I consider that a success. I strongly feel that quiet observation often leads to the most genuine images. I don’t want to influence anyone to act a certain way because my camera is pointed at them. I want to capture who they truly are, their natural smiles and reactions to being in company with one another.

Another thing I love about the 50–140mm is how well it captures the small details that help tie the story together and give viewers a glimpse of what it felt like to be there.

But my go-to, and honestly probably favorite lens in my kit is Fujifilm’s 35mm 1.4 (50mm equivalent on my cropped-sensor Fujifilm XT4 and XH2). It’s perfect for portraits and details—close enough to feel intimate without being intrusive.

I’ve also been learning to embrace my 16mm for wide shots. Composing wide frames used to be a challenge, but this lens has taught me to welcome the visual busy-ness and find beauty in the full scene.

Thank you again to the Pope Francis Center for inviting me to be a part of this important work. Documenting your mission and sharing the stories of this community is a true honor. I’ve learned so much about the challenges Detroit’s homeless population faces—and about the real, meaningful efforts it takes to create lasting change.

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Behind the Lens at the A2SO Season Finale!

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What a way to wrap up the 2024–2025 season! The Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra’s season closer, led by Music Director Earl Lee, was a powerful and moving experience. Lee took the podium to conduct an incredible program featuring musica pyralis by Katherine Balch and Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 5—a beautiful way to end the season.

This performance also marked a personal milestone: my first time photographing inside the historic Hill Auditorium! The venue is absolutely stunning, offering so many unique angles and perspectives—including a rare opportunity to shoot from behind the stage, which allowed me to capture forward-facing shots of the conductor in action.

Following the concert, I had the chance to attend the Afterglow, a special gathering for donors and season subscribers. It’s a wonderful tradition that allows attendees to connect with the orchestra’s musicians and staff in a more relaxed and intimate setting.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone at the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, especially marketing director Willie Cornish, who so kindly responded to my first email weeks ago and gave me the opportunity to photograph the last MainStage concerts for the season. I’m so excited to continue documenting the magic when the new season begins in September!

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Capturing the Magic - Capturing Magic: April MainStage with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra

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The Michigan Theater was the perfect backdrop for such a stunning performance. It’s one of my favorite venues to photograph, with its rich textures, vintage charm, and especially the vibrant energy behind the scenes. There’s just something about being backstage that brings the whole experience to life in a different way.

On April 5th, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra’s April MainStage concert. It was an unforgettable night of music, led by guest conductor Andrew Grams and featuring the remarkable Kate Liu—medalist at the 17th International Fryderyk Chopin Competition—making her Ann Arbor debut.

This concert felt especially meaningful to me on a personal level. When I first started freelancing, I reached out to a few local nonprofits to offer my photography services—and the A2SO was one of the very first to take a chance on me. I’ll never forget how excited I was after one phone call landed me two concerts to shoot. That early support truly meant the world.

Huge thanks to Willis and Kemper at A2SO for continuing to trust me with capturing these special moments. I’m so grateful to be part of telling your story through images.

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Turning the Page on March: A Look Back at My Favorite Photohoots

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With a new month underway, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on some of my favorite photoshoots from March! It was a whirlwind of a month—leaving my full-time role as a photographer at Ford Motor Co., meeting with new clients, handling vendor paperwork, and laying the groundwork for exciting opportunities ahead. It’s been a lot of work, but I’m eager to see what the coming weeks and months will bring.

Through all of these changes, I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my friends and family. Their encouragement has meant the world to me during this transition.

One particularly special moment from March was photographing a surprise birthday party for my dear friend Ed in Romulus, MI. Ed is like family to me—a father figure I deeply respect—and it was an honor to capture this celebration put together by his amazing wife, Stephanie. Seeing the pure joy on his face as his loved ones surprised him was unforgettable.

Here are some of my favorite images from the event—moments that truly capture the excitement, love, and laughter shared that night.

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Ducks and Armenian Coffee

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Jeff and I are duck-sitting for a neighbor while he’s in Turkey for a week vacation. He has the most extensive collection of coffee and tea cups, so we treated ourselves to them and made some Armenian coffee while hanging out with our feathered friends.

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Portraits with Dr. Hanan and Life Update!

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After over 10 years of working in a traditional setting, I’ve made the exciting decision to dive into freelancing full-time! It was a big choice, and honestly, a little scary, but I’m trusting my gut and going for it. Photography has always been my passion, especially telling stories through emotive imagery. The trust that clients place in me to capture their moments and tell their stories is one of the greatest compliments I could receive. I’m thrilled to pour my energy and focus into this new chapter and look forward to the adventures and opportunities that lie ahead.

All that said - I’m also so excited to share some recent work from a fun portrait session with Dr. Hanan Alhaddi at Detroit Perk, an incredible coffee shop and community hangout in Dearborn Heights. Hanan reached out to me needing new portraits for an upcoming book, speaking engagements, conferences, and additional images to help build her personal brand in consulting.

Hanan, thank you so much for trusting me to capture these images! It was a pleasure working with you, and I can't wait to see where your journey takes you.

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