An orange star-shaped sticker on a white background.

capturing the soul of your event

or Collaborating for the Portrait Playground

photo booth setups for events in grand rapids, mi

Peace symbol with multicolored sections
Two women talking at a merchandise table with books and T-shirts, indoors at an art gallery or museum.

event photography that tells a story

I've had the privilege of shooting Pride events and parades (my personal favorite), protests, the Women's March, and art markets. Every single time, I leave with a full card and a full heart.

For events, I’m focused on capturing the people rather than what’s going on at the event. I set up my colorful backdrop (or yours) and let people come as they are — bold, joyful, fired up, tender, proud, or whatever else — and I snap away.

If you're hosting an event and you want someone who will honor the energy and help you tell the story of what it actually felt like to be there, let's talk!

Illustration of a crescent moon and a shooting star with a smiling face.
An orange star-shaped logo on a black background
Stylized lightning bolt symbol in black with a gold outline

how a portrait Playground setup works

A simple cartoon drawing of a flower with a yellow center, white petals, and a green stem with leaves.
A stylized illustration of a single human eye with a green iris and black and white details.

BACKDROPS: MINE OR YOURS?

A cartoon of a crescent moon and a star with a face, both with black outlines and simple design.

I'm happy to work with your backdrop, or bring one of mine. I have a couple different ones to choose from. Either way, I'll make sure your attendees feel seen!

MY BACKDROP

Black lightning bolt with gold outline
Three people standing in front of a colorful mural on a fabric backdrop, holding signs that promote social causes and protests. The person on the left wears a gray jacket, black gloves, and blue shoes, holding a sign with text about supporting schools and healthcare. The middle person wears a tan beanie, purple jacket, beige pants, and hiking boots, holding a sign with messages about ending racism and supporting Palestine. The person on the right wears sunglasses, a headband, a maroon jacket, and jeans, holding a sign that says, ‘We the people not the king’.

USE YOUR BACKDROP

Create something unique, use a step-and-repeat, or something branded just to you.

Close-up of a single cartoon eye with a black outline, white sclera, and green iris

WHAT CAN YOU EXPECT FROM the Portrait Playground?

Book your time slot, bring your people to the pop-up, dress up, come as you are, or wear your favorite outfit. Each human gets their own 10-minute slot in front of my lens. I’ll help you relax, have a little fun, and get at least one great shot.

Hand-drawn asterisk symbol with a black background.

The Portrait Playground is a place to show up exactly as you are. I love working with all kinds of humans, and there is absolutely no judgment here. You don’t have to know how to pose, perform, or be “good” in front of a camera. I’ll meet you where you are and we’ll go from there. I’ll ask questions, make it fun, give you some direction, and help you relax enough to let your personality show up. Ten minutes, no pressure, just you being you.

IN EACH SESSION:

Empty black background with a white, irregular hand-drawn asterisk or star shape.

get your event on the books