About Kara
Most days you’ll find me, sitting on the couch with a smile on my face watching the latest Netflix series with my dog Phoebe in my lap –or maybe you’ll find me laughing it up with the family as we crack jokes together. I’m always ready to go on the next adventure wherever it may be. I’m a crafter, candle maker, photographer, and Thai food consumer. I’m passionate about the next generation of leaders and for the past two years I took a break from photography to explore these passions full force. I’m now back to photography and mom life full time.
Hi I’m Kara, I’ve been keeping it real since 1985. I’m a small town photographer and creator with big dreams. I’m obsessed with coffee, my dog, and supporting my family in whatever way I can.
My philosophy is simple. I take beautiful photos to remember your moments. The moments and looks that you'll want to cherish forever. The ones that you'll frame in your home for years to come.
PEN PALS
Let's be
Dropping in with inspo, DEALS, and content created with Y-O-U in mind, because no one likes getting junk mail, am I right?
I'm Into It. Sign Me Up!
Kind Words From Lovely Folks
“Kara is very good with kids and very efficient! Setting up a session was quick, we highly recommend!”
-Allison J.
Impromptu Portraits with our neighbors and dear friends the Jasperse as they welcomed their new baby Quinn.
Kind Words From Lovely Folks
"Loved all of the newborn pictures Kara took!! She did an amazing job and I was very impressed with how fast she got the proofs edited and back to me!"
-Kerry K.
Newborn session of jack only a few days old
Kind Words From Lovely Folks
"Kara did an amazing job with our wedding photos. We would definitely recommend her to friends and family!"
-Chris and Jamie S.
Outdoor Traverse City, MIchigan wedding with portraits at the commons
Kind Words From Lovely Folks
Kara is so great to work with! She is professional, efficient and fun. We were in and out in 20 minutes witch fits great into our crazy schedule! She is focused on small details asking us to “smooth your hair” or “straighten out your shirt” and knew exactly how to position us. Somehow she captured smiles and laughs from my two teenage boys! She listening to what we needed and we received our photos in record time. I’d recommend her to anyone who needs family pictures, we love our pictures and so does everyone else!
-Becca Lehman
Holiday Card Session 2020
Kind Words From Lovely Folks
"Kara kept things light and fun and did a wonderful job capturing my daughter’s personality and beauty in her senior pictures."
- April M.
KAELA MARTZ SENIOR SESSION IN HOLLAND MI AT VAN RAALTE FARM AND DOWNTOWN HOLLAND
Kind Words From Lovely Folks
"Kara takes pride in what she does, asks you ahead of time what you are wanting to accomplish and makes it happen!"
- Tracy P.
DOWNTOWN GRAND RAPIDS SESSION WITH THE PIERCE FAMILY
Kind Words From Lovely Folks
"Kara does an amazing job and is so personable! We have two very different senior high school daughters and she did an exquisite job of capturing both of their individuality and different personalities perfectly. We cannot recommend her enough and will be using her for all of our moments in the future requiring photography!"
- Beth M.
Grand Valley Of allendale and the grand ravines dual senior session with sisters Elyzabeth and Sydney
Kind Words From Lovely Folks
"We all love Emma's photos and feel so blessed that you returned to picture taking at just the time you did!! You are so talented and we have so many to choose from!! The time and detail and FUN that you interject into your sessions is so appreciated!!"
-Katie Z.
downtown holland senior session with Emma. We ended the evening at holland state park with the most beautiful sunset.
Kind Words From Lovely Folks
"Kara is amazing at what she does with her clients. She makes each person feel comfortable. She captures everyone's personalities perfectly. Her pictures tell a story!! I'm so thankful for all the years she has captured our family's moments. We highly recommend her to all our friends and family."
-Julie A
Dear friends of ours Jason, Julie, Hunter and Madison at spring grove park in jamestown
Kind Words From Lovely Folks
"When we found out we were expecting, we knew we wanted to do announcement photos with Kara. She was great to work with and quick to select location options for us to choose from. Our photos turned out better than we could imagine and something we know we'll cherish forever. "
-Erin & Skyler N.
Pregnancy announcement in downtown Grand Rapids, MIchigan
Kind Words From Lovely Folks
Kara was professional and took wonderful pictures of our family. She worked very hard to make the process as easy as possible. Next time I have pictures I will have Kara do them.
-Becca Huss
With 80% rain expected we made a last minute change to use the GR Loft studio space with the extended Evenson Family.
Kind Words From Lovely Folks
"Kara was amazing to work with. She has an amazing talent! She is such a fun person too. We had a lot of fun during the twins senior photo shoot. I couldn't have asked for a better experience."
-Julie W.
Twins Emma and Jack's senior session in downtown Grand Rapids, MI
Kind Words From Lovely Folks
“We loved having Kara
capture all the little moments of our wedding day! She made us feel so comfortable and she was great at directing the
bridal party and family
members while helping us have fun. It was a little rainy during some of the time we took pictures, and she was able to turn that around and used it to take some of my
favorite photos of the day! We still look back at
pictures and love the way she captured the day!”
-Drew & Kaylynn W.
Rainy day wedding in downtown
rockford, michigan
wedding and portrait photography
ALLENDALE MICHIGAN