KARA HANES

I live and work in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and I love photographing weddings across West Michigan, Detroit, and Chicago. My couples value genuine connection, joyful moments, and timeless storytelling through photography.

KARA HANES PHOTOGRAPHY

THE BLOG

I'm a hopeless romantic who finds great joy in creating and capturing connection and beauty wherever I go.

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Seniors

Grand Rapids Senior Girl Session

I’m not going to lie—getting around Grand Rapids yesterday was a real struggle due to all the construction. But we weren’t going to let that get us down. For this senior session, we wanted to have fun. Our adventure started at the Civic Theatre, then we went to the Gerald R. Ford Museum, and to […]

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Seniors

Dune Harbor Park Muskegon Senior Photos

Not all guys are keen on senior photos, but for Kadein, thirty minutes at Dune Harbor Park was the perfect spot near his home in Muskegon. This newly opened space had everything we needed. Have a great senior year Kadein! – Kara If you or someone you know is looking for a senior photographer at […]

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Family

Saugatuck Family Photographer

We rescheduled the family session after hearing it would be raining later in the day, and I’m not obsessed with 8 a.m. summer sessions in Saugatuck. It turned out to be the perfect time to beat the crowds at Oval Beach. It was such an honor to be the Doherty family’s photographer after traveling all […]

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Seniors

Grand Rapids Senior Photos

When it comes to senior photos, capturing the essence of a person’s final year of high school is both an art and a privilege. For Millie, a vibrant senior from Arizona, this milestone moment was beautifully immortalized at the Reset Conference in Grand Rapids. The blend of iconic locations—the Grand Rapids Art Museum, The Lyon […]

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Weddings

The Barn at Monterey Valley Wedding

It was an absolutely beautiful day for a Wedding at The Barn at Monterey Valley. Ben and Katie were surrounded with all their closest family and friends. With the sun shining brightly and a gentle breeze rustling through the lush, rolling hills, it was as if nature itself had conspired to create the ideal setting […]

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Seniors

South Haven Michigan Senior Photographer

It was a gorgeous night in South Haven, Michigan, perfect for capturing a milestone moment in Ella’s life. As a South Haven Michigan senior photographer, I was thrilled to have the opportunity to document this special occasion. Ella’s family has been visiting Michigan each summer for years, and it was wonderful to intertwine their long-standing […]

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welcome to my blog

I'm Kara, West Michigan Photographer, Wife, Mom of two kids and our sweet Maltipoo. I hope you stay a while or reach out to chat!

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the senior lounge

with tons of information on how to maximize your senior session and plan to make it your own. I've got lots of resources for my high school seniors.

Let's make magic together.

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