Downtown Grand Rapids is one of my favorite places for family photos. Between the limestone columns of the old Civic Auditorium and the views from the Gillett Bridge, there are so many spots packed into a few blocks along the Grand River. I recently spent a summer evening there with the Olson family, and their session is a great example of what a downtown family session with me looks like.
If you’re looking for a family photographer in Grand Rapids and you love a clean, timeless look with a little bit of city to it, this is a location I’d love to show you.
The Civic Auditorium at DeVos Place
We started at the historic Civic Auditorium on Lyon Street. It opened in 1933, and its Renaissance and Art Deco design by Robinson & Campau still makes it one of the most beautiful buildings downtown. It was renamed the Welsh Auditorium in 1975. When DeVos Place was built, the original façade and lobby were saved and became part of the Steelcase Ballroom, so the columns, warm stone and tall bronze doors are all still there.
That covered colonnade is the reason I love it. The shade gives soft, even light on bright evenings, the neutral stone lets your outfits stand out, and the long walkway is perfect for walking shots where the kids can run ahead and just be themselves.
What to wear for downtown family photos
The Olsons nailed it with soft blue denim and neutrals. Light blues, creams, tans and whites look beautiful against the limestone and the greenery by the river. My favorite tip is to coordinate rather than match: pick two or three colors and mix textures, like denim, linen and knits. Skip big logos and busy patterns so the focus stays on your family.
My tips for downtown family photos with kids
Plan around golden hour. I usually schedule downtown family sessions for the last hour or two before sunset. The light is warmer and softer, and the evening crowds are thinner.
Give everyone a turn. I always take a few minutes with each child on their own. Little ones loosen up when it’s their turn to be the star, and you end up with portraits of each kid at this exact age.
Let them play. Some of my favorite photos happen in between the posed ones: a sibling hug, a kiss on the cheek, a race down the walkway. I keep things moving and playful so nobody gets bored.
Bring snacks and a reward. A quick snack between locations goes a long way, especially for toddlers.
The Gillett Bridge near DeVos Place and the Amway Grand
Just a short walk away is the Gillett Bridge, which crosses the Grand River between DeVos Place and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, right near the Amway Grand Plaza. It was built in 1915 as an interurban railway bridge, and at 474 feet it’s one of the longest concrete arch bridges in Michigan. Today it’s a pedestrian walkway with stone ledges, greenery and open views of the river and the city.
As the sun drops, the light on the bridge turns golden, which makes it the perfect place to end a session. I always save a few minutes at the end for mom and dad on their own, too.
Book your Grand Rapids family session
Downtown Grand Rapids is just one of the places I love for family photos. I also photograph families at parks, along Lake Michigan, and in your own backyard all over West Michigan. You can see more of my work on my portraits page, and when you’re ready, reach out here and we’ll plan your session together.
Now booking family sessions!
