GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN
LUXURY WEDDING AND PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER

KARA HANES

The Lounge

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ABOUT KARA

Behind the Lens

I'm more than just a photographer. Read about me and the Hanes Family.

about ME

I'm KARA

Grand Rapids, Michigan Wedding and Senior photographer plus educator. More importantly I'm a wife, mom, aunt, and friend. honestly i'm just over here trying to live my best life.

I didn't always have this business. In fact, just a few years ago you could have found me in a sea of preschoolers. I received my early child education degree in 2007 and I taught preschool for 10 years.

How does this help? As a preschool teacher I learned how to multitask while the never ending chaos was happening. I know how to obtain gentle authority when needed but also how to step back and let moments happen as they were intended. I communicate often and when necessary and I promise to make it fun in the process.

Type A dreamer (and total Enneagram 3), lover of naps,  thai food, and the snuggles of my dog to make me feel at home.

01

My People

My kids are now teenagers and I cherish the moments we have with one another.

02

guilty pleasure

Checking my phone when I shouldn't be on it. Finding a Netflix series and watching an entire season in 2 days, and  fighting the urge to eat all the caramel and laffy taffy within my reach.

03

pastTime

sitting around my house in my comfies with nothing to do but to read a book.

04

meal

Peanut curry pad thai or any type of pizza. I could eat it for every meal.

05

human

This guy. My husband, Ben. Believe it or not, he's as hilarious as he is handsome.

06

part of my job

Sunset portraits are a favorite of mine. I love ending the evening with a couple minutes of my couple alone.

my favorite things:

about you

My clients find the beauty in moments, love elegant details, are laid back, and fully trust me to capture their memories.

I'm committed to forming relationships with my couples and intentionally caring and getting to know them. Not only is our friendship important to me but it impacts the way you feel on your wedding day.

Does this sound like you? Inquire with me.

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OVER THE YEARS

A LOOK BACK

2008

BECAME A MOM

Our son was born. I bought my first DSLR camera and photographed my first engagement session/proposal.

2012

STARTED KARA HANES PHOTOGRAPHY

Officially began KHP as a hobby and photographed my first wedding ever solo.

2016

BECAME A BUSINESS

Opened Kara Hanes Photography officially and celebrated 10 full years married to my best friend which put my first stamp on my passport as we traveled to Barbados.

2017

THE SABATICAL

I Went through a time in my life where I felt a full time calling to student ministry and poured into middle and high schoolers from being an administrative assistant which eventually led to becoming an operations coordinator for a national event for student led prayer in schools.

2020

RELAUNCHED

a new pivot took place when my job ended due to the pandemic. I came back to photography with a passion for high school seniors.

Launched my first ever senior spokesmodel team. Received my first publication in senior year magazine and became the number one photographer for Grand Rapids Kids.

REFRESH

2021

2022

NICHED MY BUSINESS

I switched to photographing only weddings and seniors with the exception of some families and started my new free education resource the Cameras and Coffee Podcast that Launched in January of 2023. 

Our spunky 13 year old  who loves fashion, riding her bike, and all things My Hero Academia.

Naomi

This 16 year old  has a heart of gold, he's a detailed thinker, amazing artist, and the coolest kid

Caleb

Mom, Wife, Teen Mentor, Educator,  photographer and lover of coffee, caramel and bread.

Kara

Ben

Dad, Husband, Electrician, Running Enthusiast, and the one that brings all the fun to our family.

My stage 5 clinger, who will give thousands of kisses and is a professional napper.

Bella

MEET THE HANES FAMILY

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Photos by Kara Hanes
karahanesphotography.com
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