I'm Kara HANES
Hey there!
Grand Rapids MIchigan Wedding and PORTRAIT photographer and CRAFTING ENTHUSIAST. more importantly i'm a wife, mom, aunt, and friend. honestly i'm just over here trying to live my best life.
2016
Quit my job TO LEARN MORE ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY
STARTED my BLOG and email list
celebrated 10 years married to my best friend
got my first passport and traveled OUT OF THE US
2012
taught preschool with a degree in early childhood
started my business as a side hustle
shot my first solo wedding
photographed 25 families
2017
took a hiatus from the photography business to persue a job in student ministry
focused on family and a job working with high school and middle schoolers
still kept pursuing photography through youth events
2019
STARTED WORKING WITH claim your campus 2020
2020
covid happened and my job came to a close
took a lot of naps and watched a lot of netflix
re-opened kara hanes photography in July
photographed over 14+ high school seniors
upgraded to my full frame camera
rebranded and launched my new website
A Look Back
2012
2022
Trained and walked my first half marathon
2021
in january i had my first published piece in senior year magazine
launched my first senior rep program
Ben and I celebrated our 15 year wedding anniversary
Purchased the R6 mirrorless camera!
Received the grandtastic award from GRKIDS. #1 photographer
Published in Wedding Day Magazine
Our spunky 11 year old who loves swimming, singing, and playing roblox.
NAOMI
This 14 year old has a heart of gold, loves to play fortnite and is a very protective big brother.
CALEB
Dreamer, mom, content creator, lead photographer and lover of coffee and bread.
KARA
BEN
Our travel agent, electrician, running enthusiast, and the one that brings all the fun to our family.
MEET THE FAMILY
The newest Hanes. She's the sweetest dog. Our 7 year old pomeranian maltese mix
BELLA
I'M PROBABLY SITTING ON THE COUCH WITH MY HUSBAND BEN WHILE WATCHING A MOVIE. OR PERHAPS I'M PLAYING A GAME WITH FRIENDS OR FAMILY. SOME THINGS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN WORKING ALL THE TIME. DON'T BE SURPRISED IF I DON'T RESPOND TO EMAILS, TEXTS, OR CALLS RIGHT AWAY BECAUSE I'M PROBABLY OUT ENJOYING MORE THAN JUST WORK.
Currently...
Ben and I dated for 4 years before we were married in 2006. We were high schools sweethearts that attended two different schools. After dating nearly 5 years he popped the question and we were married the following year. One year later we had our first child Caleb, and two years after that, Naomi. Being parents together is by far the best journey we have been on so far. I couldn't have asked for a better partner and he is the best dad!
Kara's Favorites
Just as if I'm singing with julie andrews, I'm letting you know all of my deepest secrets
Check it out
2. THE BEST TITLE I HAVE IS:
a. Photographer
b. Professional Napper
c. Creator
d. Girl Boss
e. Other
1. IF you could eat one food for the rest of your life it would be:
OH YEAH, WE'RE DOING THIS
VINTAGE magazine STYLE
The Kara Hanes Quiz
3. MY drink of choice is:
a. Caramel Latte'
b. Cinnamon Orange Tea
c. Amaretto Sour
d. Coke
e. All of the above
4. on my days off, the first thing I do is:
5. my go-to outfit is:
a. Sweat pants and sweatshirt
b. Jeans and a tee
c. A dress and heels
d. Anything from target
6. i am deathly afraid of:
a. Public Speaking
b. Heights
c. Spiders
d. Flying
7. one place i've always wanted to go:
8. most likely to binge watch:
a. The Bachelor
b. Fixer Upper
c. The Voice
d. Gilmore Girls
9. Favorite thing to photograph:
a. Puppies
b. Families
c. Kids
d. Couples
e. Seniors
10. What is something you're bad at:
