Autumn & Hive is a Grand Rapids Family Photographer capturing families exactly as they are, connected, playful, emotional, imperfect, and deeply loved. Less stiff posing and forced smiles, more honest moments that actually feel like your family, preserved in a way that still looks elevated and intentional.
Documenting weddings with artistry and vision.
Award- Winning, Nationally Published & Featured.
There are a lot of photographers in West Michigan — but not all family photography experiences are created equal.
This approach is:
Documentary‑inspired with gentle direction
Focused on emotion over perfection
Designed to keep kids engaged (and parents relaxed)
Grounded in connection, movement, and personality
Sessions are intentionally structured so families don’t feel awkward or overwhelmed. No one is expected to perform. Everyone is encouraged to just be.
The result? Images that feel timeless, honest, and deeply personal.
Family sessions aren’t about perfectly behaved kids or matching outfits, they’re about documenting the season you’re in right now. The missing teeth. The baby curls. The way your toddler refuses to be held… unless it’s by you.
As a Grand Rapids Family Photographer, I focus on storytelling‑driven sessions that feel relaxed, natural, and fun. Sessions are guided just enough to keep things moving, while leaving space for genuine connection to unfold.
Whether you’re chasing kids through a field, snuggling on the couch at home, or letting everyone be a little feral in the best way, the goal is always the same: images that feel warm, real, and full of heart.
- Mandie F. | Mommy & Me Session
"I cried tonight when Autumn sent these to me, because they’re so fun and joyful. "
For maternity, we usually aim for the 28 to 34-week mark. This is the golden window where you have a beautiful, defined bump but aren't quite at the "I’m over being pregnant" stage of discomfort. For milestones like birthdays or "sitter" sessions, I recommend booking about 2–3 months in advance to ensure we catch those fleeting stages before they vanish into the next one.
When is the "sweet spot" to schedule my maternity or milestone session?
Don't sweat it, from one chaos goblin to another, I get it. My greatest skill is being a "room reader," which means I know exactly when to pivot from a posed shot to a game of tag to keep the energy up. We don’t need your kids to sit still and act like statues to get gorgeous photos; we just need them to be themselves. I handle the heavy lifting and the "Ricky Bobby" hand-placing so you can just focus on being present with your humans.
What happens if my kids decide to have a total meltdown?
The goal is a soulful reflection of your actual style, not a "copy-and-paste" version of someone else's Pinterest board. I’m a total nerd for the details, so once you book, I’ll help you coordinate a palette that feels vibrant and editorial. Think coordinating, not matching. We want textures, movement, and colors that pop against the Michigan landscape—no white-tees-and-jeans uniforms allowed here.
How do I dress my family without us looking like a generic catalog?
It all comes down to your family’s specific energy. If your life is lived at full volume and your kids thrive in the wild, let’s head to one of my favorite local spots (practicing Leave No Trace principles, of course). If you want something more intimate and unscripted, an in-home session is perfect for capturing the grit and beauty of your daily reality. Whether we’re in your living room or a field at sunset, we’re going for imagery with a pulse.
Outdoor adventure or a cozy "at-home" session—how do we choose?
Connect@AutumnAndhive.com
If you’re interested in working with Autumn, and probably hearing a few more bad puns, the next step is to submit an inquiry with the form below!
Reach out using the contact form below and Autumn will get back to you within 1-2 business days.
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Planning your dream wedding just got easier. I've put my years of experience into an extensive list of favorite vendors. From DJs who know how to pack a dance floor, to caterers serving food worth photos and salivating. To extra services that will elevate your event to the next level. Grab our curated guide to discover the trusted team we love to recommend for unforgettable celebrations.
Access the Autumn & Hive Vendor Guide