Chantal Elise Photography: Grand Haven Lifestyle Photography

BLOG POST: Kayla and Grant {Detroit Engagement Photography}

7:06 AM

Kayla and Grant {Detroit Engagement Photography}

I met up with Kayla and Grant for their engagement session on an absolutely gorgeous spring day in Ferndale at Valentine's Distilling Company. Before arriving at distillery, I cruised around the adorable neighborhood and found a parking spot directly across from the cutest little house with matching trees on either side and a teal porch. It was the cutest house on the block!

As we got to know each other better over a few fancy (and delicious!) cocktails, we prepared to walk over the Kayla and Grant's house. I always suggest including the home in portrait sessions of all types, and sometimes people are nervous to do so--they say things like, "Oh, we haven't finished our kitchen, yet" or "You don't want to capture our mess, do you?"

The answer to capturing your mess is YES! I want to encapsulate your truth, your home, and it's always beautiful and something you'll treasure for a lifetime. Not only do small imperfections fade away behind the lens; the larger picture that is revealed is truly unique to you, and your comfort level and confidence can really shine through.

Flash forward to the few blocks we walked back to get to their house...which happened to be the adorable house with the teal porch!

It was an absolute treat to hang with Kayla and Grant and I can't even describe how excited I am to photograph their wedding in Traverse City this October.

Congratulations on your engagement, you two! <3

Senior Portrait Photography: The "Besties Session" has arrived!

3:31 PM

Senior Portrait Photography:

The "Besties Session" has arrived!

I am so pleased to announce the newest senior package I have created (and it's SO FUN!): The "Besties" session! Check out the details below--including the promotional video--to find out just what you'll be getting with this fun and affordable new option for senior pictures with friends!

VIEW A FULL SAMPLE ALBUM HERE:
>>> LINK: "Besties" Portrait Gallery

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THE "BESTIES" PACKAGE:

--2.5 hours of coverage, unlimited outfits and locations within that timeframe

--Maximum of 3 friends

--Individual AND group photos divided equally amongst 2 or 3 friends (30+ delivered photos with a minimum of 15 group photos and 5 photos per 3 friends, or more for a smaller group)

--A chance to hang out with friends in a relaxed, fun environment while getting your senior portraits captured at a discounted group rate!

COST: $240 (Only $80 per person amongst 3 friends)

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Book your 2016 session today by clicking here!

The New Besties Senior Portrait Session from Chantal Elise Photography on Vimeo.

BLOG POST: My husband's point of view... {Artist Portraits}

10:04 AM

Photos by Ben Roeske / / Edits by Chantal Roeske

My husband's point of view...

Recently, I realized that I haven't had any artist portraits done for my solo music project, Ida's Rope, in a very, very long time. Years, in fact. It's funny, how the plumber's pipes leak. Because I needed some new photos for my bio in the upcoming Ladyfest 2016 lineup in Grand Rapids, I had to work fast.

My husband Ben, also my second shooter, snapped these shots for me, and I loved the way they turned out. I'm drawn to the shadows, imperfections, and real places in this world, and I'm glad that is communicated in these portraits.

See you at the show!

Darling Cedric {Turning Six Months!}

2:07 PM

Darling Cedric {Turning Six Months Old!}

This precious little man was as happy as could be when I joined him and his loving parents at their home for a cozy six-month portrait session! Big smiles, piercing blue eyes, and bright red hair--I guess you could say that stealing hearts might be Cedric's hobby. ;)

Welcome Baby Nora {Family Portraits}

2:19 PM

THOSE TOES.
As a mother, you'll do anything to protect them. No matter what it takes. More than anything, you wish you could keep your baby under cover and safe from every cold gust of wind, or hurtful experience in the world that is surely waiting for them around every corner. But you can't.
At least you can capture that quiet moment with a picture. <3