The Photographer Behind the Camera
Grand Rapids portrait photographer. Mom of four. Believer that your family — exactly as it is right now — is worth photographing.
This Started With My Own Kids
I'm Julie King — portrait photographer, Grand Rapids local, and mom of four. I didn't get into photography with some grand plan. I had kids, and I became a little obsessed with capturing them exactly as they were.
The problem was that my pictures didn't do it. They didn't look like them — not really, not the way I saw them. So I started studying. I read, practiced, and shot constantly. My own kids were my subjects for years — I took a genuinely embarrassing number of photos of them. Somewhere in all of that, something clicked.
I'm so glad I did it. I have photos of my kids at every age, in every season, and those images are some of the most important things I own. Children are a gift — I knew that then, and having those photos makes me feel it every time I look at them. That's what drives this work — capturing life, because you have a story worth telling.
What to Expect Working With Me
I know being in front of a camera can feel uncomfortable — especially for the people who are convinced they're "not photogenic." I hear that a lot. My job is to make it feel like something entirely different.
Before your session, we'll connect to go over locations and what to wear. And if you've got a kid who tends to be uncooperative in front of a camera, don't stress about that. That's my job to figure out during the session, not yours.
I try to catch the moments that happen naturally between people — and when they come, those are the best frames. Whatever it takes, my goal is images that feel like you.
A Few Things About Me
- Mom of four (they're all grown — believe me, it goes fast)
- Grand Rapids native, West Michigan lifer
- I love a good beach day, preferably Lake Michigan
- I've photographed seniors, families, newborns, and everything in between since 2006
What You Can Expect From Every Session
Experience You Can Feel
I've photographed every scenario, every temperament, every lighting condition West Michigan can throw at a session. It doesn't always go according to plan — but somehow, it always works out.
Sessions Built Around You
No cookie-cutter poses, no assembly-line feel. Every session is planned around your personality, your locations, and what matters to you — because that's what makes portraits actually look like you.
An Easy Process
From pre-session consultation to gallery delivery, I walk you through every step. You'll never wonder what happens next or feel like you're figuring it out on your own.
Images You'll Actually Use
The goal isn't just a gallery that sits in your inbox. I want you to print these, frame these, put them on your wall. I'll help you figure out how to do that too.
What Families Are Saying
★★★★★"Your work exceeded all my expectations — which were really high to begin with. The images are absolutely stunning."
★★★★★"Natasha was on cloud nine after the photoshoot last night. Thank you so much — she absolutely loved it."
★★★★★"So grateful for you and the way you pursue what you love! The photos turned out beautifully."
Ready to Work Together?
I'd love to hear about your family or your senior. Book a session or send me a message — I'll get back to you within one business day.