Amy's Story - How we landed on a farm….
My husband and I used to live an adventurous life. We worked and lived for 3 months at an orphanage in Guatemala. We spent an entire summer traveling in Africa. We took teens on long backwoods canoe trips into northern Canada.
And then we began the adventure of parenting... which was the main event in terms of adventure for about 13 years! During those 13 years we dreamed of moving out of the city.... but it was a dream we didn't quite have the courage to move on.
At some point, it dawned on us that we were raising our kids, telling them they could make their dreams happen with courage, faith, and hard work - all while we were modeling sitting scared in the city. So in 2013, we decided it was time to flip that narrative and risk much for a dream... we took a leap and landed on 70 acres!
It has not been without worry and fear - it has not always felt "safe" to do this, but it does feel right. And I know that I will never regret modeling a life of courage, even if taking a risk involves some failures.
I can't do Life Solo...
...and absolutely love surrounding myself with people whose gifts outshine my own. I am joined by 5 strong women who I admire and depend on - and specializing in this way, we each have the joy of doing the work that we are most gifted for & passionate about.
I care so much about not just the quality of your images, but the quality of your experience. Each of the women on my team were chosen not only for extraordinary talent, but for the exceptional way they engage with people. They bring the calm... the playful... the style... the energy that make AKP what it is!
{PHotographer}
Hannah
- Hometown: British Columbia, CA
- Favorites: Sunset drives with the music up and the windows down, ice cream, traveling, beach volleyball, and bare feet in the sand
- Her family says: she's joyful, outgoing, present
- Background: Degree in graphic design, taught photography to at-risk girls in India, traveled and photographed throughout Europe. Getting married summer of 2023!!!
- Expertise: Hannah LOVES families and kids - she has the joyful energy to corral and entertain your littles! She is great with sr. pics and newborns as well.
- View Hannah's work {here}
{PHotographer
& Owner}
amy
- Hometown: Milford, MI
- Favorites: Restoring the land and buildings on our farm: Permaculture orchard, organic gardening, pasture-raised animals, exterior and interior building design, & loving on my 4 teen/young adult kiddos.
- Her family says: she's got garden dirt on her hands and knees, loves meeting new people, and keeps a full social calendar : )
- Background: Started AKP and shooting professionally over 15 years ago
- Expertise: People. While I do quite a bit of commercial work (I've photographed a book, clothing brands, food, etc.) my favorite work always involves people. I love families, babies, kids and teens.
{PHotographer}
Candice
- Hometown: Lowell, MI - where she married her love, Aaron, in a park in the fall
- Favorite food: Ethiopian & Indian
- Favorite Activity: Hunting for vintage treasures/ curating beautiful spaces
- Her family says: she's kind, creative, genuine
- Background: Art degree, Lived in NYC in and worked in fashion photography
- Expertise: Has photographed 3500 newborns in her career, & loves photographing families & sr. pics in wide open spaces!
- View Candice's work {here}
{photographer}
Francesca
- Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI born & raised
- Favorite things to do: gardening, reading, & boxing!
- Her family says: she’s thoughtful, intentional, and always compassionate.
- Background: She has done photography in many countries around the globe, photographed dozens of weddings, and been lead photographer for the cover shoot for Verily Magazine!
- Expertise: Finding the perfect light to compliment her subjects
- View Francesca's work {here}
{Client Manager,
Products & Design}
Aubreii
- Hometown: Grand Rapids, MI
- Favorite things to do: Writing, graphic design, and spending time with the kids - especially visiting the local lakes in the summer, and parks, museums, and the zoo all year.
- Her family says: she's friendly, energetic, talkative
- Background: 13+ years working with the clients of AKP! Aubreii is kind, patient & helpful beyond words!
- Expertise: Design, product knowledge, but most especially working with people.
{Editor}
Camila
- Hometown: Buenos Aires, Argentina. Camila & her husband left everything and started a new life when Manual's job relocated them to Ann Arbor.
- Favorite things to do: Travel!!! Watching movies, playing with make-up, trying new restaurants.
- Her family says: she's funny, passionate, friendly
- Background: Multimedia design degree, video work, all things Adobe
- Expertise: Telling stories with pictures - using editing to enhance a narrative
My Idea is Simple…
....take unforced photos of real experiences. At the farm studio, you will find few "props" and certainly no fake backdrops. What you will find are countless objects and locations of understated beauty. There are animals, a great farm swing, 70 acres of woods, meadows, a pond... you get the idea. Real places, real memories.
Maybe you are ready for a new photo experience, or maybe you're looking to stretch creatively, and try one of our workshops or retreats to learn something new. Whatever brings you to the farm, we want to welcome you like family and help you discover a new photography experience.
