When did you start your business?

December 17, 1997

What is unique about your business?

I travel to my clients’ location.  With a new baby, moms need to keep them out of the public for their health and it’s a great time to show off the nursery.  For families, it’s best to add their own items in as part of their “set”.  Older people are much more comfortable in their own surroundings and it gives “place” for context of their lives.  All these things make the portrait much more personal and memorable.  I have many studio backgrounds and often take one along for a more traditional portrait for variety.

What products and or services do you provide?

I am a portrait and event photographer for families and businesses.  I personalize each session to the client.  I offer printed portraits on traditional photographic paper as well as artistic papers and canvas.  Clients can also have their images on wood, metal, acrylic and a host of novelty items.  I have framed my work and things clients bring to me from 4×5 to over 30×40 inch pieces. I have photographed houses for realtors for their on line listings.  That is interesting work and it’s fun to see what features they want to bring out.

Give us a little background history on your business.

I started my career as a way to preserve a family’s history and capture milestones.  I travel to where a newborn first opens his/her eyes and go to nursing facilities before a loved one closes their eyes for the last time.  I have worked with people from minutes old to over 103 years old. 

Are you running any specials? If so, for how long? 

I run specials for families in July and August, high school seniors in June, July and August. Children session specials are in March, October and November.

Do have any customer testimonials or quotes?

This one is my favorite.  The client is taking care of her 3 special needs siblings and I photographed their mom’s birthday party about 2 years before she passed away.

“I just want to say ‘thank you’ for making the photo album of my mom’s 80th birthday party.  It is Joe’s favorite. I keep it in his room because he looks at it so often.  Carolyn helps him name the people. Lots of them have passed.  But he gets so excited talking about them. Never think your work isn’t important!”  -Glora

What is the one thing everyone who hears about your business asks? What is your passion that keeps you fresh in your work? 

I take great pleasure in making people feel comfortable with me to show their true self.  When a parent says that’s my child’s real smile or silly grin, I feel like I’ve done my job perfectly.  I also enjoy working with the high school young people; they have new ideas and excitement and it stretches me keeps me looking at things like new.

Do you support a community charity?

I support the work of Green Gables Haven in Hastings.  The work they do is life changing and making a difference in the personal lives and the community.

Do you support any community events?

I photograph events in Hastings through the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and City of Hastings to promote family activities and businesses in the area. Examples are Gus Macker, Jingle and Mingle, Memorial Day Parade, Veteran’s Day Ceremony at Tyden Park, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Summerfest in Hastings, Thornapple Arts Council and others as called upon.

Anything else you would like to add?

I really enjoy my work.  I hope that my photographs enrich the lives of the people who receive them.  I frequently hear how people visiting our area see my photographs, let me know how much they enjoy them when they’ve stayed at the Holiday Inn in Hastings.

Do you have any upcoming events happening that we may mention in our advertisement?

The Green Gables Haven annual charity auction is February 8.  I will be there to photograph couples and give a donation to Green Gables from each photo purchased.

Be sure to contact Rose Hendershot at Photographic Memory!