Let's Talk
Family session in nature

Michigan Family Photography

The photos you
planned for.

And the ones you didn't.

GAUPERfamilies · West Michigan

★★★★★

GAUPERfamilies family session photo 1
GAUPERfamilies family session photo 2
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GAUPERfamilies family session photo 4

Looking for the WOW
and the AWW?

You're in the right place.

Family Photos Across Michigan Specializing in Extended Families Wall Art + Heirloom Albums
Portfolio

The whole family.
One place. One time.

Getting everyone together doesn't happen often. And when it finally does, that's not a regular day. That's an event worth capturing.

Ryan thrives in chaos. Large groups, big emotions, kids running in every direction, he's completely at home in all of it.

Every grouping gets done. Nobody stands around looking awkward. And when the formal groups are finished, he just lets everyone be together and that's usually when the real magic happens.

Ryan thrives in chaos. Every grouping gets done, nobody stands around looking awkward, he just lets everyone be together and that is when the real magic happens.

You'll get the photos your grandma wants on the wall. And the ones of the grandkids piling on grandpa that nobody planned for.

Book an Extended Session
Mother lifting laughing toddler in the air during golden hour candid family photography session Muskegon Michigan
Large extended family holding hands at golden hour sunset during West Michigan family photography session GAUPERfamilies
Family of five laughing together on a bench during candid family photography session best West Michigan family photographer
Large extended family group portrait with grandparents and grandchildren during West Michigan family photography session GAUPERfamilies
Young boy smiling while climbing a tree during candid extended family photography session Grand Rapids Michigan
Grandparents sharing a joyful laugh together during extended family photography session West Michigan GAUPERfamilies

A note from Holly

We did one extended family session before my last grandparents passed away. My grandma has been gone for a couple of years now, and the photo of just the two of us together smiling is one of the most meaningful things I own. I see my face in hers more than I ever remembered, and I can't imagine my life without that memory. I didn't do this before my other grandma passed away and I wish every day that I had.

Your grandparents won't be around forever. Neither will the little ones being little. Find a way to get everyone together.

Four siblings lying in the grass laughing together during candid family photography session West Michigan GAUPERfamilies
Candid portrait of young girl smiling up at camera during family photography session Grand Rapids Michigan
Family of six laughing together in tall grass during golden hour family photography session Grand Haven Michigan
Large extended family portrait on a dock at golden hour during West Michigan family photography session GAUPERfamilies
Candid portrait of young girl smiling up at camera during family photography session Grand Rapids Michigan
Young child laughing while being hugged from behind during candid family photography session Muskegon Michigan
Four siblings lying in the grass laughing together during candid family photography session West Michigan GAUPERfamilies
Family of six laughing together in tall grass during golden hour family photography session Grand Haven Michigan
Young girl hugging stuffed animal smiling at golden hour during candid child photography session West Michigan GAUPERfamilies

Don't skip a year.

A year from now you'll be so glad you did this. Two years from now you'll wish you'd done it sooner.

I had toddlers what feels like yesterday. Now my girls are 9 and 6. I have found that our kids love our photos together so it's not just about our memories, but theirs as well.

Ryan photographs kids the way they actually are. Playful, silly, a little unpredictable. He knows when to be a goofball and when to step back. We edit with true-to-life colors and focus on their real personalities.

Just your family, exactly as they are right now.

Book a Family Session

Simple from
start to finish.

The hardest part is getting everyone in the same place. We handle everything else.

The Process

01
Let's Talk

A quick call or email. We'll figure out the best location for your family, talk through timing, and answer any questions. Easy.

02
The Session

Ryan shows up, we shoot. Formals first so everyone is fresh, then we let things get real. Most sessions run 1 to 2 hours depending on your package.

03
Your Gallery

Your fully edited gallery is delivered online within 3 weeks. Every image is color corrected and ready to download, print, or share. No expiration, ever.

04
Your Album

If your package includes an album, Holly custom designs every spread. You review it, we refine it, and it ships to your door ready to put on the shelf.

The Process

01
Let's Talk

A quick call or email. Best location, timing, any questions. Easy.

02
The Session

Ryan shows up, formals first, then we let things get real. Most sessions run 1 to 2 hours.

03
Your Gallery

Fully edited gallery delivered online within 3 weeks. No expiration, ever.

04
Your Album

Holly custom designs every spread. You review, we refine, it ships to your door.

Mother holding laughing daughter at golden hour during candid family photography session West Michigan GAUPERfamilies
Young girl with blue eyes and pigtails smiling during candid child portrait session Grand Rapids Michigan GAUPERfamilies
Father helping baby take first steps in the water during candid family photography session Muskegon Michigan
Family of four silhouetted holding hands on sand dunes at sunset during West Michigan family photography session GAUPERfamilies

Simple, honest pricing.

Sessions range from $699 to $1,399 depending on session length, group size, and whether you add an heirloom album. Every session includes fully edited high-resolution images, an online gallery with no expiration, and delivery within 3 weeks.

We'd rather talk through what's right for your family than have you pick from a menu. Get in touch and we'll put together exactly what you need.

Get in Touch

Every session includes

  • Fully edited high-resolution images
  • Online gallery, no expiration
  • Delivery within 3 weeks
  • All groupings and candid moments

Available add-ons

  • Heirloom album, custom designed by Holly
  • Extended session time
  • Rush delivery
  • Wall art consultation

Mini Sessions

$399 · 20 edited images.
Short session. Real memories. Worth every penny.

Book an anytime mini at Muskegon State Park ($450), or join our Facebook group to get notified when we schedule dates in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and beyond.

Muskegon State Park
Grand Rapids + Kalamazoo
20 Edited Images
Join the Facebook Group

Mini Sessions

$399
20 edited images.

Anytime at Muskegon State Park ($450), or join our group for scheduled dates in Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo.

Join the Facebook Group

Muskegon
State Park

GR +
Kalamazoo

20 Edited
Images

About UsAbout Us
The Gauper Family

Meet the Gaupers.

We started GAUPERphoto when we got married 19 years ago and landed on families and weddings as our specialties because they share the same energy. Every relationship is unique, kids are unpredictable, and no matter what happens, memories are being made.

Ryan photographs all of our family work. He is the calmest person you will ever meet, incredible at getting everyone arranged, and then stepping back to let the real moments happen. He photographs kids the way they actually are. Silly, distracted, a little wild. He thinks that's the whole point. He gets it all.

Holly edits every photo we have ever delivered. Every single one. Warm, timeless, true-to-life. She also custom designs every heirloom album by hand. We show up for every session like it is the most important one we have ever done, because for you, it is.

We started GAUPERphoto when we got married 19 years ago and have photographed just about everything you could photograph, but landed on specializing in families and weddings since they share the same style of work. Families are always so fun to photograph because every relationship is unique, kids are unpredictable, and no matter what happens, memories are being made. Over time, the value of those images only grows.

We value our own family so much and since having our girls, have felt the time flying by so fast. We didn't make time for yearly family sessions when they were really little and we always wish we had. We do now, and it is never too late.

Ryan photographs all of our family work. He is calm under pressure, the most calm person you will ever meet and he is incredible at getting everyone arranged, keeping energy high, and then stepping back to let the real moments happen. His background in wedding photography means he can read a room instantly, move fast, and never miss the shot that matters.

He photographs kids the way they actually are. Silly, distracted, a little wild. He thinks that's the whole point. The best family photo isn't just the one where everyone is perfectly still. It's the one that actually looks like your family. He gets both.

Holly edits every photo we have ever delivered. Every single one. She edits with true-to-life colors and a warm, timeless tone that isn't following trends but will stand the test of time. She also custom designs every heirloom album by hand, treating each one like a piece of art worth passing down.

We built GAUPERfamilies around something simple: the belief that your family deserves photos as beautiful as the life you are living. We are parents and we deeply understand how important family photos are. We show up for every session like it is the most important one we have ever shot and edited, because for you, it is.

What everyone is saying…

What everyone is saying…

Recognized by

Good questions. Real answers.

Absolutely, and honestly some of our favorite sessions happen at places that mean something to the family. A cabin up north where everyone gathers every summer. A grandparent's backyard. Your own home. Those locations add a layer of meaning to the photos that a park simply can't. If you have a spot in mind, bring it up when you reach out.
Most family sessions run between one and two hours. Extended family sessions with larger groups typically run closer to two hours to make sure we get through every grouping and still have time for candids. Mini sessions are 30 minutes.
We're based in West Michigan and shoot all over the area. State parks, beaches, dunes, farms, and anywhere else that fits your family's vibe. We shoot all along the lakeshore. If you have a location in mind, great. If not, we'll suggest something that works for your family size and the time of year.
Coordination, not matching. Pick a color palette of two or three tones that complement each other and let everyone interpret it in their own way. Avoid busy patterns, bright shirts and logos. Layers, textures, and neutral earth tones photograph beautifully. When in doubt, reach out and we'll help you figure it out.
The best light happens in the hour or two before sunset and it makes a real difference in your photos. When you're planning your session, especially with little ones, it's worth thinking about naps and schedules ahead of time so everyone shows up happy and rested. We'll work with you to find a time that works for your family and makes the most of that golden hour light.
A 50% deposit is due at booking to hold your date. The remaining balance is due the day after your session.
Two sisters laughing and hugging at golden hour during West Michigan family photography session GAUPERfamilies
Couple sharing a tender forehead touch moment during candid family photography session Grand Rapids Michigan
Young girl with red hair sitting on a log fence smiling during fall family photography session Grand Haven Michigan
Candid family moment during golden hour family photography session West Michigan GAUPERfamilies
Family laughing together during candid family photography session West Michigan GAUPERfamilies
Two sisters hugging and laughing in golden field during Muskegon family photography session GAUPERfamilies

Don't let another year go by.
Let's get you on the calendar.

We respond quickly and there is never any pressure. Just tell us a little about your family and we will take it from there.

Two sisters laughing and hugging at golden hour during West Michigan family photography session by GAUPERfamilies
Couple sharing a tender forehead touch moment during candid family photography session Grand Rapids Michigan
Two sisters hugging and laughing in golden field during Muskegon family photography session GAUPERfamilies
Father and young daughter sharing a quiet forehead to forehead moment during candid family photography session West Michigan
Young girl with red hair sitting on a log fence smiling during fall family photography session Grand Haven Michigan
Mother daughter and grandmother laughing together during maternity and family photography session West Michigan GAUPERfamilies
Two little girls twirling in dresses at golden hour during candid family photography session Ludington Michigan
Father lifting laughing daughter during candid family photography session best West Michigan family photographer GAUPERfamilies
Dad with three kids piled on him laughing in wildflower field during Grand Rapids family photography session GAUPERfamilies
Toddler peeking between parents legs sticking out tongue during candid family photography session Muskegon Michigan
Extended family group portrait under wooden pavilion during family photography session best West Michigan family photographer
Young girl in pink dress laughing candidly during Grand Rapids family photography session GAUPERfamilies Michigan