Some birds are misunderstood.

People think of the Wild Turkey as odd — until they really stop and look.

The iridescence.
The confidence.
The unapologetic swagger.

Wild turkeys are ancient-feeling birds, full of ritual and intelligence, moving through the landscape with surprising grace.

When Xandra smiled and chose the turkey, I immediately understood why.

“There’s a little wild in me,” she said. And there absolutely is.

How We Met

I first met Xandra on the beaches of Grand Haven State Park at sunset.

We struck up one of those conversations that immediately feels familiar — like two people recognizing something in each other.

We later reconnected in my studio, and eventually photographed at the home and land she’s been tending near Pickerel Lake Park.

It felt meaningful getting to know her across multiple landscapes:

• the shoreline
• the studio
• the home

Because Xandra herself feels deeply tied to place, movement, and return.

Who She Is

Xandra’s mantra is: “love more. feel more. dance more.”

And honestly? That energy radiates from her.

She has spent years vending vegan food at festivals, facilitating womb-centered retreats, creating talismans, and building community through ritual, movement, nourishment, and care.

Music and dance led her across many different places.

And then… life called her home.

Over the last year, Xandra has shifted inward — tending less to crowds and more to:

• herself
• her family
• her home
• the land around her

She spoke about the challenge of developing roots after years of movement, and about how her younger brother’s journey also pulled her back toward grounded presence and care.

There’s wisdom in Xandra. The kind that comes from intentionally choosing healing.

Why the Wild Turkey

Wild turkeys are surprisingly beautiful birds.

Their feathers shimmer with:

• bronze
• copper
• green
• gold
• deep brown iridescence

And their heads?

Bright blue and red — almost ceremonial in appearance.

Turkeys are also deeply social and protective birds, often moving together in flocks and communicating constantly with each other through calls and body language.

But perhaps most importantly: They know how to survive.

Wild turkeys nearly disappeared from Michigan in the early 1900s before conservation efforts helped restore them. Now they confidently roam neighborhoods, forests, and even city streets — stopping traffic with complete certainty that they belong there.

That confidence felt deeply aligned with Xandra.

She carries wildness. But also resilience.

The Look

We built Xandra’s look around the turkey’s rich, iridescent palette:

• Brazil Nut and Patchwork stretch denim
• Cerulean blue rayon jersey top
• Oxblood red scarf tied as a kerchief
• Brazil Nut crinkle rayon shrug
• Large dark brown linen-rayon scarf for movement

The draped scarves became wings.

The blues and reds mirrored the turkey’s striking face.

And Xandra added blue eye makeup and a red clown nose — an homage both to the bird and to her own playful clowning practice.

It worked perfectly. There was humor and ceremony, too.

The Session

We photographed around her home and eventually wandered toward Pickerel Lake.

The gardens were alive. The grass roof glowed green. And then we reached the boardwalk.

At one point, Xandra climbed onto the railing, and the wind caught her scarves completely.

For a second, she looked airborne.

Her movements carried both softness and authority. Years of dance and ritual work lived inside her body language. You could feel the confidence that comes from someone who has spent time listening deeply to themselves.

A Season of Returning

What struck me most about Xandra was this: She could have kept moving forever. Festival to festival. City to city. Crowd to crowd. But instead, she chose to root.

And there’s something sacred about that.

The wild turkey doesn’t migrate long distances. It stays connected to the land that sustains it. That felt symbolic.

This season of Xandra’s life isn’t about escape. It’s about embodiment.

Color Connection

The Wild Turkey palette is earthy but regal:

• Brazil Nut brown → grounding, wisdom, nourishment
• Oxblood red → vitality, ritual, rooted passion
• Cerulean blue → communication, expression, emotional depth
• Black and dark brown → protection, steadiness, mystery

Together, these colors create something ancient and alive.

A reminder that groundedness doesn’t have to be boring. It can shimmer.

Coming Home to Yourself

There’s a kind of energy people carry when they’ve done the work.

They don’t spill chaos into every room because they’ve learned how to sit with themselves first.

Xandra carries that energy. Watching her dance through the grasses and take flight on the boardwalk felt healing — not because she was pretending to be the bird… but because she had already become someone deeply at home in her own wildness.

Find Your Bird

Sometimes the bird you choose reflects who you’ve always been.

And sometimes…

It reflects the version of yourself you’re finally allowing to emerge.

Whether your inspiration comes from birds, color, movement, ritual, or play—

I’d love to help you build a look that feels alive in your body.

Let’s see what’s waiting to take flight.

Some birds are large and commanding.

And some…

Are small, precise, and startlingly powerful.

The American Kestrel is North America’s smallest falcon — a bird known for its speed, intelligence, and ability to hover perfectly still before striking with intention.

When Kes stepped into the Michigan Birds series, the choice was immediate.

This wasn’t just a bird they admired.

It was already part of them.

How We Met

Kes shares a partner in common with a recent portrait subject, Jules the Crow, and we fit this portrait session into a brief window between their studies abroad.

From the moment we met, I could feel their attentiveness.

Kes listens the way birders do — observant, curious, fully present.

And they are a birder through and through.

The kind of person who can tell you migration patterns, habitat rhythms, and the hidden behaviors of Michigan birds with deep care and precision.

Who They Are

Originally from Grand Rapids, Kes is currently pursuing a master’s degree in the social dynamics of conflict and migration through the IMISCOE research network, based in Liège, Belgium. Next year, they’ll continue their studies in Neuchâtel, Switzerland — the only American in their cohort.

That willingness to step into unfamiliar spaces struck me deeply.

When I asked where that courage came from, they spoke about their mother.

Despite life’s challenges, she built a sustainable farm full of chickens, alpacas, and interconnected wildlife — creating a life rooted in resilience, adaptation, and care for the ecosystem around her.

You can feel that same spirit in Kes.

They move through the world thoughtfully.
Intentionally.
With openness to complexity and difference.

Kes identifies as agender and asexual and is part of a polyamorous relationship structure — all things they speak about not performatively, but with grounded clarity and honesty.

There’s a steadiness to them.

A grace in the way they communicate who they are.

Why the American Kestrel

The American Kestrel may be small, but it is fierce.

• It can hover midair while scanning for movement below
• It sees ultraviolet light, allowing it to track trails invisible to humans
• It adapts easily across environments — fields, cities, forests, and farmland
• Despite its size, it is a skilled and efficient hunter

Kestrels are observant.

They wait.
They study.
Then they move with precision.

That felt deeply aligned with Kes.

There’s intelligence in the way they engage the world — thoughtful observation paired with quiet confidence.

And then there’s the literal connection:

Kes has a kestrel tattooed across their chest.

They told me they’d always wanted to dress as this bird.

And watching them finally embody it felt electric.

The Look

We built Kes’ look around the natural tones of the kestrel:

• Dark brown stretch wide-leg denim
• Blue-gray belt
• Chamois rayon jersey top
• Golden brown wrinkle rayon wrap tied as a shrug
• Long black rayon scarf for movement
• Soft orange wristbands representing kestrel feet

The palette felt grounded and alive all at once.

Warm browns met cool grays, creating the same striking contrast found in the bird’s plumage.

And the drape mattered.

As someone with sensory needs, Kes lit up when the fabrics settled comfortably across their shoulders and hooded around their body.

The softness allowed them to play.

The Session

We met at Huff Park in the quiet of the morning.

By 11:00 a.m., sunlight was filtering through the trees and the park felt completely alive.

Birdsong echoed through the wetlands.
The playground stood empty.
The world felt open.

Kes climbed trees.
Balanced on playground structures.
Moved through the space with alertness and curiosity — like a small falcon testing the wind.

And then something shifted.

The more comfortable they became in the clothing and the landscape, the more playful they grew.

That childlike joy unlocked something in me too.

I love witnessing people play.

Because when someone else allows themselves freedom, it gives the rest of us permission too.

Color Connection

The American Kestrel palette is earthy but vivid:

• Golden brown → warmth, adaptability, grounded energy
• Dark brown → steadiness and resilience
• Blue gray → perception, intelligence, calm observation
• Chamois → softness and approachability
• Orange accents → vitality and movement

Together, these colors created a look that felt both ancient and youthful.

Like someone deeply rooted…
yet ready to fly.

A Falcon in Morning Light

There was a moment where Kes stood against the morning sky, wrapped in brown fabric, eyes sharp and attentive.

And suddenly the resemblance became undeniable.

Not because they were pretending to be the bird.

But because they had finally found a visual language for something that already lived inside them.

Find Your Bird

Sometimes self-expression isn’t about becoming someone new.

It’s about recognizing yourself clearly for the first time.

Whether your inspiration comes from a bird, a memory, a texture, or a feeling—

I’d love to help you build a look that reflects the truth already living inside you.

Let’s see what takes flight.

Some birds surprise you.

The Bufflehead may be small, but when sunlight hits its feathers, flashes of iridescent purple, green, blue, and bright white suddenly appear across its dark body.

It transforms in the light.

That’s what it felt like photographing Denisha Holland.

As the evening unfolded and she settled into the rhythm of the forest, something shifted. Her confidence expanded. Her movements softened. Her smile widened.

And slowly…

She became the bird.

How We Met

Denisha and I met through Lindy Hop classes at Rapid Rhythms.

I’ve loved watching her move across the dance floor over the past year — especially during our planetary fashion show, where she fully embraced movement, rhythm, and play.

There’s something deeply meaningful about getting to know someone through dance before photographing them.

Movement reveals trust.
Comfort.
Joy.

And Denisha carries all three.

Who She Is

Denisha is a 5th-grade teacher and graduated from Michigan State University in 2023 with a degree in education. She loves watching children’s minds develop and grow — helping them become more confident, curious, and capable.

That nurturing energy carries into every part of her life.

She has been with her husband, Tyler, since high school, where they first met in history and science class. Their relationship deepened through college at Michigan State and strengthened further when they moved in together during the uncertainty of Covid.

Together they love:

• games
• movies
• music
• building a life rooted in companionship

But outside of that partnership, Denisha has something entirely her own:

Swing dance.

And you can feel how alive it makes her.

Why the Bufflehead

The Bufflehead duck is one of Michigan’s most visually dynamic waterfowl.

Though small in size, the males shimmer with:

• iridescent purples
• emerald greens
• deep blues
• bright white contrast

They are quick-moving, playful, and often difficult to fully catch in motion.

Buffleheads are also cavity nesters — often returning to spaces that feel safe and protected.

That combination of vibrancy and groundedness felt deeply aligned with Denisha.

She is warm and nurturing, but also playful.

Steady, yet full of movement.

The kind of person whose confidence unfolds gradually as comfort grows.

The Look

We built Denisha’s look by layering around pieces she already had, allowing the styling to feel collaborative and natural:

• Shift dress base layer
• Magenta rayon scarf tied as a shirt and a rayon bracelet
• Kingfisher wrap top and a rayon bracelet
• Green scarf headband
• Brazil Nut scarf belt and wrinkle rayon wrap for movement

The colors mirrored the Bufflehead’s iridescence beautifully — flashes of jewel tones against grounding neutrals.

The contrast made her glow.

The Session

We photographed at Ball Perkins Park, wandering through mountain bike trails and wetlands alive with sound.

Birdsong echoed through the trees.
Frogs hummed from the water’s edge.
Everything felt alive.

Denisha, Tyler (just outside the frame), and I wandered through the forest together, chasing the last pieces of sunlight as they filtered through the trees.

At first, Denisha moved carefully.

Then gradually…

She opened.

Her shoulders relaxed.
Her laughter grew louder.
Her movements became freer.

By the end of the session, it genuinely felt like she had grown three inches taller.

That’s the part I love most about these portraits.

Watching someone step into themselves in real time.

Color Connection

The Bufflehead’s colors are all about contrast and reflection:

• Kingfisher blue → confidence and communication
• Emerald green → growth and vitality
• Magenta → expression and warmth
• Brazil Nut → grounding and steadiness

Together they create movement.

Depth.

A reminder that softness and strength can exist side by side.

A Bird in Bloom

Watching Denisha become the Bufflehead was joyful to witness behind the camera lens.

Not because she changed into someone else, but because she relaxed enough to become more fully herself.

And sometimes that’s all these sessions really are: An invitation to bloom.

Find Your Bird

Every person carries colors, movements, and symbols that already belong to them.

Sometimes it’s a bird.
Sometimes it’s a feeling.
Sometimes it’s simply the permission to play again.

If you’re ready to explore what comes alive in you—

Let’s build a look together and see what takes flight.

Some birds migrate alone.

Others find a companion and begin to move through the world in rhythm.

That’s what it felt like photographing Wren and Justice.

The Lazuli Bunting and the Baltimore Oriole.

Two vivid birds.
Two distinct personalities.
Two colors that somehow make each other brighter.

How We Met

I met Wren and Justice through Lindy Hop classes at Rapid Rhythms.

Wren leads in class, and over the past year we’ve shared long conversations while moving across the dance floor together. There’s something deeply comforting about being led by someone who listens through movement.

As an identical twin, I’ve always been fascinated by mirroring — the way bodies sync, soften, and communicate without words.

And around Wren and Justice…

My body rests.

They create that kind of safety.

Who They Are

On their own, both women are confident.

But together?

They sparkle.

A smile appears.
Shoulders drop.
Eyes soften.

You can feel the comfort they offer each other.

They met in high school when Justice gave Wren her first deck of Magic: The Gathering cards — a detail Wren remembered years later when they unexpectedly reunited behind the meat counter at Horrocks.

Justice got so nervous from the attention that she immediately left.

But she kept coming back.

For months, she bought sausage from Wren’s counter — despite not even eating it — simply to have a reason to see her. She cooked it for coworkers instead.

Eventually, a shared love of painting Magic miniatures became their opening into something deeper.

And now?

They are building a life rooted in play, creativity, movement, and care.

Healing Through Love

Not everyone receives the kind of love they needed growing up.

Justice’s mother had her young, and she was largely raised by her aunts.

Wren’s mother struggled in ways that required distance and boundaries.

And yet…

Instead of hardening, they softened.

Justice talked about learning to forgive her mother by witnessing her growth over time — understanding that healing is messy and human.

Watching Wren and Justice together, you can feel how much they mother one another now.

Not in control.
Not in perfection.

But in gentleness.

In attention.
In comfort.
In the simple act of staying.

Why These Birds

Wren as the Lazuli Bunting

The Lazuli Bunting is a small songbird known for its brilliant turquoise-blue feathers and warm cinnamon tones.

The males are especially vibrant during breeding season — glowing against the landscape like little moving pieces of sky.

They are energetic, expressive birds, often singing from open branches where they can fully be seen and heard.

Wren immediately resonated with these shades.

She shared that aquamarines and teals were colors she naturally wore when she was younger — before adulthood and practicality muted some of that playfulness.

And when she stepped into those tones again…

Something reopened.

Justice as the Baltimore Oriole

The Baltimore Oriole is impossible to ignore.

Bright orange-yellow against deep black, they move through trees like living embers.

Orioles are also known for weaving intricate hanging nests — carefully crafting spaces for safety and belonging.

That felt deeply aligned with Justice.

She is nurturing.
Patient.
Protective.

A woman who creates spaces where people can soften.

The Looks

Wren — Lazuli Bunting

• Aquamarine rayon square scarf as a shirt
• Wrinkle rayon aquamarine wrap tied as a shrug
• Celadon rayon scarf for draping
• Chamoise stretch denim wide-leg pants
• Celadon wristbands

The palette felt airy and fluid — like water meeting sky.

Justice — Baltimore Oriole

• Deep yellow cotton circle skirt
• Cerulean blue stretch rayon top
• Marigold and deep yellow hoodie
• Rayon scarf for movement
• Rayon scarf rose tied at the neck

The warm yellows made her glow.

Together, the teal and gold played against each other beautifully — distinct, but harmonious.

The Session

We photographed around Rockford Dam, a place that grounded me deeply as a child.

The rushing water has always brought me peace.

And bringing these autistic women into a sensory space that also calms my nervous system felt profound.

There’s a knowing that happens when you’re around people whose bodies move through the world like yours.

Not identical.

But compatible.

We wandered through grasses, laughed at geese, and danced into the evening as pink lights began glowing around us.

The water rushed beside us.

And for a moment…

Everything softened.

Comfort Before Play

One thing Wren shared stayed with me.

When they first met, their wardrobes were different. Wren wore tighter lace pieces, dressing more for expectation than comfort.

Justice slowly introduced her to softer clothing. Looser silhouettes. Fabrics that allowed her body to rest.

And then…

They started playing.

That feels important.

We often think self-expression starts with boldness.

But sometimes it starts with comfort.

With finally feeling safe enough in your body to explore joy.

Color Connection

The Lazuli Bunting and Baltimore Oriole are both birds of visibility.

• Teal → openness, communication, emotional flow
• Gold → warmth, optimism, vitality
• Black accents → grounding, clarity, protection

Together, these colors created something alive.

Not performative.

Authentic.

A Shared Flight

Watching Wren and Justice in these looks was visually stunning.

But more than that…

It was healing to witness.

To watch two people love each other into fuller self-expression.

To watch comfort become play.
And play become freedom.

Their joy fed me.

And I think that’s what authentic self-expression does.

When we embody it fully,
we give others permission to soften into themselves too.

Find Your Bird

Sometimes your bird reflects who you are alone. And sometimes…

It reflects who you become when someone finally sees you clearly.

Whether your expression takes the form of a bird, a color palette, or an entirely different kind of fantasy—

I’d love to help you build a look that feels like home in your body.

Let’s see what takes flight.

Some birds don’t need color to stand out.

They hold the whole sky in shadow.

When Jules stepped into the Michigan Birds series, the choice was immediate:

The Crow.

Not flashy.
Not decorative.
But deeply aware.

How We Met

Jules and I met at Rapid Rhythms’ Lindy Hop nights at the studio — those Monday evenings where movement and connection blur together.

We share a similar sense of humor.

And every time I dance with Jules, I leave smiling.

There’s an ease to them.
A grounded presence that doesn’t try too hard.

Who They Are

Jules is 27, trans-masculine, and originally from South Elgin, Illinois.

They studied at Northern Illinois University and now work at Michigan Works — helping people step more fully into their roles, their responsibilities, their potential.

They’re good with people.

You can feel it immediately.

There’s an intuition there — likely shaped by years of navigating different spaces, reading rooms, and understanding what others need before it’s said.

They’ve moved around.
Shifted environments.
Built new rhythms.

And instead of resisting change…

They chose curiosity.

They chose joy.

Why the Crow

Crows are among the most intelligent birds in the world.

• They use tools — sticks, hooks, even bending wires to solve problems
• They can recognize human faces and remember them for years
• They pass knowledge down — even holding grudges across generations
• They play, problem-solve, and adapt in complex environments

They don’t just survive.

They figure things out.

That felt like Jules.

They’ve navigated spaces that didn’t fit.
Walked away from work that didn’t align.
Found their way into something that feels more honest.

They know how to read people.
They know how to adjust.
They know when to ground themselves — like putting their hands in the grass after a long day.

Crows recognize good people.

So does Jules.

The Look

We built Jules’ look in Hot Black from head to toe:

• Stretch denim black pants
• Hand-sewn rayon jersey black top
• Square wrap tied as a satchel
• Long black rayon scarf for movement

The textures mattered.

Soft.
Touch-forward.
Comfortable in the body.

There was something deeply satisfying about dressing Jules — I joked they felt like the Ken doll I had as a kid. Clean lines, strong silhouette, endless possibilities.

The look was simple.

But powerful.

The Session

We photographed at Millennium Park, wandering through trees and down into the riverbed.

At one point, the trees opened up — and suddenly it was just sky.

Grasses stretching wide.
Clouds expanding above.

Jules stood there, small against the vastness — but completely grounded.

Their silhouette was steady.

And then they moved.

Playful. Curious. Engaging with the environment like it was something to explore, not just observe.

I found myself chasing after them with the camera — trying to keep up with their rhythm.

A Playful Mind

In their spare time, Jules goes clowning.

Dressing up with friends.
Making strangers laugh.
Finding joy in the unexpected.

And that tracks.

Because crows?

They play.

They slide down snowy roofs.
They drop objects mid-air just to catch them again.
They engage the world as if it were something to experiment with.

There’s intelligence there.

But also delight.

Color Connection

Black is often misunderstood.

But it holds:

• clarity
• direction
• strength
• presence

It doesn’t distract.

It focuses.

For Jules, black wasn’t about hiding.

It was about knowing exactly who they are.

A Steady Gaze

There was something about the way Jules looked at the world.

Alert.
Present.
Aware.

Like nothing was getting past them.

Like they were exactly where they were supposed to be.

Find Your Bird

Some birds are bright.

Some are soft.

And some…

See everything.

If you’re ready to step into a look that reflects what’s already inside you — your intelligence, your play, your presence—

Let’s build it together.

Let’s find your bird.

April 21–23, millions of birds crossed the night sky — navigating by stars, magnetic fields, and sound. Among them, the Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only hummingbird that makes its way into Michigan. We were talking about feeders, about that first sighting of the season, when Tina paused:

“I think I need to be a hummingbird.”

And just like that, the direction shifted.

How We Met

I’ve known Tina for a few years — brought together by fashion, entrepreneurship, and neurodiversity.

Our paths kept crossing and sparking.

At Rewind — the vintage shop she runs with her husband Caleb — we’ve partnered on live dash-dye events. Rewind isn’t just a store. It’s a rhythm. Music, movement, community, brand ambassadors, fashion shows — a space where people are invited to shine. Check out: https://www.rewindgrandrapids.com/

Tina builds that kind of energy.

And she shares it.

Who She Is

Tina is sparkles and leather.

Vintage cardigans, tees, wild accessories — a style that feels both grounded and electric.

But there’s more underneath.

She’s walked through seasons of pain — health challenges that made even simple movement difficult. And in that process, she rebuilt her relationship with her body.

Pain does that.

It breaks things open…
and gives you a chance to put them back together in different ways.

Tina chose to rebuild with joy.

She chose creativity.
She chose to keep going.

And being around her? It’s contagious. She brings energy back to your own dreams.

Why the Hummingbird

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is small — but don’t let that fool you.

• It beats its wings up to 50 times per second
• It can hover, fly backward, and pivot mid-air
• It migrates thousands of miles, sometimes crossing the Gulf of Mexico in one nonstop flight
• The male’s throat flashes ruby only in the right light — otherwise it appears dark

It is a study in precision, resilience, and transformation.

That felt like Tina.

Active at night.
Constantly moving ideas forward.
Bright when the light hits just right.

A force you feel before you fully understand.

The Look

We built Tina’s look around the hummingbird’s iridescence:

• Emerald green wide-leg stretch denim
• Burgundy dyed wild rag worn as a shirt (the “ruby” throat)
• Emerald rayon wrap styled as a shrug
• Raven black accents for grounding and movement

The palette shifted as she moved — green to dark to glowing red — just like the bird in sunlight.

She didn’t just wear color.

She caught it.

The Session

We moved between two spaces:

• Apple blossoms at Robinette’s Apple Haus & Winery
• Sunlit paths at Provin Trails Park

Blossoms. Trees. Open sky.

Tina floated between them.

She paused to smell, to notice, to engage — as she belonged to the landscape. Her smile came easily. Her laughter carried. There was a lightness in her movement — not forced, just found again.

It felt like watching someone return to themselves.

Color Connection

Hummingbirds live in iridescence — colors that shift with angle and light.

• Emerald → growth, renewal, heart energy
• Ruby/Burgundy → vitality, courage, life force
• Black → depth, contrast, grounding

Together, they tell a story:

You can be soft and strong.
Small and powerful.
Wounded and radiant.

Tina chose these colors.

And in doing so, she chose to be seen.

A Spark in Motion

There’s a moment with hummingbirds — you almost miss them.

Then suddenly—

They’re there.

A flash. A hum. A presence.

That’s Tina.

A spark in motion.
A builder of spaces.
A reminder that joy is something we practice — not wait for.

Find Your Bird (or Your Becoming)

This series isn’t just about birds.

It’s about finding the shape, color, and movement that reflect who you are right now.

Sometimes that’s a bird.
Sometimes it’s a feeling.
Sometimes it’s a version of you that’s been waiting.

If you’re ready to explore it—

Come play with color.
Build a look that moves with you.
And let’s see what takes flight.

Some birds don’t blend in.

They appear like a spark — sudden, vivid, unforgettable.

When Amber stepped into the Michigan Birds series, she already knew she needed a red bird.

And the Scarlet Tanager called to her.

How We Met

I met Amber after my Cosmic Bodies fashion show. She was modeling for another designer, and we found ourselves in conversation about neurodiversity, soft fabrics, and color — the kinds of things that don’t usually come up unless someone feels the world deeply.

At the time, her hair was a striking red. She stood out. Not loudly — but unmistakably — and I knew she had to be part of this series.

Who She Is

Amber describes herself simply: A free spirit.

Someone who craves adventure, new experiences, and the freedom to explore life as it unfolds.

But beneath that lightness is depth. Her path hasn’t been simple — navigating the instability of foster care and relationships that didn’t always hold her well.

And still… She found her footing.

Through fashion.
Through dance.
Through choosing herself.

Amber is intuitive. Resilient. Grounded in a way that doesn’t need to prove itself.

She doesn’t need to say much. You feel it.

Why the Scarlet Tanager

The Scarlet Tanager is one of Michigan’s most striking birds — a brilliant red body with deep black wings. But despite its bold color, it often stays hidden in the treetops. You hear it before you see it. And when you do see it… It’s electric.

That duality felt like Amber. She can be elusive—moving through life independently, living on the road. But when she appears, when she lets herself be seen… There’s a presence that draws you in. Bright. Magnetic. Impossible to ignore.

The Look

We built Amber’s look from core pieces designed for movement and comfort:

• Black wide-leg stretch denim
• Black rayon jersey tee (soft as a baby blanket)
• Black rayon belt
• Scarlet kerchief
• Scarlet wrap for draping

The Raven Black grounded the look, giving structure and depth. The Scarlet lit it on fire. And the fabrics — soft, breathable, sensory-friendly — allowed her to fully inhabit her body.

You could see it instantly. She felt good. And when she feels good… She moves.

The Session

We met at Dwight Lydell Park, a place I hadn’t explored before — drawn in by the playground, the climbing structures, the possibility of movement.

Amber didn’t hesitate. She climbed. Hung from ropes. Flipped upside down on the pole.

Her background in dance showed up effortlessly — her body trusting itself, playing, exploring space without restriction.

Nearby, the river rushed. The sun dropped low, casting everything in gold. And for an hour, we wandered without an agenda — just conversation, laughter, and moments of joy captured.

Amber was easy to photograph. Because she was willing.

Color Connection

Scarlet and black is a high-contrast palette. It doesn’t whisper. It declares. These colors hold:

• confidence
• visibility
• intensity
• truth

Amber was drawn to them because she is bold. Not in a performative way. But in a lived way. She has walked through enough life to know who she is. And she’s choosing to blossom anyway.

A Flash of Red

There’s something about the Scarlet Tanager.

You don’t always see it.

But when you do…

You remember it.

That’s Amber.

A flash of red in a green world.
A presence that lingers.
A story still unfolding.

Find Your Bird

Some birds are soft.
Some are hidden.
Some are steady and grounded.

And some…

Burn bright.

If you’re ready to explore the colors that reflect your story —

Let’s find your bird.

Some birds feel like sunshine. When ZamZam stepped into my studio, she didn’t rush. She wandered. Slowly moving through the spectrum, her hands brushing each color — feeling, sensing, listening.

And then she turned. “I think I’m a yellow bird,” and we found the American Goldfinch. It fit her instantly.

How We Met

ZamZam and I first met at a Studio Cor3 Light Night last fall — one of those spaces where creativity and connection flow easily. But it wasn’t until winter that we truly connected. At an outdoor silent disco, with snow falling around us, we found ourselves twirling in the dark — music in our ears, laughter in the cold air.

There was something about her joy. It was palpable. Easy. Present. Real.

Who She Is

ZamZam is 22, Sudanese, and has been building her life in the United States since 2010. She carries a deep love for reading, nature, dance, her family, and community. She works as a Registered Behavior Technician, supporting children with autism — a role that requires patience, presence, and care. And alongside that, she’s studying Psychology and Economics, exploring futures that span both heart and intellect.

But there’s also another thread. She lights up when she talks about dance, makeup, acting, and modeling. She wants a future in the entertainment industry; a life that holds both purpose and expression.

Why the Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch is one of Michigan’s brightest birds. In spring and summer, the males transform into a brilliant yellow, almost glowing against the landscape.

They are symbols of:

• joy
• renewal
• lightness
• seasonal change

Goldfinches don’t hold onto winter. They molt. They shift. They become something brighter when the time is right. That energy felt deeply aligned with ZamZam. She is in a season of becoming. Exploring who she is, what she loves, and where she wants to go — not rushing it, but moving toward it with openness and joy.

The Look

We built ZamZam’s look entirely around yellow:

• Clear yellow and golden yellow stretch denim wide-leg pants
• Raven black rayon halter top
• Clear yellow rayon square wrap tied as a shrug
• Long, clear yellow rayon scarf for draping
• Yellow rose belt
• Yellow rose in her hair

The black halter grounded the look, allowing the yellow to radiate.

Layer by layer, she became brighter.

She looked like a bloom.

Like something fresh rising from the ground after winter.

The Session

We met at East Paris Nature Park in Caledonia, just as the sun began to set. The sky stretched wide — soft clouds catching the last light of the day. We wandered through wetlands and rolling hills, listening to birdsong that seemed to surround us. At one point, we nearly walked right into a cluster of life — the sound of wings, movement, energy all around.

ZamZam softened in that space. She told me she comes there often to find peace. And you could feel it. Her energy slowed. Her movements became gentle. Her presence deepened.

There was no rush. Just being.

Color Connection

Yellow is the color of:

• joy
• light
• clarity
• life returning

It’s one of the most visible colors in the spectrum — impossible to ignore, impossible to hide. But it’s also delicate. It asks you to be open. To be seen in your brightness.

ZamZam didn’t resist it. She stepped fully into it.

A Moment in Bloom

There was a moment, just before the light faded, where everything aligned.

The sky.
The color.
Her movement.

And it felt like witnessing something simple and profound:

A young woman, standing at the edge of her life,
not fully formed,
not finished —

but already radiant.

Find Your Bird

Some birds call loudly. Some blend into the background.

And some… Shine.

If you’re ready to explore your own color, your own season, your own becoming—Let’s find your bird.

Some birds don’t just mark a season. They announce it.

When Jenna Zimmerman stepped into the Michigan Birds series, she already knew her bird — the Red-winged Blackbird.

A herald of spring.
A sound that lives in the background of our walks.
A call that says: We’ve made it through winter.

And when Jenna moved through the golden light at sunset, it felt like something was arriving.

How We Met

Jenna and I met at a recent Hobby Hop — where 80 people came together to explore new creative practices.

She made a bandana at my station, drawn in by color, curiosity, and the invitation to play. We talked about the portrait series, about expression, about what it means to step into something new.

And then I got to see her finished piece — splashed with teals, purples, and yellows — and I knew.

She had a bird in her.

Who She Is

Jenna is a mother, a creator, a caretaker, and a deeply intuitive human.

She works at Kleen Office Environments, moving through quiet spaces, often alone — dancing and vibing her way through luxury environments, bringing her own rhythm into places that might otherwise feel still.

As an autistic woman, she has learned how to build a life that works with her, not against her. She gives herself grace. And in doing so, she gives that same grace to her children. She has created a home where her kids — also neurodivergent — are allowed to be fully themselves. Where timing is flexible. Where expression is welcomed. Where care looks like understanding, not control.

Jenna has lived many lives within this one. Raised in Chesaning, she grew up navigating complexity early — learning to care for others, to take responsibility, and to keep going. And now… She chooses joy. Not as a surface-level idea — but as a daily practice.

Why the Red-Winged Blackbird

The Red-winged Blackbird is one of the most recognizable signs of spring in Michigan. It’s chirp — that sharp, unmistakable conk-la-ree! — cuts through the landscape, even when you’re not looking for it.

It’s a bird that:

• claims space
• uses its voice
• shows up boldly against the backdrop

The male’s black body is punctuated by a flash of red and yellow on the wings — like fire held at the edges.

Jenna connected to this immediately. She spoke about how the bird’s call is everywhere — woven into the background of our lives — and yet often unnoticed. That felt like her. Someone who sees deeply, who recognizes herself in others, and who can call out to fellow neurodivergent people and create a connection.

The Look

Jenna’s look came together in layered movement and contrast:

• Black wide-leg stretch denim
• Golden yellow rayon bandana top
• Scarlet red rayon kerchief
• Rayon wrap styled as a shrug
• Black rayon shawl for movement

The silhouette shifted as she moved — creating wing-like shapes, soft edges, and moments of expansion.

The black grounded the look. The yellow lit it from within. And her red hair became the perfect bridge — completing the black, red, yellow story of the bird. She looked like the spark of a fire. And she brought that energy with her.

The Session

We met at Lookout Park, parking at Belknap and walking past the pickleball courts — the sound of play echoing behind us as we made our way up the hill. It was that perfect hour — just before sunset — when everything turns gold.

The light softened. The air was cold. But Jenna… Was warm. She caught the light and held it. She moved through the space with freedom — smiling, dancing, playing — completely unbothered by the temperature, completely present in the moment.

There was something expansive about her. Open. Bright. Uncontained.

Color Connection

The Red-winged Blackbird palette is simple — but powerful:

• Black holds depth.
• Red calls attention.
• Yellow brings light.

Together, they create:

• contrast
• visibility
• activation

This is a palette of being seen and being heard. Jenna doesn’t just wear these colors. She lives them.

A Life Lived Fully

Jenna said something that stayed with me:

Life ends before you know it. You have to make the most of the time while you’re here.

And you can feel that in her.

In the way she laughs. In the way she dresses. In the way she gathers with her friends — a group that understands her, gives her space, and celebrates her fully. She is raising her children not just with care… But with permission. Permission to be. To explore. To exist as they are.

Find Your Bird

Some birds are loud.
Some are hidden.
Some are woven so deeply into the landscape you almost miss them.

Until one day…

You hear it.

And realize it’s been there all along.

If you’re ready to explore your own voice, your own color, your own expression —

Let’s find your bird.

Angela stepped into the Michigan Birds series with clarity.

She has been a nurse for 26 years — a career rooted in care, presence, and showing up for others in their most vulnerable moments.

After her divorce, her life didn’t begin —
it shifted.

She chose to take care of herself in a new way.

She stepped into modeling.
Into movement.
Into strength.

She carved out a life that reflected who she truly is.

How We Met

We met at a Studio Cor3 Light Night, where Angela first stood out to me in scarlet red.

Later, she walked in the Cosmic Bodies collection as Saturn — grounded, radiant, composed.

When we talked about color, she gravitated toward jewel tones — rich, vibrant, alive.

Who She Is

Angela is a registered nurse with Interim Hospice, and continues to support patients at Corewell Health as needed after 16 years of service there.

She sits with people at the edge of life.

She brings peace into moments that feel overwhelming.

She is steady.

Grounded.

A presence people can lean into when everything else feels uncertain.

And outside of that…

She is learning how to live for herself.

Not quietly.
But fully.

Why the Blue Jay

The Blue Jay is bold, intelligent, and unmistakable.

Known for its strong voice and ability to mimic other birds — even hawks — it carries a presence that is both protective and expressive.

Blue Jays don’t hide.

They claim space.

They communicate clearly.

They show up.

That energy mirrors Angela’s journey.

She has learned how to stand on her own.

How to be seen.

How to step into her life with strength and clarity.

The Look

We built Angela’s look in layered blues:

• Sky blue rayon wild rag shirt
• Midnight blue cardigan
• Midnight blue ascot
• Midnight blue scarf at the waist
• Raven black wrap
• White rose belt

The palette created contrast — light and depth, softness and strength.

She wore it with ease.

With power.

The Session

We met at Dutton Shadyside Park, a place filled with memory.

Angela shared stories of bringing her kids there — playing by the water, laughing, living fully in those moments.

As we walked, those memories stayed close.

Not heavy.

But present.

She stood in that space with a quiet confidence — grounded in where she’s been, and clear in where she’s going.

Color Connection

Blue is the color of:

• clarity
• truth
• strength
• communication

It doesn’t demand attention.

It holds it.

Watching Angela choose the Blue Jay was powerful.

Because it wasn’t assigned.

It was recognized.

And then embodied.

Find Your Bird

There’s something powerful about seeing yourself clearly.

Not who you were.
Not as others expect you to be.

But as who you are now.

If you’re ready for that…

Let’s find your bird.

Hannah Reda stepped into the Michigan Birds series with a spark that was impossible to miss.

A 21-year-old student at Grand Valley State University, she’s on the board for 494 Mag, models through Studio Cor3, and is pursuing a degree in Medical Laboratory Science with hopes of becoming a physician’s assistant.

She carries both creativity and care — expression and purpose.

When we began exploring birds, the Northern Cardinal felt inevitable.

Not just for its color —
but for its voice.

How We Met

We first met at a Studio Cor3 Light Night — one of those spaces where creativity hums through the room — and later reconnected on the dance floor at Grand Rapids Original Swing Society’s Tuesday night dances.

Hannah shows up fully in those spaces.

She brings joy to silent discos, gatherings, and anywhere music is playing — not cautiously, but completely.

Who She Is

When Hannah arrived at my studio, she was full of delight.

She lit up in a creative space — curious, expressive, and ready to play.

She told me she’s the talkative one in her group — the one who speaks up, who communicates clearly, who doesn’t shrink herself to fit the room.

And she sings.

Hannah has been singing since she could talk — performing in venues across the country, including DeVos Hall — and has developed a voice that is both practiced and powerful.

She is comfortable being seen.

Comfortable being heard.

Why the Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is known not only for its vivid red color, but for its clear, melodic song.

Both male and female cardinals sing — often using their voice to communicate, connect, and mark presence in their environment.

Their song is strong, distinct, and impossible to ignore.

That connection felt undeniable.

Hannah carries her voice the same way — confidently, openly, and with intention.

And layered into that was something even deeper.

The cardinal is her great-grandmother’s spirit bird. Each time her family sees one, they say, “She’s watching over us.”

This wasn’t just a visual match.

It was a lineage.

The Look

We built Hannah’s look entirely around the cardinal’s signature red:

• Scarlet stretch denim
• Scarlet rayon wild rag shirt
• Scarlet denim jacket
• Scarlet rayon wrap
• Scarlet ascot tied as a headband
• Hot black rayon kerchief

The layers created a full immersion into red — bold, radiant, and alive.

We tied her pants at the ankles so she could move freely — jump, climb, and play without hesitation.

The Session

We shot at Aberdeen Park as dusk settled in.

What started as a walk turned into something unexpected — we wandered into a construction zone, where piles of dirt and heavy equipment became her landscape.

Hannah climbed, perched, balanced.

She moved through the space with ease — curious, fearless, light.

Even in an unfinished place…

She brought color.
She brought voice.
She brought life.

Color Connection

Red is the color of:

• vitality
• courage
• expression
• life force

It asks to be seen. To be heard.

Hannah typically wears black and neutrals. But in scarlet…

She didn’t just stand out.

She sang.

Find Your Bird

Sometimes your bird is found in your voice.

In what you carry.
In what you’ve always known how to do.

If you’re ready to explore that…

Let’s find your bird in a portrait session.

Emmy Warner stepped into the Michigan Birds series with curiosity and joy, arriving with a handful of birds in mind.

We landed on the European Starling — a bird known for its ever-shifting plumage. From a distance it reads as black, but in the light it reveals flashes of green, purple, and oil-slick iridescence. A bird that transforms depending on how you look at it.

And Emmy met it there.

Her hair caught the light in a way that made the entire look shimmer — like the bird itself, revealing depth and brilliance in motion.

How We Met

I first met Emmy at the Cosmic Bodies fashion show, and we reconnected later at a Latin Dance night at The B.O.B.

Our conversations quickly circled around color, movement, and the way clothing changes how we carry ourselves. Emmy has stepped into modeling later than many, navigating the internal voice that says you don’t belong — and choosing to show up anyway.

At Michigan Fashion Fest, she placed herself into something new, unfamiliar, and expansive.

And she rose to it.

Who She Is

Emmy is the owner of Dynamic Energy Studio, where she creates handcrafted signage with over a decade of experience working across mediums — from sandblasted wood to gold leaf to carved lettering.

Her work is tactile. Grounded. Made by hand.

And yet, she also carries a playful, exploratory energy — bringing bird illustrations from a recent trip to Australia and cultivating creative practices like drawing and dance to keep her hands and mind moving.

She is both maker and mover.

Why These Colors

The European Starling is known for its ability to mimic the sounds of other birds, adapting to new environments and learning as it goes.

That adaptability felt deeply aligned with Emmy.

She has stepped into new spaces — modeling, performance, creative exploration — not because she had mastered them, but because she was willing to try, observe, and grow.

Like the starling, she listens, learns, and then becomes.

The palette we chose reflected this depth:

• Raven Black
• Imperial Purple
• Olive Drab

At first glance, these tones feel dark and grounded. But in the light, they shift — revealing dimension, subtle color, and quiet radiance.

Just like Emmy.

The Look

We built a layered look that echoed the starling’s iridescent plumage:

• Imperial Purple stretch denim
• Raven Black scarf halter
• Olive Drab scarf kerchief
• Raven Black rayon wrap shawl

The purple held the depth of the bird’s hidden color.
The black anchored the center — strong and defining.
The olive drab softened the transitions, like shadow blending into light.

Emmy used the rayon wrap as both garment and movement piece — pulling it over her head, letting it catch the wind, playing with it as she moved.

It wasn’t static.

It shimmered.

The Session

We shot at Riverside Park on a bright but cold afternoon.

The sun was out, but the landscape still carried the stillness of winter — muted, quiet, almost dormant.

And then there was Emmy.

Alive.

She moved with the wind, climbed trees, and danced along the riverbank with a grounded freedom that felt both earthy and expansive. At moments, it felt like she was taking flight — not in a dramatic way, but in a deeply rooted, connected way.

Like she belonged to both the sky and the ground.

Color Connection

These are deep winter tones — Raven Black, Olive Drab, Imperial Purple.

Colors that don’t shout, but hold.

Many of us crave these shades when we’re in seasons of reflection, growth, or quiet transformation. They allow us to feel grounded while still carrying complexity beneath the surface.

These are the colors of depth, shadow, and subtle brilliance.

And when worn fully, they reveal just how much light can live inside darkness.

Find Your Bird

Every person carries a bird within them — sometimes hidden, sometimes waiting for the right light to appear.

The Michigan Birds series is about discovering that reflection through color, movement, and presence.

If you’re ready to explore your own transformation, I’d love to create that space with you.

✨Book a session and let’s find your bird. ✨

There are moments in the Michigan Birds series when the transformation happens almost instantly — when someone steps into color and movement, and suddenly the bird appears. That’s what happened with Selah.

For a half hour along the edge of the Grand River at Riverside Park, Selah hopped between tree stumps, climbed low branches, and balanced on fallen logs as if she had been flying through that landscape her entire life. Her movements were light and curious. Her laughter carried through the quiet evening air.

Watching her move through the trees, it became obvious.

Selah had become the Cedar Waxwing.

How We Met

Selah and I met on the dance floor at swing dances held at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. During the long Michigan winters, these gatherings become a way to shake off the cold and dance away the winter blues.

Selah has one of those presences that immediately stands out — not because she demands attention, but because she listens. She asks thoughtful questions and responds with intention. Over the last year, I’ve watched her blossom on the dance floor, becoming more expressive and confident with every song.

And she is rarely alone.

There are almost always friends orbiting around her — girls and guys alike — drawn to her warmth and generosity. Selah is magnetic in her kindness, generous with her smiles, and naturally pulls people into community.

Which makes perfect sense when you learn about the project she started.

Selah is the founder of Ladies & Literature, a book club experience that connects young women across Michigan through a shared love of reading. Each month, members gather around a selected book, enjoying curated goodie bags, themed appetizers and mocktails, and thoughtful discussions led by moderators. The experience blends storytelling, creativity, and social connection — building friendships while exploring meaningful ideas. Learn more about Ladies & Literature here: https://www.ladiesandliterature.com/

It’s a beautiful example of the kind of person Selah is: someone who creates spaces for people to gather and belong.

A Moment That Says Everything

When we were scheduling this portrait, Selah had just agreed to step in as a stand-in dance partner for a community class because the instructor who was supposed to lead it had gottenhurt. She told me she didn’t know the dance she was going to teach — but she was willing to give it a shot.

That moment stuck with me.

It revealed something essential about her character: Selah shows up for people. She’s willing to make mistakes in front of others if it means helping the community keep moving.

That kind of confidence — the confidence to try, learn, and laugh while doing it — is something I think many of us could learn from.

The Look

Selah has golden-blonde hair and a light, rosy complexion, so we began searching for Michigan birds that share those natural tones.

We landed on the Cedar Waxwing, one of the most elegant birds in the Midwest.

The waxwing’s plumage is soft and silky — warm caramel browns blending into honey and amber tones, finished with a sleek black mask and tiny flashes of yellow and red along the wings and tail.

The colors we used in Selah’s look were:

• Marigold
• Amber Waves
• Golden Brown
• Hot Black

These shades blended beautifully with her natural coloring. The richness of Golden Brown created depth against her light hair, while Marigold added a vibrant glow that echoed the waxwing’s golden undertones. A Hot Black dyed scarf mirrored the bird’s distinctive mask and beak, bringing the whole look together.

When Selah stepped into the colors, the transformation was immediate.

Cedar Waxwing Vibes

The Cedar Waxwing is a bird of quiet elegance.

It travels in flocks and is known for sharing berries with other waxwings — sometimes passing fruit down a line from bird to bird before anyone eats. They follow sweetness through the landscape, moving from tree to tree as berries ripen throughout the seasons.

And tucked into their wings are tiny red wax-like tips — small flashes of brilliance that give the bird its name.

Selah carries many of those same qualities.

She builds community through Ladies & Literature, bringing women together around stories and conversation. She notices people who might otherwise be overlooked and invites them onto the dance floor. She moves through the world with kindness, curiosity, and grace.

Like the waxwing, Selah gathers people together and shares the sweetness of life.

The Session

We photographed Selah near the first entrance to Riverside Park — an area of the park I hadn’t yet explored through my camera lens. We arrived at sunset, hoping for dramatic skies, but clouds rolled in, softening the evening light. What we ended up with instead was a calm, clear stillness along the river.

Selah didn’t hesitate.

She climbed trees, balanced on logs, and leapt from stumps with fearless enthusiasm as we moved along the riverbank searching for places where she could fly. Her movements were natural and exuberant — the kind of playful energy that reminds you that portraits don’t have to be stiff or serious.

For about thirty minutes, our phones stayed tucked away as we wandered the edge of the water, capturing moments. And somewhere along that quiet stretch of river, Selah became the Cedar Waxwing.

Find Your Bird

The Michigan Birds series is about more than costume or photography.

It’s about discovering the colors, movements, and symbols in nature that resonate with who you already are.

Every person has a bird.

Sometimes it shows up in your natural coloring. Sometimes it appears in your personality or the way you move through the world. And sometimes it reveals itself the moment you step into the right colors.

If you’re curious what bird might be waiting inside you, I’d love to help you find it.

Come play with color, movement, and imagination — and let’s see what takes flight: book your session