Maria Erin Photography bio picture
  • Welcome to Maria Erin Photography!

    Who am I? I am wife to Philip and mother to Katie and Ryan. I graduated from Hope College with a degree in Communication and a double minor in Spanish and Music. I love sleeping with the windows open, sipping an ice cold coke, and watching TV shows on Netflix. My first job is taking care of my babies and my second is capturing snippets of life as they unfold before my camera.

    My name is Maria Straatsma and I am a lifestyle photographer in the Grand Rapids area. Here you can see photos from recent shoots, read up on photography tips, or find out what's going on with my family.

    Check out the Contact link to request information or to book a session!

The Wierengas | Grand Rapids Family Photography

The third and final session of my Christmas Session Marathon week was with the Wierenga Family.  We met on a cold, snowy day and, in addition to the family portraits we grabbed inside, they agreed to brave the cold for a few outdoor shots.  You will see a few more familiar faces here, as well.  I love my repeat clients!!  Thank you so much for allowing me to spend a little time with you all.

 

You may also note that I added some new photo templates in here.  I’m really happy with how these turned out. I hope you enjoy these little changes I am making!

Evan is One! | Grand Rapids Child Photography

The marathon session week continues with a familiar little boy named Evan.  I can’t get enough of those big blue eyes and, to my delight, his mommy keeps bringing him back.  We had a rough time getting this one together because of the sickies and the holidays.  But the timing ended up perfectly because I was able to use my new mobile studio, yay!  I received this backdrop and stand for Christmas to get me started.  I will be adding a few more backdrops as well as a floor drop to round out my studio.  I’m so excited!

Also, you may have noticed I’m trying a new layout.  I can already see some tweaking that needs to be done, but overall I’m pleased with the new concept.  I can fit more photos into less space which means quicker load times.  Another yay!

We had a hard time getting smiles out of Evan, but it was nothing a quick toss on the couch couldn’t cure!

 

Mmm, shark crackers!

We ended the session with a quick trip outdoors with a wee bit of crunchy snow.  Good thing, too, because Evan loved it!  For a few minutes anyway!

Thank you again, Rachel and Matt, for allowing me to photograph Evan.  You are such a wonderful little family and I’ve loved watching Evan grow!

Brian & Emily in love | Rockford Engagement Photography

Over Christmas break I had a marathon week of photography – three photo sessions and a wedding! It was such a fun week and the post-processing has been keeping me very busy! I started off the week with an adorable couple who got engaged over the summer. Jamie and I will be photographing their wedding this summer and I am especially excited to be a part of their day because I have known Emily since she was in elementary school!

We met in Rockford on a chilly, foggy afternoon. I was a bit nervous about lighting, but it was gorgeous. The fog made for some buttery smooth lighting and I was in love!

Brian and Emily brought along their puppy, Sam.

He’s a sweet “little” guy!

Oooo, look at that bling!  Love this shot.

Love the chemistry of these two.

Just in case you forgot how gorgeous that diamond is…

Definitely my favorite of the afternoon.

Thanks for spending the afternoon with me you two!  I can’t wait to talk with you more about your big day this summer.

Henry Just Born | Grand Rapids Newborn Photography

There’s nothing quite so sweet as a teeny, tiny newborn.  Earlier this week I got to meet little Henry and what a great little guy he was.  He had a bit of red fuzz on his head and a sweet pout on his face.  But as you know, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Meet Henry.

This chair is an original Herman Miller – it belonged to Henry’s Great-Great Grandfather.  Such a nice touch!

Perfect little feet.

I love this one, so sweet.

Do you see how sweet that pout is?

Well hello, little fellow.  He’s almost smiling in this one.

I think he was crying here, but he almost looks like he’s cheesing it up for the camera.

And I love how intently he’s looking up at his mom and dad here.

Thank you so much for allowing me into your home to photograph your beautiful baby.  I hope you will treasure these first moments forever.

Diegel Family | Grand Rapids Family Photography

We have had one of the nicest falls I can remember for a long time.  I keep thinking, “this will be the last nice day we have this year.”  And we keep having more!  Fortunately, I’ve been able to take advantage of the gorgeous fall light by having family sessions.  Hooray!  I hit up Riverside Park and Grotto Park with the Diegle family for some lovely fall portraits.  Check out how handsome these little men are with their bright blue eyes!

They were full of laughter, hugs, and kisses.

Look at all those bright, yellow leaves!!

What a gorgeous family.

Thank you for spending the afternoon with me.  Your are such a fun family!

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