MICHIGAN

One of the things I love most about having my photography studio in Canton, Michigan is the community that surrounds it. There is something really special about being part of a place where art, creativity, small businesses, and neighbors all come together—and ARToberfest in Cherry Hill Village was such a beautiful reminder of that.

I brought my camera along to Artoberfest this year simply because I wanted to. There was no session to photograph and no particular shot list to follow. I just wanted to wander, take in the atmosphere, and document some of the little details that made the day feel so special.

As a Canton Michigan photographer, I spend a lot of my time photographing families and creating meaningful portraits, but sometimes it is refreshing to photograph simply for the joy of it. Events like ARToberfest give me the opportunity to slow down, notice the details, and capture the personality of the community around me.

Cherry Hill Village has so many beautiful little pockets that make it such a wonderful place for photography. Behind the Arts Warehouse, the flowers add so much color and charm, creating a beautiful backdrop that changes with the seasons. And then there is this new incredible mural out front, created by our talented local artist, Ally Wick. It is one of those pieces of art that makes you stop and look—and it adds so much character to the space. That combination of art, nature, and community is exactly what I love about our hometown.

Having my studio here has allowed me to become connected to so many wonderful people, artists, makers, families, and small businesses. I don't take that for granted. Rooted Vision Photography was built around the idea that photographs should preserve more than just what someone looked like on a particular day. They should preserve a feeling, a place, and a little piece of life.

That is part of why community matters so much to me.

I love being able to photograph families in beautiful outdoor spaces around Canton, create portraits in my Canton studio, and also simply pick up my camera and document the things happening around me. Photography has a way of helping us notice what we might otherwise rush past.

And who knows? After experiencing ARToberfest this year, I may just have to come back next year with a little more than my camera. I'm already dreaming about the possibility of offering a few ARToberfest mini sessions next year during the event! Would you be interested in the flower field or a festive fall setup?🌼🍂🎃

For now, though, I'm just grateful to have enjoyed the fun and friends!

Thank you to everyone who helps make Cherry Hill Village such a creative, welcoming, and inspiring place to be. I'm truly grateful to call this community home to my studio, and I can't wait to see what the next season brings.

Here's a little peek at ARToberfest through my lens. 🤍