Entrada photography

Emily - Downtown Kalamazoo editorial portrait photography

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This is not the first or the last time Emily Crombez is going to make an appearance on the blog.
I got to know her through mutual connections in the photography world, and I’m so glad to have the opportunity to call her a genuine friend. This chick can absolutely kill a pose (Like, the evidence is below) but is also a mad talented photographer and ambitious entrepreneur. She builds up other women like no one’s business, and I will jump at the chance to create something together, always.

We wanted this shoot to showcase Emily’s more editorial posing, so a classic black and white with loads o’ contrast is exactly where my mind went. Downtown Kalamazoo has no end to great textures and urban landscape, which is important when your model is particularly climb-y.

Thanks for being amazing as always Emily!

Brittnay and Brandon - Downtown Kalamazoo engagement photos

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These two have some of the brightest smiles you’ll ever see in your life, and attitudes to match. They’re just the type of people who make you have a better day just by being a part of it. Brittnay requested an urban photo setting (which I am super about) so we adventured around downtown Kalamazoo and the surrounding area, stopping at Fido Motors Cafe for a warm up chai and some rare winter sunshine. My goal for any engagement session is to capture people being who they are together, and they made these photos a complete breeze.

I can’t wait for your 2020 wedding Brittnay and Brandon, you’re made for each other!

Poland P. 2

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Not going to lie, I have the biggest soft spot for Air BnB apartments. If you want to see a location as the locals do, it's the way to go. Every time I've stayed at one of the rented homes listed in any given location, the hosts have been nothing but remarkably hospitable, and ready to offer up their favorite places to eat. 

Our apartment for the second half of the trip was just a short walk from the city square, and absolutely perfect. 

When you're within walking distance of so many amazing restaurants, you do the only thing any right minded human being would do: you eat. A lot. (But it's totally fine, because walking! Right?.... Yes?)


My advice is to find the tucked back, residents know, you-have-to-look-for-it type eateries. You won't regret it. The best pizza in Poland (in my humble, but well fed opinion) came from "Ti Amo Ti", which we almost missed entirely. Off the street, and down a small alley will lead you to a vibrant garden full of small tables, each with a carafe of red wine, and any number of perfectly crispy pizza combinations. 

If I'm going for favorite restaurant of the whole trip however, "Pod Wawelem" is an easy winner. I ate too much here. Way too much. No regrets.

Favorite dish: Zurek soup (oh my gosh, my life will never be the same)
Favorite dinner beer: Tyskie

Pair the two of these with an after dinner lemon vodka, which tastes like fresh squeezed lemonade to be honest, and you're golden. 

We also became shameless tourists, and took a river cruise. 

Turns out, we missed our boat.... While we were standing right next to it.... Trying to find our boat.

But then got an entire tour to ourselves, which is easily the best outcome to being a lost fumbling American I've experienced so far!


This city was so rich with history, and the beauty of it was only enhanced by the excellent company of my travel companion. He makes every trip an adventure, from a destination wedding, to a spontaneous flight halfway across the world. 

Can't wait for the next one. 

-Esther