On your wedding day, my role goes far beyond taking photos. I bring a calm, thoughtful presence, paying attention to comfort, pacing, and the small details that help everyone feel at ease. When you feel supported, your moments unfold naturally - and that’s when the most meaningful images are made.
I design my approach so you can be fully present with the people you love. Whether that means building in breathing room, adapting to different needs, or simply knowing when to step back and let the moment happen, my goal is to make your day feel easier, gentler, and more joyful.
wedding photographer turned disability advocate
I’m Kellie.
I believe photography should honor people as they are and create space for everyone who matters to you.
do you love your people?
I was that bride no one wants to be ... young, overwhelmed, and trusting a recommendation instead of my instincts. When my wedding photos came back, they broke my heart. Twenty years later, they still do. From that moment on, I promised myself, never again - not for my couples.
Today, as a West Michigan photographer, my work is rooted in service. I believe photography should honor people as they are and create space for everyone who matters, including individuals with disabilities. My goal is to help you feel seen, supported, and confident every step of the way, not just photographed.
Creatively, I’m always learning how to chase light with intention, capturing images you’ll truly adore on medium format and 35mm film, as well as digitally. But more than anything, you are my inspiration.
I’m happiest in the simple moments ... meaningful relationships, and a cozy movie on the couch. Life is beautiful and it deserves to be remembered with care.
this is a space where you are understood. where your dreams become reality.
I became a photographer because I care about how people are seen. Photography has the power to either flatten someone into a stereotype or reflect them with honesty and respect. I choose the second, creating images that feel natural, fun, and true to the person in front of my camera.
Every person brings their own history, body, and perspective, and I approach my work with attention and respect so the images I make actually feel like you.
I want you to not only love your images now but them even more in twenty years when they feel even more special because you realize that those moments from so long ago grew in value as each day passed.
adore
I created this space for you to be you. Beautiful, loved, worthy and celebrated. You.
you don't have to perform here
- brandon & molly
“Without Kellie, we wouldn’t have been connected with so many other small businesses who had a huge impact on our overall wedding vision.”
Everyone was so excited to relive our wedding day through our beautiful photos.
“
business name goes here
- Hillary Catherine
Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Vivamus non erat in ipsum viverra tempus. Sed ac odio sit amet quam rhoncus euismod. Duis congue laoreet augue, vel malesuada dui volutpat sit amet.
trust me. you need leslie in your life. her coaching was the reason our business grew.
“
the reviews
Photography is an investment but it is one that you'll never regret. Sharing stories with your grandchildren thirty years down the road or remembering those delicate details that you'd soon forget without photographs. Those are the little things that matter.
Discover Images that Feel Like Home
timeless, candid, joyful memories
ALL THE DETAILS
ALL THE DETAILS
Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Vivamus non erat in ipsum viverra tempus. Sed ac odio sit amet quam rhoncus euismod. Duis congue laoreet augue, vel malesuada dui volutpat sit amet.
The Business Plan Course
Our best-selling course
ALL THE DETAILS
Interdum et malesuada fames ac ante ipsum primis in faucibus. Vivamus non erat in ipsum viverra tempus. Sed ac odio sit amet quam rhoncus euismod. Duis congue laoreet augue, vel malesuada dui volutpat sit amet.
Grow Your Business Today
Tools & resources to
OFFERINGS
Weddings
Portraits
The Course
West Michigan
LOCATED IN
Kellie Hetler and Kara Hanes, two photographers and mothers to daughters with disabilities, created Hopelynd to fill a critical gap in their community. Drawing from personal experience, they envision a nonprofit studio intentionally designed for people of all abilities. Hopelynd's future studio will feature wheelchair access, sensory-friendly lighting, and inclusive design to offer a welcoming space for photography, events, and connection. Their mission is to build more than just a studio - it will be a place where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to capture life’s moments in a space built with empathy, accessibility, and belonging at its core.
Photographers, mothers
Co-founders of Hopelynd
moms + advocates
Kellie & Kara
website
An easy-to-use app for your phone designed for quick decision-making when photographing individuals with disabilities and visible medical devices.
Get Your Accessibility App HERE
want to not only create - but create change?
Get the app
info@hetlerphotography.com
© 2026 kellie hetler photography