Samantha James Photography

Samantha James Photography Samantha Vanderson
Fine Art wedding & lifestyle photographer Photographed memories are invaluable. I want my photos to evoke love and joy.

I strive to tell a story with my images capturing organic moments that naturally unfold which result in stunning portraits. I would consider it an honor to document your season of change, growth and new beginnings.

06/16/2026
06/09/2026

“They said it’s not all sunshine and rainbows…”

Meanwhile me during golden hour on a wedding day: ✨📸🌅

Some wedding days are beautiful because of the details… and some are beautiful because of the people. Jason & Katie’s da...
06/07/2026

Some wedding days are beautiful because of the details… and some are beautiful because of the people. Jason & Katie’s day was overflowing with both. 🤍

The kind of joy that surrounded these two was impossible to miss — in every laugh, every hug, every quiet glance across the room. You could feel how deeply loved they are by everyone around them, but especially by each other.

Photographing a day like this is such a gift. Not just because of the beautiful moments, but because of the feeling behind them — genuine, steady, joy-filled love.

Jason & Katie, thank you for letting me tell a small piece of your story. Your day was one I won’t forget. ✨

I think somewhere along the way people started seeing me as “just” a wedding photographer — and while I absolutely love ...
06/03/2026

I think somewhere along the way people started seeing me as “just” a wedding photographer — and while I absolutely love weddings with my whole heart, there’s so much more I love documenting too.

The way your kids cling to your legs.
The way you laugh together when nobody’s trying too hard.
The nervous excitement of senior year.
The soft, ordinary moments that become your favorite memories later.

Lifestyle sessions will always have a huge piece of my heart because they’re less about perfection and more about connection.

So if you’ve been here for the wedding content, just know:
I’m here for your everyday stories too. ♡

Message me if you’ve been thinking about booking a session this summer/fall.

This week they get married. They begin a new, exciting, joy-filled chapter of their lives together and I get to be a par...
06/01/2026

This week they get married. They begin a new, exciting, joy-filled chapter of their lives together and I get to be a part of it! I’m beaming with exciting for our wedding this weekend celebrating this beautiful, deserving couple!

05/28/2026

They said women belong in the kitchen, so I mastered the art of cooking and here’s what I’m serving. ✨

Serving real emotion.
Serving timeless storytelling.
Serving images that feel like memories before they’re even delivered.

05/24/2026

Wedding season is almost here and I genuinely can’t wait.

There’s something so special about being invited into one of the biggest, most emotional, joy-filled seasons of someone’s life. The quiet moments before the ceremony. The happy tears. The deep breaths. The people who traveled miles just to celebrate your love.

I never take for granted that I get to witness these stories up close — and preserve them in a way that lets you relive how it all felt years from now.

To every couple trusting me with your memories this year: thank you. I’m so excited to celebrate alongside you and tell your story with care, intention, and heart. 🤍 photographer

Noticing some new faces around here and I would love to reintroduce myself! I’m Sam! Photographer, hype woman, memory pr...
05/21/2026

Noticing some new faces around here and I would love to reintroduce myself! I’m Sam! Photographer, hype woman, memory preserver, and someone who will absolutely fix your hair before taking the photo.

Here’s the quick version:
* Where ambition meets motherhood
* Fueled by black coffee and gym sessions
* I care way more about how your day felt than forcing perfect poses
* I’ll always choose emotion over perfection
* Lakeshore sessions, styled outfits, and golden light have my whole heart
* I take my job seriously… myself? Not always

My goal is simple: create photos that look beautiful and feel meaningful years from now.
Stick around if you love intentional imagery, real connection, and a luxury experience without the pressure 🤍

Year 14. Happy Anniversary, Brad!
05/19/2026

Year 14. Happy Anniversary, Brad!

Address

Grand Rapids, MI

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