Grand Rapids Family Photographer Since 2015

Capturing deeply moving moments from the heart.

A black and white photo of a family of six playing and laughing together in a grassy field, with trees in the background.
Grand Rapids Family Photographer

Family Sessions

Emotive Moments

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Close-up of an adult's hand gently holding a tiny, delicate baby's foot.
Grand Rapids Family Photographer

Maternity & Baby Sessions

Growing Families

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A woman with wavy, light brown hair holding a camera, smiling, wearing a beige sweater and light blue jeans, standing in front of a beige background.
Grand Rapids Family Photographer

Photography Mentorship

Fuel Your Passion

Talk Mentorships
  • A family of four, including two young girls and two adults, standing in a grassy field with trees in the background during sunset at an outdoor lifestyle family photography session in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

    "I cannot recommend Kelsy highly enough. From the initial consultation to the final product, the entire experience is always seamless and enjoyable. She has a wonderful way of putting my family at ease in front of the camera, resulting in natural and beautiful photos that truly capture our personalities. She is patient, creative, and professional throughout the entire process, and the end results always exceed all of my expectations. Not only does she deliver stunning images, but she makes the whole experience fun and memorable for my family."

    Caitlin Gietzen

  • A mother holding her sleeping baby close, the baby resting on her chest with eyes closed, wearing a headband with lace detail at an in home newborn photography session.

    "Kelsy has an acute awareness to capture how precious the fleeting moments of childhood are and the love displayed inside a family, she brings exuberant joy and celebration of families. Her God given talent truly glorifies Him and provides an opportunity to ‘see’ a glimpse behind the lens of each child as God sees them! Kelsy’s work beautifully speaks the ways childhood is to be cherished and celebrated. I believe Kelsy will take more than just a picture for you and your loved ones too, it will be a gallery of what a family is, in whom we are rooted and where we belong!"

    Maria Pelon

  • A couple holding their newborn baby, smiling warmly and looking lovingly at the infant, in a cozy, well-lit room at an in home documentary newborn photography session.

    "Kelsy is truly wonderful! She has an incredible eye for capturing beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. She makes her photography sessions feel very comfortable. She is wonderfully patient with little ones and makes the experience so much fun. We look forward to working with Kelsy every time!"

    Tori Scott

  • A dad holding a young girl at the beach with ocean waves in the background, black and white photograph at a family photography session at Lake Michigan.

    ”Kelsy makes my whole family feel comfortable (even my picture hating husband) which makes sessions feel fun and stress free. My favorite part about Kelsy’s work is the way she captures the little moments. The pictures I have from Kelsy are some of my most prized possessions, they mean so much to me.”

    Cait Bowen

  • A family of four dancing inside a greenhouse decorated with string lights and plants at a family photography session in Zeeland, Michigan.

    "We have been blessed to have Kelsy capture are family many times over the past few years. Her stunning work speaks for itself. But beyond being insanely talented, she has the most calming presence. She goes above and beyond to make everyone feel comfortable. She understands the complexities of having small kids and makes you feel as if you’ve been friends forever. She is a gem of a photographer and a wonderful person."

    Sami Duval

Turning Fleeting Moments Into Forever Memories.

Life with kids is a beautiful blur of laughter, love, and moments you wish you could bottle up forever. You know how fast these moments pass—the way your little one curls up in your lap, the laughter that fills your home, or the quiet connection during story time. But finding the time to capture these fleeting days feels impossible. 

As a Grand Rapids family photographer, I specialize in capturing the magic of your everyday — those tender glances, unstoppable giggles, and quiet connections that make your family unique. Let me help you preserve these moments in timeless images that you'll cherish for a lifetime, long after the toys are packed away and the little ones are all grown up.

Grand Rapids Family Photographer
Grand Rapids Family Photographer
Black and white logo with a leafy branch on the left and the letters K and P on the right

Hey girl, ready to level up your photography business?

Every photographer has different business goals, and I’m here to help you crush yours. My range in mentorship packages will elevate your business anywhere from camera basics to business strategies that will fill your books. Helping photographers in Grand Rapids and nationwide!

  • How to create business growth oriented goals & book your dream client!

  • Most Popular. Gain the confidence to create storytelling sessions for your clients by participating in a side by side session of your dreams with Kelsy leading the session. She will style the session while also giving you the tools needed to draw in your dream client, while effectively capture real moments every time.

  • Grow every aspect of your business from start to finish, to everything in between! The most effective way to build the photography business you've always dreamed of with accountability along the way.

Explore Mentorship

Past mentees rave about the program!

  • ”I had a mentor session with Kelsy and was completely blown away. She is so personable and incredibly knowledgeable. Kelsy takes a strength-based approach, highlighting areas I was doing well in while inspiring me to continue to grow. I left feeling excited to implement some of the topics we covered and am already seeing the benefits in my business and personal life!”

    Stephanie | Empowered Photo

  • "I shoot VERY different subject matters, but the knowledge she has shared with me has proven to be extremely valuable. Before my mentorship, I didn't have any goals for my business or even a defined editing style. Since then, everything has changed. I have a streamlined process. I've hit goals I never thought I could, and I'm producing images I'll forever be proud of!"

    Keara | Head to Curve Boudoir

  • "Kelsy was so informative, kind, and helpful and I felt totally energized and excited after our mentor session. She gave me so many amazing and creative tips I would've never even thought about. I've loved putting her education in action to get more fun, real, interactive moments captured with my families. Highly, highly recommend Kelsy if you need a mentor!"

    Danielle | Indy Pop Photo

  • "I cannot say enough how much I loved my mentorship with Kelsy! From the moment we sat down together, I could tell she had spent time preparing an experience tailored to me and my business needs. Her feedback, guidance, and encouragement were exactly what I needed in this stage of growing my business. From her personalized notes to her expertise during the session, I learned so much and feel motivated and energized to dig even deeper into building my brand and serving my clients better!"

    Lydia | Lydia Hildebrand Photography

Hey, I'm Kelsy!

Hey, I'm Kelsy!

A woman with long light brown hair smiling and resting her head on her hand at a white desk with notebooks, a pen, and a green potted plant ready to begin a photography mentorship.

With 4 small children of my own, I’ve experienced the beautiful heartache of watching my babies turn into kids.

The little moments, the way your child’s hand fits in yours, the laughter shared during a game of tag, the quiet snuggles at sunset - these are the memories you’ll want to hold onto forever.

Specializing in authentic, heartfelt photography, I focus on capturing your family just as you are - full of love, joy, and connection.

As a Grand Rapids family photographer, I create timeless images that reflect the beauty of your everyday life, so you can relive these cherished moments for years to come.

Meet Kelsy
A woman with curly hair is kissing a boy with glasses, who is smiling and sitting on her lap, while another boy with glasses is standing next to them, and a child in a white hoodie is facing away. They are hugging and sharing a moment of affection.
Photo of Childs hand in mothers hand in Grand Rapids
Logo with a leaf illustration and the text 'K. Mellema Photography' arranged in a circular pattern

I’ve watched dimply hands grow & no longer need mine to hold. My kids are the driving force behind my business, my absolute passion.

I will never regret having treasured memories to look back on, & neither will you.

A woman standing near a window with curtains, illuminated by soft natural light, in a cozy room with a ceiling fan, clock on the wall, a crib, a potted plant, and some shelving.