Stara Collaborative hosted a creative Mix & Mingle event, combining professional headshots and candid family photography in Kalamazoo. The result? Authentic images celebrating employees, their families, and the spirit of community

A look into an extended family photography session in Kalamazoo, Michigan with family photographer Sarah Rypma. Sarah shows what types of photos are inside her multi-generational photo session galleries and discusses why it is important to document these sessions.

Bankson Lake Farm began as a dream sketched on a chalkboard and grew into a thriving organic food hub in Southwest Michigan. From sunrise harvests of garlic, lettuce, and eggplant to the tree that has witnessed generations, every corner of the farm tells a story of resilience and community. This session captures the heart of the farm and the people who make it flourish.

Planning a large family photo session in Kalamazoo with Sarah Rypma? Whether it’s a milestone celebration or a rare chance to gather everyone together, here are 6 must-have shots to expect—from timeless group portraits to candid moments that tell your family’s story.

Kalamazoo County Parks photography at its most joyful—this summer session at River Oaks Splashpad captured the energy, color, and connection that make our local parks so special. From laughter under the frog arch to quiet curiosity in the water jets, these moments tell the story of community in motion. View highlights from this playful morning and see how commercial photography can bring your park or program to life

This Kalamazoo River Valley Trail photography session blends ground-level and drone imagery to showcase one of Michigan’s most scenic trails. Commissioned by Kalamazoo County Parks, the project captures connection, movement, and the beauty of public space.

There’s a golden hour on every farm when the light turns everything to magic. On a summer morning at Long Valley Farm in Kalamazoo, I photographed that sweet spot—where peas glisten, greens glow, and real food stories unfold. As a Michigan farm photographer, I specialize in capturing these quiet, powerful moments. Ready to build a brand image library that reflects your mission? Let’s connect

When my teenagers refused to be photographed in Costa Rica, I turned my lens toward the forest. What followed was a quiet practice in presence — and in noticing the wild beauty that doesn’t ask to be seen.

Over two years, I partnered with Michigan’s 10 Cents a Meal program to create custom brand photography across the state—capturing how local farms are feeding students. The result? A powerful, versatile image library designed for grants, marketing, and storytelling

What does sustainability look like behind the scenes? For Schupan, a Michigan-based leader in recycling and manufacturing, it’s in every process, person, and product. This commercial photography project captured eight locations across the state, creating a cohesive image library designed to support HR, operations, marketing, and more. From aluminum bale yards to data dismantling, these photos highlight the power of visual storytelling in industries that often go unseen.

As a Michigan commercial photographer, I specialize in capturing the impact of businesses and nonprofits through compelling storytelling...

2024 highlights family + commercial photography in Kalamazoo, MI, and beyond. Sarah Rypma Photography celebrates hard work + connection