West Michigan Wedding Photographer at Michigan Wedding Venue, Shutter Sam - Preferred Wedding Vendor Spotlight
Sam of Shutter Sam Photography found her way to weddings by accident — a darkroom she couldn't stop returning to, a co-worker's casual question, and a first wedding shot entirely on film that made her fall in love with the whole process. By 2009, what had quietly snowballed became her full-time life as a West Michigan wedding photographer, known for a style she describes as love in motion with a side of nature. For couples celebrating at our Michigan wedding venue, she offers hourly wedding day coverage, engagement sessions, and fine art wedding albums, all with every high-resolution image included. Meet Michigan Wedding photographer at Michigan wedding venue, Shutter Sam in our preferred vendor spotlight.
How did you get started as a photographer?
When my second child was born, I just wanted to get proper photos of my kids. Kendall College of Art and Design offered these photography classes at night, where you got to use the dark room and they were just a couple weeks with proper assignments. Well I kinda got hooked more on the dark room process. They only offered maybe two different classes and I took those two classes a couple times just so I could keep using the dark room! I was also working a full time job and a co-worker had a son getting married and the asked if I would shoot their son’s wedding. I was very confident I could shoot a wedding. (Not sure why after just a few photography classes I thought I could rock a wedding) But just after that first wedding, I feel in love with that whole process of the day. I shoot that first wedding on film, and the next few years were all film weddings. The whole thing just snow balled till I couldn’t keep doing family, full time work and weekends of weddings. In 2009, I made it my full time job!
How would you describe your photography style?
I like to describe my style as love in motion with a side of nature. It’s not a true documentary style, it’s not a true traditional, it’s not true modern. I just know I want your love to jump 100% through the images, I like to keep you moving because I feel that brings out a lot of your true personality, and nature is where I feel at home and I feel thats the kind of people who gravitate to me. Oh yeah, I’ll make you look at the camera and smile! Mom’s will give me an ear full if I don’t! ;)
What specific services and products do you offer?
Wedding Photography
Engagement Sessions
Hourly Wedding Day Coverage
Fine Art Wedding Albums
Engagement and weddings both come with all hi-res images included.
What’s your favorite part about working at The Felt Estate?
Besides the fact that everywhere is flawless! Some venues do not come with a full staff, and as photographers you sometimes become the unofficial day of coordinator. I never have to worry about ANY of that when I show up at The Felt! I know I can fully concentrate on just being a photographer that day and deliver the best job I can for everyone that day.
Wedding guests during cocktail hour at Michigan wedding venue.
Do you have a favorite spot on the estate?
I have a few!! The pink bedroom, delivers the best backdrop for head shots, the blue & yellow bathroom always has me throwing a couple in there, cocktail hour out back and shooting through the mansion windows!! Then don’t get me started on sunset behind the church!!!! GAH!!! And my ultimate fav spot... I’ll never tell you!
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to couples getting married at The Felt?
Trust your vendors! Everyone on these lists are there for a reason! We all love our jobs, to a ridiculous amount! We all have the same end goal. For you to not have to worry, to show up and just enjoy every minute of your day. You think a Michigan Summer goes fast? Your wedding day will go even faster! Take those extra minutes when you can to look around and see everyone who is cheering and loving up on you!! We’ve got the rest!
What’s the best way for couples to reach you?
EMAIL! I’m a hawk on that thing. Social media is great, but I’m not great at checking those outlets daily so if you direct message me on ANY social media platform, I’m more than likely won’t see it for a few days. I do have an email and website button on social media. On my website I do have a contact page and my email is located through out my website.
Contact information
Email: shuttersamphotography@gmail.com
Website: www.shuttersam.com
Instagram: @shuttersam
Serving all of Upper and Lower Michigan and will travel out of state.
At The Felt Estate, our preferred wedding vendors are not just names on a list - they are trusted collaborators who have consistently served our couples with excellence and professionalism. Each has been selected because of their proven commitment to creating seamless, memorable events while aligning with the values that matter most to us. These vendors uphold our non-discrimination policy, ensuring every couple feels seen, respected, and celebrated. We do not receive commission or compensation for recommendations, our list exists solely to guide you toward professionals who share our standards and hospitality ethos. Every detail matters, especially the people you choose to bring your vision to life.
The Felt Estate is a non-profit organization that aims to preserve history through preservation of the Estate; protect the environment with the responsible use of the natural and built environments; and educate through tours, classes, field trips, and seminars.