Person in a brown sweater and black pants holding two cameras, walking through tall dry grass.

meet root + arrow

We are Amanda + Richard, a husband & wife team based in Northern Michigan.

A young woman with shoulder-length wavy hair smiling while holding a camera, standing on a grassy trail in a forested area during golden hour.

Meet Amanda

A man and woman smiling and hugging outdoors in a grassy backyard with trees and a shed in the background.

I’m Amanda, the face behind Root and Arrow! My work is rooted in documentary storytelling, with a calm, intuitive approach that allows real moments to unfold naturally- I love romanticizing life + capturing the magic in the mundane.

I photograph weddings, elopements, seniors, and families- all with the same intention: to capture connection, emotion, and the in-between moments that tell your story. I’m drawn to moody light, organic textures, and imagery that feels nostalgic and honest. My goal is to create photographs you’ll return to year after year- images that bring you right back to how it felt in that season of your life.

A woman standing outdoors in a forest with tall grass and trees, smiling, holding a camera, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a cardigan.

A woman playing with a young boy outdoors in a park during autumn, with trees showing fall foliage in the background.

Above all, I’m a mama- and that role has changed the way I see everything. It’s made me more aware of how quickly time moves, how fleeting each season is, and how there is truly magic in the mundane.

If I’m not behind the camera, you can probably find me drinking way too much coffee, homeschooling my little, bingeing a good book, wandering the thrift stores, working in my garden, hiking, or spending time outside.

A young couple holding hands and smiling on a riverbank near a bridge, with yellow flowers in the foreground and ducks swimming in the water.

A smiling man standing in a wooded area with tall grass, wearing a sweater, jeans, and hiking shoes, holding a small camera.

Meet Richard

When I’m not shooting weddings you find me in the garage working on my project car (a 1972 datsun) or building something (probably a piece of furniture), doing home projects, out in the woods with my bow, or exploring hiking trails with the family.

A man and a young boy playing with toy cars in a room with a crib in the background.

I am the second shooter at weddings, which is an integral part of the day and key to a smooth, hassle free experience for you. I typically capture the groom/groomsmen getting ready and I also play a part capturing candids, details, and different angles of the day (and I can help put on the boutonnieres, I got you). Together, Amanda & I partner to make sure no special moment is missed.

Amanda & Richard are amazing! They made things so easy and fun on our wedding day- capturing the most beautiful memories in the photos. I feel like I’m reliving the day when I look through the gallery. & not to mention their moody and candid style is the best! Loved working with you both.

Kaitlyn B.
I can not express enough how thrilled I am with my engagement photos from Root + Arrow Photography! The entire process from start to finish was a complete joy. Amanda took the time to answer all of our questions and helped us nail down a gorgeous location in the Michigan Upper Peninsula. Our photos are everything I was envisioning and so much more. We received so many wonderful compliments from our friends and family. We will treasure these photos for years to come. Thank you again!!

Lauren K.
We are obsessed with how beautifully captured our family was! Amanda was absolutely amazing. Our session was laid back and fun, even with a baby and a dog. Super quick with turn around time. Will definitely be booking again!!

Shelby E.