Manning Road Photography

behind the lens

Documenting
honest connections.
Creating
joyful reflections.

Focusing on moments that matter.

Hello!

I'm Molly, a family photographer capturing moments in Southeast Michigan and the Leelanau Peninsula.

I am a mom to four awesome kiddos and lucky to be navigating the messy business of parenthood married to my best friend (who excels as curator of our family playlist and reacher-of-top-shelf things). As a family we love exploring the beauty of Lake Michigan, running with our Golden Retrievers (the fur bunnies are everywhere), and rocking out to the likes of Bruce Springsteen or Boston on vinyl (of course I’m loudly singing the lyrics all wrong). On sunny days you can find me digging in our little vegetable garden or riding my former race horse. If the weather is chilly, I’m undoubtedly snuggled with our cat and a fuzzy blanket reading Harry Potter (again), a twisted thriller, or an emotional novel (who doesn’t love a good cry?).

I believe getting photos taken should not be just another task to check off your list.

Having family pictures taken has gotten a bad rap. It feels like one more thing on your already (way too long) to-do list. You’re already stretched thin getting everyone to practices and recitals, finishing your next work project and making sure everyone is fed. Instead of another thing to do, think of your photo session as time you are setting aside to connect, while a friend wields a camera to freeze some of those fleeting moments for you.

Bring me your windswept hair, your toddler who says they can only walk if he is wearing a superhero cape, and your suspicious teens. I love chasing toddlers for those impish smiles, thinking up games to get everyone engaged, and shamelessly tossing out “dad jokes”.

I create photos that document your story because pictures make it so much more fun to tell.

Driving Manning Road

Feels like home.

Marking the southernmost edge of the Leelanau Peninsula there is a small gravel road that cuts through Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore and heads towards the bluffs. On Manning Road sits a historic family farm. This is where my family gathers to celebrate holidays, play on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan and reconnect with nature. Despite all the places I’ve lived, when turning down Manning Road always gives me the feeling of coming home. Those feelings of comfort and belonging are what I seek to create in my work.