We had the good fortune of connecting with Dylan Kraayenbrink and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dylan, as a parent, what do you feel is the most meaningful thing you’ve done for them?

As a parent, the most important thing I believe I’ve done for my son Tucker is raising him in a Christian home and providing him with the foundation to come to know Jesus when he’s old enough to understand. Nurturing his spiritual growth and instilling strong values based on our faith has been a priority for me.

In a world filled with numerous influences and distractions, I wanted to ensure that Tucker has a solid moral compass and a deep sense of spirituality. By sharing our Christian beliefs, attending church together, and fostering an environment where prayer and discussions about faith are encouraged, I hope to guide him towards a meaningful relationship with Jesus Christ.

The impact of this upbringing goes beyond mere religious beliefs. It’s about teaching him values such as love, compassion, forgiveness, and empathy—values that are at the core of Christianity. These principles not only shape his character but also influence how he interacts with others and navigates the challenges of life.

In the long run, I believe that the spiritual and moral foundation we’re providing will help Tucker make informed, ethical choices as he grows and faces the complexities of the world. It will give him a sense of purpose and a source of strength during times of adversity.

Ultimately, my goal as a parent is to equip Tucker with the tools he needs to become a kind, responsible, and compassionate adult who not only understands his faith but also lives it out in his everyday life. While it’s too early to see the full impact of this upbringing, I am hopeful that our efforts will guide him on a positive and meaningful life journey.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart as a family photographer is not only my passion for capturing cherished memories but also my deeply rooted desire to serve the families I photograph and my faith in God. My commitment to preserving these precious moments as a means of service not only to my clients but also as an expression of my faith sets me apart. I’ve had to overcome personal challenges, including a difficult journey in acquiring business skills, as well as battling shyness and self-confidence issues. These have now become my strengths, as they show my resilience and determination to continually improve and provide my clients with not just photographs, but heartfelt memories that reflect my unwavering commitment to my craft and my community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1: Alright, so we’ll kick off our Grand Rapids adventure with a bang! We’ll dive right into the craft beer scene at Founders Brewing Co. for lunch. Then we’ll explore downtown, check out some cool art at the Grand Rapids Art Museum, and even go ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle (if it’s winter). For dinner, we’ll hit up The Electric Cheetah, where the food matches the funky name.

Day 2 will be a mix of art and nature. We’ll begin at the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, where art blends with beautiful gardens. Lunch at The Sovengard will be a Nordic-inspired treat, and afterward, we’ll take a stroll through the Heritage Hill Historic District. For dinner, Grove will serve up some upscale delights, and we’ll wrap it all up with a fantastic show at the Grand Rapids Civic Theatre.

Day 3: Beach vibes at Lake Michigan will be the highlight. We’ll take a day trip to Grand Haven State Park, and lunch will be classic beach food at Pronto Pup, and we’ll explore the cute downtown area for some shopping and ice cream. Back in Grand Rapids, we’ll keep it casual with dinner at Brewery Terra Firma.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

Jade Tyler Photography absolutely deserves a heartfelt shoutout from me. Jade’s decision to offer me the opportunity to work as a second photographer at a wedding was not just a professional gesture, but a transformative experience that greatly contributed to my growth and confidence as a photographer. Her trust provided me with the chance to hone my skills, gain real-world experience, and learn the nuances of capturing beautiful moments.

Website: https://dkphoto.xyz

Instagram: @dkphoto.xyz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dkphoto.xyz

Image Credits
Dylan Kraayenbrink

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