Biography

Images Forever Studio was started by my father, Mr. Kenneth F. Ruhl, back in 1990. He and my mother, Mary Ruhl, originally photographed weddings and family portraits part time through our home located in Owosso, MI.

Over the years, Ken's passion for photography grew and he realized how much fun a full time studio would be. After completing Lansing Community College's Photography program and attending countless Professional Photographer's of America seminars, Ken's dream of a full time studio was not far away. Through his hard work and perseverance, he and my mother opened their new, full-time studio in the Wal-Mart plaza in 1995.

After earning my Business and Photography degrees from Lansing Community College, I too joined the family business as a photographer. I share the same passion for photography as my father and learned many, many things working at his side. Together we shot many different settings, while my mother ran our studio. She keeps everything running smoothly and organized. From scheduling settings to packaging your final prints, she does it all!

Together we worked hard and watched our business grow and grow. We were quickly running out of space at our current location, so it was time to expand. In 1999, the decision was made and we moved to our current location of 114 North Washington Street in downtown Owosso.

In 2001, my father was diagnosed with a disease called Lewy body disease. This disease prevented him from shooting any longer and unfortunately prevented him from doing what he loves. Since then I have taken over our photography duties on a day to day basis and his dream is up to my mother and I to carry out. So, one year at a time, we have done just that. From film and dark rooms to digital photography and Photoshop, we have continued to change with the times and make our Studio as current and state-of-the-art as possible. His passion lives in each one of us and we are thankful for that everyday.

We specialize in all types of photography and always enjoy a new challenge. Children are always fun. They are simply amazing. Each one has a little different expression. Families are incredible. To see the love between the parents and children and capturing that love is wonderful. Weddings mean one thing to me and that's perfection! This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I want everything to be as perfect as it can possibly be. Graduating seniors have always been one of my favorites. I love to make them look their very best before they go out and start their new lives. All in all, photography has become more than a job that I go to on a daily basis. It's my life, my love, my passion and I'm very thankful for the opportunity my father has provided for my mother and I. I believe with all my heart we are making him proud and so happy to be a part of this studio.

Thank you for taking time out of your day to read about our studio! If you have any questions regarding a future setting or about our studio, please let me know.

Sincerely,
Alisa Slingerland