Madison and Jason’s family session in Saugatuck had a little bit of everything: dune grass, Lake Michigan waves, a stroll through downtown and two adorable little ones who kept us laughing the whole time. And these skies were unreal. Soft, glowing and endless over the lake, the kind of evening you just can’t plan for.
If you’re looking for a Saugatuck family photographer, this session is a great look at how much variety you can fit into one evening on the lakeshore.
Family photos in the dunes at Oval Beach
We started in the dunes at Oval Beach, one of the most loved beaches on Lake Michigan. The tall dune grass, sandy paths and big open sky make it feel like a whole different world, and the grass glows when the sun starts to drop.
Lake Michigan beach photos
From the dunes we headed down to the water. This is where those skies really showed off. With the soft evening light over Lake Michigan, everything looked dreamy. The kids played in the sand, we walked along the shoreline, and mom and dad got a few sweet moments with their littles at the water’s edge.
Downtown Saugatuck family photos
To finish, we headed into downtown Saugatuck. The charming streets, white cottages, gardens and the boardwalk along the waterfront gave us a completely different feel from the beach, all just a few minutes away. It’s one of my favorite ways to give families variety in a single session.
Tips for a Saugatuck family session
Plan for golden hour. The light over Lake Michigan in the evening is hard to beat, and the beach is usually quieter later in the day.
Wear light, soft colors. Whites, creams, tans and soft greens look beautiful against the sand, dune grass and water, just like Madison and Jason’s family wore.
Bring a towel and a change of clothes for the kids. Little ones love the sand and water, and that’s where some of the best moments happen.
Plan for beach parking. Oval Beach charges a parking fee during the summer season, so I always let my families know ahead of time.
Book your lakeshore family session
I love photographing families along the Lake Michigan shoreline, from Saugatuck to Holland and Grand Haven. Take a look at my portraits page, and when you’re ready, reach out here and we’ll plan your session together.
Now booking family sessions!
