Best Northern Michigan Locations for Family Photos (And Why I Love Each One)
Best Northern Michigan Locations for Family Photos (And Why I Love Each One) – From a centrally located northern Michigan photographer
Northern Michigan has a way of slowing people down.
The air feels different here. The light stretches a little longer. Everything feels a little more honest. And when it comes to family photos, location matters — not because it needs to impress, but because it sets the tone for how the session feels.
Some places bring a sense of awe. Others invite you to exhale.
Here are some of my favorite Northern Michigan locations for family photos — starting with the iconic, jaw-dropping spots, and ending with the quiet places most people don’t know about but fall in love with instantly.
Iconic Northern Michigan Locations (The “Wow Factor”)
These are the places that feel unmistakably Northern Michigan. They’re bold, scenic, and unforgettable.
Mackinaw Bridge Area
Timeless, expansive, and full of presence
There’s something grounding about standing near the Mackinaw Bridge. It feels steady. Historic. Almost symbolic.
I love this area for families who want photos that feel big and meaningful — wide open skies, water in every direction, and a sense of place you can’t fake. Kids can move, explore, and take it all in, which naturally leads to relaxed, genuine moments.
This spot works especially well for:
- Multi-generation families
- Families who love classic Northern Michigan scenery
- Sessions that feel reflective and timeless
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Soft light, movement, and pure magic
Sleeping Bear Dunes never fails to take people’s breath away — and for good reason. The rolling dunes, Lake Michigan stretching forever, and the way the light moves here create something truly special.
I love photographing families here because it encourages movement and wonder. Kids run. Parents laugh. No one feels stiff, because it’s impossible to stand still in a place like this.
This location is perfect if you want:
- A sense of adventure
- Natural, playful energy
- Photos that feel cinematic but still real
Downtown Charlevoix
Charming, colorful, and full of life
Downtown Charlevoix brings a completely different feel — one that’s cozy, joyful, and a little nostalgic. Brick paths, boats in the harbor, bright storefronts, and water views all within walking distance.
I love this area for families who want photos that feel connected and lively, with lots of variety in a short amount of time. It’s especially beautiful in the evening when the light softens and the town slows down.
This spot is great for:
- Families who love color and character
- A mix of candid moments and gentle structure
- A relaxed, old money, summery feel
Hidden Gems (Quiet, Natural, and Deeply Underrated)
These are the places I bring families who want something more intimate — locations that feel like a deep breath.
The Nature Megaphone
Unexpected, earthy, and quietly fun
This spot feels like a little secret. Tucked into nature, it has a playful, curious energy without feeling busy or distracting.
I love this location for families who want something different but still grounded. It invites interaction, exploration, and laughter — especially for kids who love discovering something new.
Perfect for:
- Curious kids
- Laid-back families
- Sessions that feel organic and a little whimsical
Petoskey State Park
Dunes, lake views, and endless versatility
Petoskey State Park is one of my favorite “best of both worlds” locations. You get soft dunes, tall grasses, and Lake Michigan all in one place — without the overwhelming scale of some larger tourist areas.
It photographs beautifully in every season and gives us space to move without feeling rushed.
I recommend this spot for:
- Families who want beachy vibes with easy access
- A mix of open space and cozy moments
- Sunset sessions with dreamy light
Nature Preserves in Emmet County
Quiet, personal, and deeply peaceful
These preserves are some of Northern Michigan’s most overlooked treasures. Tall trees, winding trails, wildflowers, and stillness — the kind of stillness that helps people relax almost immediately.
I love these locations for families who want photos that feel slow and intentional. There’s no pressure here. Just space to be together.
Ideal for:
- Families who value calm over spectacle
- Sessions with small kids who need room to wander
- Photos that feel intimate and grounded
Ocqueoc Falls
Wild, playful, and a little adventurous
Ocqueoc Falls has a raw, natural energy that’s hard to describe until you’re standing there. Water flowing, rocks underfoot, and the sound of the falls creating its own rhythm.
This is one of my favorite spots for families who aren’t afraid to get a little messy — who love letting kids be kids and leaning into the moment.
Best for:
- Adventurous families who want to get wet
- Older kids who love exploring
- Sessions that feel alive and unfiltered
Choosing the Right Location Matters — But Feeling Comfortable Matters More
The best location isn’t the most famous one.
It’s the one where you can relax.
That’s why I always help guide this decision. I think about your kids, your energy, the season you’re in, and how you want the session to feel — not just how it will look.
Because when you’re comfortable, the photos take care of themselves.
If you’re dreaming about family photos in Northern Michigan and aren’t sure where to start, I’d love to help you find the spot that fits you. Please contact me for your own photo session through my website here.
PLEASE COMMENT BELOW