When Is the Best Time of Year for Photos in Northern Michigan?
When Is the Best Time of Year for Photos in Northern Michigan?
This is one of the most common questions I get — and the answer isn’t as simple as picking a month.
Northern Michigan has strong seasons. Each one comes with its own personality, its own light, and its own tradeoffs. Some seasons feel easy and flexible. Others are beautiful but require a little more planning.
Most of my clients end up scheduling their photos between May and October, and there’s a very good reason for that. But every season has something to offer, depending on what you value most.
Here’s a realistic breakdown of what photos look like throughout the year in Northern Michigan — no sugarcoating.
May–October: The Most Popular (and Most Flexible) Months
This is peak photo season here, and it’s when the majority of families choose to schedule.
Late Spring (May)
By May, things finally start to feel alive again. Trees have their leaves, the ground has color, and Northern Michigan begins to soften.
May is great if you want:
- Fresh greens and new growth
- Cooler temperatures without winter layers
- More scheduling flexibility
It’s the true starting line for outdoor photo season.
Summer (June–August)
Summer offers the most consistency when it comes to lighting and flexibility. Long days mean evening sessions are easier to schedule, even during the week.
Summer sessions feel:
- Warm and relaxed
- Light-filled and airy
- Easy to plan around work and school
This is an especially good season for families with young kids who do better when routines don’t need to shift too much.
Fall (September–October)
October is one of Northern Michigan’s most beautiful months — and also one of the most requested.
Fall sessions offer:
- Rich, golden light
- Gorgeous autumn color
- A cozy, nostalgic feel
Because fall books quickly and daylight shortens, planning ahead is key. But the payoff is absolutely worth it if you love color and texture.
November–December: Cozy, Intentional, and Seasonal
Once the leaves fall, Northern Michigan takes on a quieter feel.
November and December are wonderful for:
- Pine tree and evergreen backdrops
- Christmas card photos
- Maternity sessions with a cozy, wintery tone
These sessions feel calm and intentional — but daylight becomes very limited. Most families are only able to schedule Saturday sessions during this time because it gets dark so early here.
January–February: Snowy and Beautiful (With Some Limits)
Winter sessions in Northern Michigan can be magical — fresh snow, soft light, and a clean, minimal backdrop.
That said, they’re not for everyone.
January and February sessions work best when:
- You love a snowy aesthetic
- You’re okay keeping the session short
- Everyone is dressed warmly and ready to move
Cold temperatures and wind mean we keep these sessions brief and efficient. When done right, they’re stunning — just more structured than warmer seasons.
March–April: The Hardest Months for Outdoor Photos
This is the season I’m most honest about.
March and April are my least favorite months for outdoor sessions in Northern Michigan. Snow is melting, the ground is patchy, and trees haven’t leafed out yet. Visually, it’s a mix of winter and spring — without the best of either. Honestly it’s just brown.
Challenges during this time include:
- Dead grass mixed with melting snow
- Bare trees and muddy ground
- Unpredictable weather
If outdoor photos matter deeply to you and timing is flexible, I usually recommend waiting until May for outdoor sessions.
Lighting Matters More Than Most People Realize
One thing many families don’t expect is how much daylight impacts scheduling here.
In summer, we have long evenings that allow for relaxed, golden-hour sessions throughout the week.
In winter, the sun sets very early — often before kids are even home from school — which limits most families to weekend sessions only.
This doesn’t make winter bad. It just means it requires more intention and planning.
So… When Is the Best Time?
The best time of year for photos in Northern Michigan depends on what you value most:
- Flexibility and warmth → Summer
- Color and texture → October
- Evergreens and holiday vibes → November–December
- Clean, snowy beauty → January–February
And if you’re unsure? That’s completely okay.
I help guide this decision with every family I work with — because the right timing makes the experience smoother and the photos feel more like you.
If you’re thinking about scheduling photos and want help choosing the best season, I’m always happy to talk it through. Contact me here to talk about a shoot!
PLEASE COMMENT BELOW