What do you do when you want to celebrate Grandpa’s 70th birthday, but half the family lives in Chicago and the other half in Detroit? I know! You rent a beautiful house in the most charming Lake Michigan beach town you can find. You make memories together. Swim late. Sleep late. Explore the local fruit stands along Red Arrow Highway. Laugh until your sides hurt. Be right back—now I’m the one looking up long weekends in Sawyer!

Location: Sawyer, Michigan

There isn’t a Southwest Michigan beach town I don’t love. I’ve had the joy of photographing families in New Buffalo, Union Pier, St. Joe, and South Haven, and every spot has its own charm.

Sawyer is one of the dreamiest. Nestled near Warren Dunes, it’s filled with fruit stands selling Michigan peaches and sweet corn, darling antique shops, and quiet beaches for those who want to avoid the state park crowds. It’s serene and delightful—a perfect escape.

Family Portrait at Home in Sawyer, Michigan

Playful Family Moments in Sawyer, Michigan

Extended Family on the Porch in Sawyer, Michigan

Playful Family Interaction on Front Steps

Mother and Son Sharing a Sweet Moment in Sawyer, Michigan

This family skipped the beach photos, opting instead to use their gorgeous rental house as the backdrop. Their home was a newly built gem in an established neighborhood, surrounded by lush landscaping. We took advantage of the hardscaping around the pool, an old rhododendron bush, and a front stoop that was just the right size for their big, happy group.

Details I’m Loving

Family photo sessions with toddlers can be... an adventure. One little guy in this family wasn’t quite on board with the idea of group photos. (Moms, I feel you. It happens!)

When my son was four, we had our own family photos taken, and let’s just say I left the session sweaty, frustrated, and questioning all my life choices. But here’s the thing: we still got amazing pictures. And the ones where he wasn’t smiling? Still treasures.

For this session, we embraced the toddler chaos. He held a snack in almost every photo, but hey—that’s life with a three-year-old, right?

Young Girl by Hydrangea Flowers in Sawyer, Michigan

Family Hugging Together in Sawyer, Michigan

Parent and Child Sharing a Sweet Moment in Sawyer

Full Family Posing on the Porch in Sawyer

Father and Daughter Sharing a Laugh in Sawyer

Couple Sharing a Kiss with Children Nearby

What I loved most was Aunt Amy’s perspective. She remembered a full-circle moment: her own 7-year-old was a champ during this session, but back at her brother’s wedding, he was the snack-wielding three-year-old who wouldn’t cooperate. Even better? It was the same snack! Moments like this remind me that family photos don’t have to be Pinterest-perfect to be meaningful.

Planning a trip to Lake Michigan?

First, grab my guide to my favorite beaches here! Book early! These sessions are some of my favorites, but I have to turn away too many families when they wait until the last minute to schedule. Don’t miss your chance—inquire here.