There are albums and frames filled with generations of stories captured at our family cottage on Torch Lake. This collection of moments - captured over the past century at the lake - is the most beautiful and generous gift my Grandma Lynn left for us. Our legacy at the Lake. It is a gift that I am committed to expanding and preserving.

To my Grandma Lynn, preserving our family's legacy was more than just getting everyone in the same place for a quick photo. It was about gathering together and celebrating life and love in the place where our roots grow deep. It's about spending quality time together - laughing, sailing, swimming, and catching every single sunset. 

Northern Michigan provides countless picture-perfect settings for lifestyle family and senior photography sessions. Over the years I have learned that the success of a photo session has little to do with the location and everything to do with the love and energy of the subjects. BUT, having a gorgeous outdoor setting and lovely light never disappoints - especially near the lake. 

So with that being said, here are my FAVORITE locations for lifestyle photography sessions near Torch Lake, Michigan. (#4 is my fave!)

1. On the Water

The best thing about my kiddos spending their summers at Torch Lake?  They wear themselves out. Every. Single. Day. 

Swimming, sailing, skipping stones. Kayaking, tubing, paddleboarding.  Being up here with our family and friends is like summer camp on steroids. 

And this isn't just about the kids - the teens and grown-ups are out there too.  Sailing, wakeboarding, sunset cruising. Soaking in the afterglow until the shooting stars fall into the lake. 

It all happens on the water.  

2. On the Shore

Not all of the fun happens on the water. The beautiful rock beaches, old wooden docks, and rugged cottage lawns provide breathtaking golden hour experiences on land.  

Close your eyes and imagine what it would be like to live inside of a Monet painting.  That is what golden hour on a Michigan lakeshore feels like. 

3. With a View

It can be hard to break away from the long days on the lake, but I never regret it.  Driving through small-town Northern Michigan is a treat. When I was in high school, I used to drive around on backroads for hours in pursuit of rugged old barns and the breathtaking lake views.  

Two of my favorite views for photography sessions near Antrim County are Shooks Farm in Central Lake and Shanty Creek Resort in Bellaire. 

4. At the Family Cottage

My grandmother had bookshelves overflowing with family photo albums at her cottage on Torch Lake. My sister and cousins and I would look through them each time we visited, reliving first steps, bad haircuts, and swimsuit fashion through the generations. This is one of my favorite childhood memories - all of us together at the cottage.

Whether it's a vintage cabin that's been in your family for generations or a new spot that you are settling into - there is no place on earth like the family cottage. This is hands down my FAVORITE choice for extended family sessions.

So there you have it - my absolute favorite photography locations for summer sessions in Northern Michigan.  At least for now.  

I'm also working on my summer session bucket list, which includes a lavender farm at golden hour, a sunflower field sunrise, a local vineyard with a view, and a candy haul from your favorite local Country Store. 

If are any of these are on your list, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s go make a fun day of it.