Senior year is such a huge milestone, and photographing Lilly was the perfect reminder of why I love capturing it. She’s a Penn High School senior and lacrosse player with a love for the beach, so New Buffalo, Michigan, felt like the natural choice for her senior session. I mean, how could you go wrong with soft sand dunes, picturesque wooden walkways, and a glowing Lake Michigan sunset?

Location: New Buffalo, Michigan

Ah, New Buffalo—the beach town that never disappoints! Whenever someone suggests a senior session here, I do a little happy dance. The dunes set back from the water are the perfect spot to capture relaxed, natural poses. You can sit, lean, or lounge in the shade of the tall grasses and trees, which is such a lifesaver during those bright sunsets that photographers either love or dread (depending on the timing).

Speaking of sunsets, we timed Lilly’s session just right. The light was soft, golden, and absolutely magical by the time we hit the beach. Before that, the shaded areas of the dunes gave us plenty of room to play with outfit changes and a variety of looks without rushing.

I’m also obsessed with the wooden staircases and walkways leading down to the beach—they add a touch of charm to any photo. Honestly, I’d love to do a more extended senior session here sometime, mixing in some fun shots walking through town, grabbing ice cream at Oink’s, or maybe catching the town’s twinkling lights at dusk. It’s truly a photographer’s playground.

Oh, and pro tip: if you’re making an evening of it, grab dinner at Stray Dog after your session. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Details I’m Loving

Lilly absolutely nailed her session. From the moment we started, she brought a mix of confidence and joy that made my job so easy. Her outfits perfectly complemented the natural tones of the dunes and the serene beach vibe.

One of my favorite moments was when she climbed up onto the walkway and started walking on the edge like a balance beam. The way the golden light hit her—pure magic! I loved how her personality shined through, from her laid-back, sporty side to her more polished, portraits.

A senior photo in New Buffalo Beach in Michigan

Client Love

Lindsey is a gifted photographer with a heart for capturing family memories! She is patient and truly put her heart and talent into our senior picture session. I would highly recommend her!

Senior sessions are such a joy to shoot, especially when they’re at locations as beautiful as New Buffalo. If you’re a 2025 or 2026 senior (or know one!), let’s chat about how we can create photos that celebrate this exciting chapter in your life. Whether it’s a dreamy beach session like Lilly’s or something totally unique to you, I’d love to bring your vision to life.

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