a complete guide for photography sessions at
GRAND HAVEN CITY BEACH, GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN
If you’re considering photos on the beaches of Grand Haven, this guide will help you prepare for your session with information on everything you could need.. and more!
Grand Haven beaches are one of the best photo shoot locations in Grand Haven, and are at the top of my list of favorites! Located on the east shoreline of Lake Michigan and the central west coast of Michigan state, it's the #1 go-to for visitors and locals alike.
Photos taken here often result in a soft and playful feel with bright colors, with wide sandy beaches, natural dunes, beach grass, and expansive lake views that photograph beautifully for everything from family sessions to engagement photos and senior portraits. The beaches of Grand Haven offer a timeless choice for photos that feel natural, elevated, and distinctly West Michigan. My favorite beach location for photos is the Grand Haven City Beach, located just south of the restaurant Noto's. All the information I list below will be covering this specific spot I am a frequent flyer of for photo sessions.
Why I Love It
The best parts of GHCB
- Way less foot traffic than our neighbor, Grand Haven State Park, just down the way. It's so helpful to feel comfortable in front of the camera when you don't feel a million eyes on you! It also gives us more room to play.
- We're right next to the water and sand dunes with tall beach grass, giving a great range of background variety.
- The sun sets behind the water, so the endless horizon is a beautiful backdrop come evening time.
- It fades into a green coastline behind us (love), the sand is white, and the water is blue!
- Play is so encouraged here! We can splash in the water, play in the sand, walk the dunes, and more. Locations that inspire play, like this one, always communicates to natural and happier photos.
- There is a small park tucked away just across the street that offers a great "back up plan" in case the weather isn't cooperating with us.
Only a few things not to love
Reasons you might consider a different location
- If you want the red lighthouse and catwalk in the background, this area of the beach is too far away to really have it featured.
- There are no shaded spots anywhere along the beach, so if we are shooting in the afternoon, we'll be in direct sunlight. Direct sunlight produces bright highlights and dark shadows, so if you prefer to have softer images, we'll have to shoot at sunset or cross our fingers for clouds.
- Beaches can be rough terrain to navigate, limiting movement, especially for the older demographic and individuals with disabilities.
- The cell service is next to none from many providers here. This can be hard if we're trying to communicate leading up to our session.
The Most Important Part of A Beach Photo Shoot
Being aware of the changing lighting at different times of the day
When planning Grand Haven beach photography, timing matters just as much as location. Because Grand Haven City Beach faces west, the quality of light changes dramatically throughout the day, and each time window creates a very different look in your photos.
Choosing the right time for your Grand Haven City Beach photo session depends on the look you’re drawn to, the season, and the experience you want. Understanding how the light shifts throughout the day helps ensure you understand the look of the final photo gallery you will receive.
Morning Sessions
Photographed just before sunrise
Morning sessions offer the calmest environment. The beach is quieter, the air is cooler, and the light is softer and more even. This is a great option for families with young kids, couples who prefer a relaxed feel, or anyone looking to avoid crowds. Morning light tends to be more neutral in tone, producing clean, natural images with minimal contrast that warm up as the sun rises.
Afternoon Sessions
Photographed from after sunrise to before sunset
Afternoon sessions bring brighter light and more activity. During this time, the sun sits higher in the sky, creating stronger highlights and shadows. While this can work well for certain styles, it’s important to plan carefully around angles and movement to avoid harsh light. Afternoon sessions often feel more energetic and candid, especially during peak summer months. The blues read a little deeper, and colors become more saturated.
Evening Sessions
Photographed at Sunset
Evening sessions are the most popular option. As the sun lowers over Lake Michigan, the light becomes warmer, softer, and more directional- perfect for flattering skin tones and natural movement. Sunset timing is especially important for sessions that include dunes, beach grass, or water reflections. Ending your session during this window allows for that signature golden-hour glow that so many clients associate with Lake Michigan photography.
PARKING:
Parking is limited! Make sure to arrive early to give yourself enough time to find a spot.
To park at the state park lot, you need a Michigan Resident Recreation Passport. For visitors without a passport, it costs $9 for a day pass.
There are free parking options if you're willing to walk a distance (not super long, but definitely not super short, either!)
For a detailed look at beach area parking and transportation options, refer to Grand Haven's guide linked here: Grand Haven Beach Parking
WHERE WE'LL MEET:
Ten minutes before our start time, we'll meet at the "Area 12" red sign posted halfway down the beach. You can find this sign just south of the restaurant, Noto's, and at the end of the rolled-out walkway that connects to the sidewalk. Its coordinates are 43.049216, -86.243984.
ACCESSIBILITY:
A walkway is provided up to halfway between the sidewalk and the shoreline, otherwise this location will require traversing through sand.
Public restrooms are available on site about .25 mi north.
DOGS ALLOWED:
Dogs are allowed on-leash before 11am and after 5pm Memorial Day through Labor Day. Before Memorial Day and after Labor Day, dogs are permitted on-leash at all times. Off-leash dogs are not permitted.
PUBLIC INFORMATION LINKED: Grand Haven City Beach