A Postcard From
YOUR SENIOr YEAR
From, Rayna
If you’re starting to plan senior pictures in Grand Haven.. congratulation! This is such an exciting chapter of life to be entering. I see your senior portrait session as one of your first "lasts" and as a great way to mark the occasion.
Grand Haven is the perfect Michigan lakeshore town for your senior pictures, as it offers an incredible mix of beaches, boardwalks, greenery, and small-town charm that work beautifully for senior photos. Whether you’re local or traveling in from out of town, this guide breaks down the most important things to consider when planning your Grand Haven senior session—from the best locations, to what to wear, to the ideal time of year to book.
I.
Grand Haven'S Best Locations For Senior Pictures
One of the biggest advantages of scheduling senior photos in Grand Haven is how much variety you can get in a single session. Lake Michigan beaches are the most popular choice, especially for seniors who want open space, sand dunes, and classic shoreline views. Boardwalks add clean lines and texture, while nearby parks and preserves offer trees, tall grass, and quieter pockets for variety. Many of my senior sessions move through multiple locations so you can get a full gallery without feeling rushed or repetitive.
Grand Haven City Beach
- Sand dunes.
- Lakeshore views.
- Beach grass.
- Beautiful sunset views.
- Less crowded than the state park.
South Pier Lighthouse
- Iconic Grand Haven landmark.
- Bright color contrast.
- Lake views.
- Unique architecture.
Downtown, Washington Street
- Grand Haven's best urban background spot.
- Iconic Grand Haven marquee sign.
- Charming downtown streets with local small businesses.
- Well-kept landscaping.
- Wide variety of background options.
The Boardwalk
- Coastal vibes without the water.
- Natural, organic colors.
- Right next to the beach.
East Grand River Park
- Sits on the Grand River.
- Public dock.
- Willow trees.
- Marshy area.
hofma Preserve
- Marshy boardwalk crossing the Grand River.
- Miles of forested walking paths.
- Incredible fall foliage colors.
II.
What To Wear For Senior Pictures
Outfits play a huge role in the feel of your senior pictures! Neutral tones, soft blues, earth tones, and textured fabrics photograph especially well against Lake Michigan and its natural backdrops. I recommend choosing outfits that feel like you, but avoiding large logos or busy patterns that can be distracting. Most seniors bring two to three outfits ranging from beach casual to elevated/formal wear. Props can also help in telling your senior story! If you have a sport or hobby you'd like to showcase, feel free to incorporate it into your session
Example Outfits
Let your clothes move with you. Flowy fabrics, natural layers like cotton, linen, and denim, all create a sense of comfort. You want to be able to move in your outfits!
Ensure your outfits complement each other, not match. You don't want to be wearing the same colors or shades. Harmony is created between complementary textures and colors! Choose outfits that feel true to yourselves, and build from there. The location we're shooting at can be a great source of inspiration. For example, if we're at the beach, draw from the blue waters, sandy beiges, and green beach grass.
Remember, if you feel comfortable, you'll feel confident!
Still stuck? Here are a few of my tried and true favorites:
Textures/Materials: Linen, cotton, denim, knits.
Outfits: For the girls.. flowy maxi dresses, lighter flowy fabric tops with jeans (I will typically recommend no holes in pants), linen pants with a tank top, or a denim jacket on top of a knit sweater and trousers. For the guys.. button up shirts and a nice pair of khakis, denim jackets, jeans, and a nicer t-shirt, or neutral colored shorts.
Prop Ideas
Surf board
Prop Ideas
Sports memorabilia
Prop Ideas
Books
Prop Ideas
Graduation gown
Prop Ideas
Pet
III.
The Best Season to Schedule Senior Pictures in Grand Haven
Timing matters when it comes to Michigan senior photos. Late spring offers fresh greenery and softer crowds, while summer provides longer evenings and warm beach sessions. Early fall is a favorite for many seniors.. Fewer people, cooler temperatures, and subtle color changes without fully committing to peak fall tones. Sunset sessions are especially popular for Lake Michigan senior pictures, and booking early ensures we can time the light perfectly. Make sure to check with your school, as many in the area require your senior photo to be turned in before the end of your first semester. Whatever your school's deadline is, we will want to schedule your session at least two months prior. For example, if your school needs your photo by December, we should have your session scheduled by October at the latest.
A few of my Grand Haven favorites!
Ready to work together?
Let's get you booked in!
I'd love to hear from you! To inquire about booking a session with me, navigate to the button below. Once I hear from you, I'll reach out with information on the packages I offer, and we can start planning your dream photography session!