To one of my favorite VIEWS,

FROM, RAYNA

a complete guide for photography sessions at

GRAND HAVEN CITY BEACH, GRAND HAVEN, MICHIGAN

ABOUT:

Grand Haven City Beach is one of the best photoshoot locations in Grand Haven, and on 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.

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.

WHY I LOVE IT:

• Way less foot traffic than our neighbor Grand haven State Park just down the way. It's so helpful feeling 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 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.
• What's not to love about a beach background? Especially this one! 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.

ONLY A FEW THINGS NOT TO LOVE:

• If you're wanting the red lighthouse and catwalk in the background, this area of the beach is too far away to really have it featured.
• There's 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 a 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. Noto's at the Bil-Mar does offer guest wifi which can be utilized for iMessage.

BEST TIMES FOR SHOOTING:

Late spring - Late Fall

Sessions recommended starting one hour before sunset.

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 the 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 on the sidewalk right behind Noto's at the Bil-Mar, located at 1223 S Harbor Dr, Grand Haven, MI 49417.

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