Clothing Choices for Photos in the Copper Country
I’m going to be completely real with you: Picking out your outfits is going to be the hardest part of this entire experience.
I know the feeling—staring at a bed covered in clothes, wondering if those shades of blue clash or if your toddler will actually keep those shoes on. It’s stressful! But here is the good news: Once you show up, you can leave the rest to me.
The Keweenaw is my backyard and my studio. I know where the light hits the sandstone just right and how to turn a windy day on Lake Superior into a cinematic moment. Your only job is to show up and be a family; I’ll handle the magic.
To help you get past that “hardest part” and get to the fun, here are ten tips for your summer session in the Copper Country.
1. Coordinate, Don’t Match
Gone are the days of everyone in identical white shirts. Think of your family as a color palette. Pick 3–4 colors that play well together—like sage, rust, and cream—and mix them up. It looks more natural and lets everyone’s personality shine.
2. Texture is Everything
Since we’re working with the rugged textures of the U.P.—think jagged rocks, soft sand, and deep forests—add some texture to your clothes! Lace, denim, knits, or linen add a “pop” to your photos that flat cotton just can’t match.
3. Embrace the “Superior” Breeze
It is always windy by the big lake. Instead of fighting it, lean into it. Flowy dresses or skirts look incredible when the wind catches them. It adds movement and a touch of drama to your gallery.
4. Be Real About Footwear
We might be trekking through stamp sands or climbing over basalt. If you want to wear heels or dress shoes, bring a pair of “adventure shoes” to walk in. We can swap them out when we get to the perfect spot!
5. Movement Wins Every Time
Don’t worry about “posing.” I’m looking for the way you look at your kids and the way you laugh together. If I tell you to run down the beach or have a tickle fight, just go with it! Those are always the photos you’ll end up hanging on your wall.
6. The Golden Hour Rule
Summer days are long in the Keweenaw, which means our best light happens late. If we’re shooting for that glowy, dreamy look, we’ll be chasing the sun right before it hits the horizon. It’s worth the late bedtime, I promise.
7. Layers for the “Lake Effect”
You know how it goes—it’s 80 degrees in Houghton and 60 degrees by the lighthouse. Bring a cute cardigan or a denim jacket. It keeps you from shivering and gives us a whole second “look” without a full outfit change.
8. Snacks (The Non-Messy Kind)
If you have little ones, “hanger” is the enemy of a good photo. Bring some snacks that won’t stain faces or clothes (think pretzels or crackers, not chocolate!) to keep the energy up.
9. Trust the Landscape
The Keweenaw provides the best props. We don’t need much else besides the driftwood, the waves, and the pines. Let the scenery do the heavy lifting while you focus on each other.
10. Just Breathe
If the kids are being wild, let them be wild. If your hair gets messy, let it be messy. My goal is to capture your family as you are. When you relax and trust me, that’s when we get the shots that take your breath away.
You handle the closet, I’ll handle the camera.
I can’t wait to get out there with you guys. Let’s make some Copper Country magic!