Everyone on Mackinac Island is a photographer. With the cameras in our phones and the breathtaking scenery all around the USA’s Best Summer Travel Destination, it’s easy to snap the perfect shot for your social media.
As for getting the perfect family portrait, well, nothing is ever easy about that. From the setting to the lighting to getting everybody’s cooperation at just the right moment, some things are better left to professionals.
Fortunately, Mackinac Island has several professional photographers ready to help.
Professional Photographers of Mackinac Island
When you think of Mackinac Island photographs, you might think first of captivating landscapes accented by horse-drawn carriages, blooming lilacs, ferry boats and bicycles. Or you might envision a beaming bride in a sun-kissed wedding ceremony at a gorgeous waterfront venue.
For sure, Mackinac Island is one of the best spots in the world for weddings. That’s why thousands of couples get married on the island each year! And it’s a big reason why Mackinac Island attracts so many talented professional photographers.
Of course, those same photographers who immortalize magical Mackinac Island weddings also take memorable family portraits, spectacular shots of graduating seniors, engagement pics and more. After all, the sparkling settings that make bridal parties shine can make your loved ones light up the camera, too.
Here’s a look at the professional photographers of Mackinac Island:
- Andrejka Photography – Andrejka specializes in weddings, engagements, portraits and brand and lifestyle photos on Mackinac Island, in southern California and beyond
- Island Photo – Christi and Jeff specialize in weddings as well as family portraits, senior photos, engagements, anniversary celebrations and other special events on Mackinac Island
- It’s Wonderful Photography – Sara is a year-round Mackinac Island resident who specializes in wedding imagery and portraiture
- Kara Beth Photography – Kara specializes in elegant, timeless fine art portraits of families, newborns, kids and couples as well as weddings
- Katharine Rose Photography – Katharine specializes in senior photos, surprise proposals, family portraits, engagements, weddings and more on Mackinac Island and in St. Ignace
- Myers Flyers – Rodney is a year-round Mackinac Island resident who specializes in wedding photography and videography as well as portraits and special events
5 of the Top Portrait Spots on Mackinac Island
On the one hand, there are so many scenic spots on Mackinac Island that it’s hard to go wrong when deciding where to take pictures. Pretty much anywhere is amazing! Yet, some places are better at certain times of the day, depending on lighting and traffic and so many other variables.
That’s another reason to place your photography needs in the hands of professionals. They know the best spots for all kinds of photos. And even more important, they know the best times to get the best pictures in those places.
Here are just a handful of spots that might come recommended by your professional Mackinac Island photographer:
Windermere Point at the west end of downtown Mackinac Island
Windermere Point features a rocky Mackinac Island beach where both the Mackinac Bridge and Round Island Lighthouse can be seen in the background – and often a passing ferry boat as well. Plus, the Mackinac Island boardwalk is right there, and it runs along the water and past the Mackinac Island school playground. The back of the Mackinac Island Public Library is also nearby with big rocks and Adirondack chairs on a deck that overlooks the water.
Mackinac Island’s Marquette Park
At the east end of downtown, Marquette Park overlooks the Mackinac Island marina at the foot of historic Fort Mackinac. The place is covered in beautiful, sweet-scented lilacs into mid-June. And in the fall, striking orange, red and yellow leaves accent the scene. There’s lots of greenspace for kids to run and a playground, too. Plus, horse-drawn carriages are almost always right out front awaiting their next ride, creating the perfect Mackinac Island background.
Mackinac Island’s Mission Point Resort
The family-friendly Mission Point Resort on the southeast corner of Mackinac Island features a variety of picturesque settings including a Great Lawn full of Adirondack chairs right along the waterfront. The property also offers a gazebo, gardens, areas of high grass with colorful flowers and a scenic road that runs through a picturesque archway of trees where there’s shade and great lighting.
Mackinac Island’s Secret Garden
Located on Grand Hotel property down a trail lined by arborvitae trees, Mackinac Island’s Secret Garden is full of gorgeous flowers – starting with tulips in the spring and then changing to a variety of other blooms in summer and fall. As a bonus, up in the background is the iconic Grand Hotel. The majestic Grand Hotel porch is a nice photo option, too, with a small fee for non-guests and a dress code after 6 p.m.
On the Mackinac Island bluffs
Mackinac Island’s West Bluff offers an elevated perspective of the Mackinac Bridge, out on the horizon. You also can get a good look at Round Island Lighthouse from up there. Plus, there are gorgeous Victorian homes lining the street. From the East Bluff, you can see all of downtown Mackinac Island in the background of your photo or stroll through the woods for incredible nature shots. The famed Somewhere in Time Gazebo is right there, too, as well as a phenomenal view of the water from Anne’s Tablet.
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