Preserve Your Northern Michigan Vacation Before It Becomes a Memory
Traverse City Family Photography & Films
Family photography and cinematic family films for families vacationing in Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor, Leland, and beyond.
Because years from now, you'll want to remember more than what your children looked like—you'll want to remember their laughter, their voices, and the feeling of being together.
Photography + Video services in Traverse City, Leelanau, Glen Arbor, Lake Michigan & Northern Michigan beaches. Trusted by over 1200+ MOMS since 2011.
200+ five star reviews | Trusted by Families Across Northern Michigan
"The photographs are stunning, but the family film completely wrecked me in the best possible way."
- stephanie
"We watch our film all the time. Hearing our children's voices again is priceless."
- beth
"Melissa made everything feel effortless."
- amy jo
WHY FAMILIES BOOK A SESSION DURING THEIR VACATION
The Vacation Goes By Fast.
These Memories Don't Have To.
authentic, joyful, imperfectly perfect family photography
L
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- Relaxed, child-led sessions where kids can play, explore, laugh, and just be themselves — no pressure for perfect behavior or posing
- Full guidance from start to finish — outfits, locations, timing, and how to feel comfortable in front of the camera
- The only Traverse City family photographer + videographer offering both photography and cinematic family films together
- Preservation of your children’s voices, movement, personalities, and real connection — not just how it looked, but how it felt
- Stress-free planning so you can simply be present with your family
- Calm, patient approach with toddlers, shy kids, and big emotions
- Documentary storytelling focused on connection, motherhood, warmth, and real emotion
- Luxury, personal experience rooted in emotion and storytelling over perfection
- Nostalgic imagery from day one — made to become lifelong family memories
i handle all of the details, so you don't have to
The beach days.
The sunsets.
The family dinners.
The moments when everyone is finally together.
Then before you know it, the week is over.
Family photography and films allow you to bring those memories home with you—so you can relive them long after the vacation ends.
about your experience
“This was the first photo session my husband actually enjoyed.”
— jessica, traverse city family client
...because your memories matter
Vacation Family Photos in Northern Michigan
There’s a reason families return to Northern Michigan summer after summer.
The same lake house.
The same beach.
Slow mornings on the porch while the kids run barefoot outside.
Sunset walks. Boat days. Sandy little feet.
These trips become part of your family’s story.
And the best part?
For a little while, everyone is together again.
The grandparents.
The cousins.
The babies who somehow look bigger than last summer.
The people you love most, all in one place at the same time.
That’s what makes vacation family photography in Traverse City and Northern Michigan so meaningful.
You already have the memories happening around you — my job is simply to preserve them in a natural, heartfelt way so you can hold onto not just what this season looked like, but what it felt like to be together here.
These sessions are relaxed, playful, and connection-focused. No pressure for perfect poses or perfectly behaved kids. Just space for your family to laugh, cuddle, explore, and enjoy a beautiful summer evening together while I document it all honestly and beautifully.
“We may not all be together like this next year.”
Your photographs become the artwork that fills your home and reminds you of this season of life every day.One day you’ll miss the way they reached for your hand without thinking
PHOTOGRAPHY + FILM: THE PERFECT COMBINATION
Wall galleries
Heirloom albums
Fine art prints
Gifts for grandparents
Beautiful Images for Your Walls
Years from now, you'll be able to press play and step back into this season. A family film captures the moments photographs cannot:
The sound of your children's laughter
Tiny voices you'll someday miss
Running barefoot on the beach
Hugs, snuggles, and movement
The feeling of your family together
A Family Film That Lets You Relive It All
Someday, these won’t just be photos or films to your children — they’ll be proof of how deeply they were loved.
As a mother, I know how quickly the little things change.
Most photographers freeze a moment.
I preserve the full story.
Through both photography and cinematic family films, you’ll be able to:
- hear your children again
- see their movement and personality unfold
- relive the connection between you
- return to this exact season of life
IMAGINE WATCHING THIS IN 20 YEARS
why family films matter
sound on
Photos preserve how this season looked. Films preserve how it felt.
Because someday, still images won’t feel like enough — but motion will bring it all back.
Because even the smallest moments between you and your children are memories worth holding forever
My sessions are intentionally relaxed and child-led, so your family can simply slow down, be together, and actually enjoy the experience while I document it all naturally.
WHAT MOMS LOVE MOST:
✓ Your kids don’t need to sit still
✓ Tantrums are okay.
✓ I expect chaos
✓ Real moments matter more than perfection
You Don’t Need Perfectly Behaved Kids for Beautiful Photos
Stress-Free From Start to Finish
A Session Moms Actually Enjoy
No Forced Smiles. No Pressure.
Just Real Moments.
Your kids never have to sit still or smile at the camera
I follow your children’s energy instead of forcing stiff poses
Breaks, snacks, cuddles, exploring, and running around are always welcome
I create space for your family to genuinely connect instead of constantly “performing” for photos
I bring treats, games, and toys to encourage play
I’m not afraid to be silly, goofy, or make a little chaos feel magical
A calm, guided, stress-free experience (for moms who carry enough already)
every detail taken care of for you
inquiry & booking your session
01
✔ Outfit assistance
✔ Location recommendations
✔ Sunset timing guidance
before your session
02
✔ Relaxed and playful approach
✔ Natural posing
✔ Kid-friendly experience
✔ Simultaneous photography and film coverage
during your session
03
✔ Family film delivery
✔ Album design assistance
✔ Wall art guidance
✔ Heirloom keepsake options
after your session
04
“I was so stressed about family photos with my kids, but you made it feel easy — and somehow captured exactly who we are without anything feeling forced.”
- inga, family beach photos on lake michigan
Trusted by Families Across Northern Michigan
Let’s Preserve This Season Before It Slips Away
our collections
let's get you started
investment
Most families invest between $950 and $2,500 depending on their collection and artwork selections.
Every session includes:
✔ Planning consultation
✔ Style guidance
✔ Location assistance
✔ Professional editing
✔ Online gallery
✔ Access to heirloom albums and wall art
Many families choose both photographs and film to preserve this season in the most complete way possible.
Add a Family Film
photo + video
- 1-2 minute highlight film
- UNLIMITED session length
- 80 image gallery
- vertical "shorts" video for social media films
- Candid, gentle posing and time for play
- Creative and Artistic Time Editing
- Home Artwork and Album Add-Ons Available
- Viewing and Ordering Appt. After Session
$950
*Most Popular*
extended family
$750
Most Flexible
single family
$550
Best Value
- Families 1-5 people
- 45-60 minutes
- 50 image gallery
- Candid, gentle posing and time for play
- Creative and Artistic Time Editing
- Home Artwork and Album Add-Ons Available
- Viewing and Ordering Appt. After Session
**Payment plans available. 50% deposit upon booking**
payments can be split between extended families
- Designed for families with more that 6+ people
- 60-90 minutes
- 60 image gallery
- Unlimited group combinations, individual families, candids, etc
- Creative and Artistic Time Editing
- Home Artwork and Album Add-Ons Available
- Viewing and Ordering Appt. After Session
★★★★★
"The best investment we made during our vacation."
— sarah +mike, traverse city family client
so you remember how small they once were
frequently asked questions
how exactly does this all work?
After you inquire, I’ll personally reach out within 24–48 hours to learn more about your family and the kind of session you’re dreaming of. From there, I’ll help guide you through choosing the perfect location, timing, and session experience so everything feels simple and stress-free. Once your date is officially booked, I’ll send over all the details you need to feel fully prepared — from outfit shoppable links for the whole family, styling guidance, prop choices, and what to expect during your session.
Once you’re ready to move forward, I’ll send over your booking proposal with everything you need in one place — your contract, invoice, and session details. A signed contract and retainer officially reserve your date on my calendar. After that, I’ll guide you through the rest of the process so you can simply look forward to a relaxed, meaningful experience with your family.
Adding a family film to your session is simple and seamless. Video can be added to any photography session, allowing me to preserve not just how this season looked, but how it felt — the movement, laughter, cuddles, and tiny voices you never want to forget. During your session, I naturally capture both photo and video moments together, so the experience stays relaxed and connected for your family.
All you really need to do is show up and love on your people.
I’ll guide you through everything else — from location and timing, to gentle direction during your session so nothing ever feels awkward or forced. There’s no need for perfect outfits, perfect behavior, or a “picture-perfect” day. Just come as you are, be together, and I’ll take care of preserving the rest.
I recommend locations that feel natural, relaxed, and meaningful for your family — places where your kids can be themselves and you can simply enjoy time together.
In and around Traverse City, some of my favorite spots include quiet Lake Michigan beaches at sunset, sandy dunes, open fields with soft golden light, and cozy family cottages or lake homes if you’re vacationing here. The best location is always the one that fits your family’s story, and I’ll help guide you toward a spot that feels beautiful, comfortable, and true to this season of your life.
Don't worry - as a fellow mom, we've alllll been there on the days where there are meltdowns, more tears than smiles, and just an "off" day! Or maybe the kiddos are wound up and seem to have drank at least 10 cans of Coke. It's all going to be OK, I promise!
This is where working WITH the kids is so important. We've got lots of tricks up our sleeves - from bribes, fun games, engaging and competitive prompts....we will work with the kids to help them (and you) feel relaxed and comfortable.
We'll have backup plans and rescheduling options available. No worries — I am always watching the weather and will give you the best options available.
“I don’t love being in photos, but for the first time I actually feel beautiful and natural in pictures with my kids.”
- lauren, family beach photos on lake michigan
200+ five star reviews | 15+ years experience | 1,000+ families photographed
- A calm, supportive experience for moms
- Guidance every step of the way
- You’ll never feel alone in the planning process
PROMISE
my
I know how deeply photographs matter, because I’ve seen it in my own family.
My brother is in heaven, and I’ve watched my mom hold onto the photos of him over the years — the way they bring her back to his smile, his presence, and the love that never leaves. It’s made me incredibly dedicated to preserving that same kind of love for other families.
I don’t take this work lightly — I create with the intention that these images and films will one day become the most meaningful thing you have.
Hi, I'm Melissa!
"We couldn’t be happier with our experience working with Melissa"
- CAROLYN, TRAVERSE CITY MI MOM
a photographer who truly understands motherhood
over 165+
5-star reviews
we love our moms + families
Your Vacation Will End. These Memories Don't Have To
Let's preserve this season before it becomes the one you're missing.
inquire to get started
You don’t need perfectly behaved kids or a perfectly planned session — you just need to show up exactly as you are. I’ll guide you through the rest and create a relaxed, meaningful experience your family will actually enjoy.
**If you do not hear from me within 24 hours, check your SPAM**
melissa@luxlightphotography.net
231-883-9500
Traverse City, MI
Thank you!
Thank you for your message! I look forward to being in touch in 1-2 business days.