Nate and Olivia - Adventure couples photos in Michigan

This is an interesting time to be alive right now. People are staying inside, not having contact with one another, and doing their best to make sure the world is safe very soon. I appreciate all the efforts, and I’m right there with you.
Since wedding season has been pushed back a little, I still want to show off adorable people in love, so here’s the cutest camping shoot I never got a chance to show you!

Nate and Olivia are awesome people who were models for a commercial shoot last summer. When we were wrapping up, I saw the golden hour light getting just too perfect to not take advantage of and asked them if they wanted a few bonus portraits while we were there. Nate also being a photographer, completely agreed that we couldn’t waste all the pretty backlighting, and let’s be honest, these two just straight up need to be in front of the camera more.

Things I learned from this:
1. Seriously, Nate and Olivia genuinely will make your life better by being in it. Dang rays of sunshine is what they are.
2. I absolutely need to do more camping/adventure couples shoots this year! I love incorporating a narrative, and a personal story into the photos I take, and Michigan has a ton of natural beauty that simply must be documented.

More previously unreleased photo sessions coming to the blog through the next few weeks!

Becky and Thomas - Ludington engagement

Becky and Thomas are not only crazy photogenic and wonderful to work with, but they're a special couple in general. Hearing how he talks about her is already enough to make me happy cry, and the way they enjoy life together is completely beautiful. 
They wanted to do something special for the engagement session (and we're always up for a road-trip), so we adventured out to Thomas's hometown of Ludington, where the session was full of genuine laughter and lake-drenched pant legs, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the photos!
 

Up North p.2

The second half of the northern adventure was just as splendid. 
We made a one night stop in Marquette that included the most amazing discover of Dia De Los Tacos! No lie, the best taco truck I have ever found in my life, and discovered completely by accident as David and I stopped for gas. Sadly I have no photos of this beautiful thing, as my hands were quite full of tacos and not cameras. 
I wish I could tell you I'm sorry. 

We then made our way to the porcupine mountains where we stayed in a yurt one night to escape the rain. I have to say, I've never felt quite so much like a millennial in my life, but no judgement! It was dry, and was right off of the beach which made for the perfect excuse to climb out of bed at 5:30 am to watch the Michigan sunrise. 

The following night was right back to tent camping. There is some evidence that tent camping might not quite be ideal for ones sanity or sleeping habits as the last night before heading back across the bridge, David spent a good hour or two staring into the woods with a headlamp, and a hatchet in each hand confident he heard a bear. Right when we were debating whether we should sleep in the car, or drive through the night, a tiny black rabbit hopped out of the trees, and up to our campfire. 
David paused for a moment before saying "I'm willing to admit.... The bear may have been a bunny." But let me tell you what, I have absolutely every confidence that this man would have had the situation well in hand regardless of the intruder. He's pretty awesome. 

The finale of our trip was an afternoon spent on Mackinac Island eating way too much fudge, as trolls are meant to do. We know our place. 
Overall, being without cell reception was super refreshing, and I would encourage any person who hails from the mitten state to explore the gorgeousness that is the upper peninsula!

- Esther

Up North p.1

It's crazy to think how often we Michiganders forget there's practically a whole other world right in our backyard.
This camping trip was everything I didn't know I needed until we were out there with the mosquitos, pasties, and more stars than I think I've seen anywhere. It was perfect. 
There were way too many photos to try and fit them all into one post, so there will be another half of "hipster stock photos" coming soon!

Favorite campground: Lake Kingston. You have a ton of property to play on, and we could hang our hammock right on the water. What more could you want??

Favorite beer discovery: David and I are a little divided on this one, but my favorite was Woody Wheat from Austin Brothers, and His was Yooper Ale from Upper Hand. Both amazing, and links are in the gallery. 

Favorite camp coffee: Kalamazoo Coffee Co. Backpackers Blend as always. 

You'll have to wait on part two for dining recommendations (spoiler alert, I think we found the best tacos in the 50 states) and BTS stories such as the "Bear incident". 

Until next time!

- Esther