Cody and Rebecca both attended Northern Michigan University in Marquette MI. While they don’t live locally anymore, Rebecca knew she wanted to have her maternity portraits done at a place that holds such good memories. It was the most gorgeous evening out at Black Rocks for this Marquette MI maternity session. We had such a great time with the two of them and loved exploring the coastline with Cody & Rebecca!
Rebecca and Cody are the type of people that you just immediately feel drawn to. It’s clear Rebecca rocks her job as a labor and delivery nurse – she just exudes positive energy! We bonded over our first FaceTime consult call as she excitedly told me about her hopes for a Black Rocks sunset maternity session. We discussed different dress options – she wanted something more natural, not a mermaid style gown – and the possibility of getting in the water before her session ended. Lovers of the Upper Peninsula and down to adventure! I looked forward to this session the entire month ahead of time!
Black Rocks Marquette MI Maternity Session
If you’ve never visited Presque Isle Park before (which – can you even say you’ve BEEN to Marquette without a stop here?!), here’s what to expect: all of the one-ways. This helps the high volume of traffic feel much more manageable (and safe).
We met the pair at the gazebo overlooking the lighthouse, then traveled towards Black Rocks as the evening progressed. Any couple who works with Rob and me knows we prep them that there is a 20-minute “warm-up period” to really find their groove and get comfortable with the cameras. We pulled over near this little clearing as a “starter location” – but Rebecca and Cody nailed their shots from the very beginning. This is something I rarely say, but some of these first shots are my favorite of the night! (Okay – I’ll admit – they’re ALL my favorites.)
There was this incredible little pocket of light peeking through the trees creating a perfect back glow for the pair. While I generally avoid “black holes” when shooting (backgrounds with lots of dark tree trunks), this time they worked for us. I was totally in love with the drama the contrasting light created!
Speaking of drama – can we talk about this incredible dress Rebecca selected?! I couldn’t believe it when she told me she found it on Amazon! (exact, similar, similar, similar)*
Sunset Maternity Session at Black Rocks in Marquette Michigan
To be completely honest, I was a little apprehensive to shoot at Black Rocks on a Saturday evening near sunset. As a popular destination for locals and tourists alike (and a beautiful day to boot), I knew there were going to be crowds of people exploring and enjoying the coastline. Although it proved to be a busy evening, the Yooper spirit of hospitality and generosity prevailed. Everyone gave Rebecca and Cody a wide berth, resulting in portraits that looked like we had the entire Black Rocks area to ourselves! Thank you to all of the couples and families who made it such a magical evening for this couple <3
Marquette Michigan Maternity Portraits
After capturing plenty of the evening glow, we headed toward our final destination – the cove. This is the area where swimmers come in out of the water after jumping off the cliffs. It’s a popular summer hangout, but we didn’t see any brave souls swimming that evening!
Once again, Rebecca’s genuine, bubbly personality shone through as she chatted with a couple of rock hounds on the shoreline. I’m constantly humbled by the incredible couples we have the opportunity to work with. While portraits are definitely important to them, people matter more.
Rebecca and Cody, thank you SO much for making the long drive up to Marquette for your portraits!! We had the best evening with you guys and we can’t wait to meet your baby girl this fall!
Marquette MI Photographers: Husband and Wife Team
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Rob & Veronica are a husband and wife photography team serving the Upper Peninsula including Marquette, MI.
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