Jessey’s parents met working on Isle Royale years ago. While they now live downstate, the Keweenaw is still a favorite place to vacation for their family. Her mom contacted me shortly before their trip to plan for her senior portraits, and I’m so glad they did!
Walking the Trail to Hungarian Falls
Jessey says, “I love being in nature. Waterfalls are absolutely beautiful to me.” Hungarian Falls was high on her list of waterfalls for the area. During our consult call in July, I shared pictures from a 2021 session at Hungarian Falls and cautioned August is a month where it can go either way depending on rainfall. Thankfully, we had multiple heavy rainstorms the week before Jessey’s session. Rob and I hiked out the day before to check conditions, and were ecstatic to water filling the gorge.
The parking area on Golf Course Road had a LOT of cars parked for a Monday, but we made the best of the busy day by taking portraits on the way to the falls as well. Jessey loves country living, dirt roads, and exploring new areas, and her jeans and western boots looked right at home on the trail. When planning outfits for senior portraits, making sure each item – from accessories to footwear – is appropriate for the setting creates a more cohesive experience. Jessey has a great eye and pulled together a set of perfect looks for her session!
I love when seniors include personal touches in their portraits. Jessey’s guitar was her great-grandfather’s, and she has taken it all over the country, as evidenced by her case!
To say Jessey’s summer has been full would be an understatement. In addition to working two jobs (one cooking and one coaching), she’s an active person in her off-time. Currently, she’s training for a half-marathon, weightlifting, and doing gymnastics. She also loves to go fishing, hiking, and exploring new places with her friends. Additionally, she sings and plays guitar at open mic nights, and hopes to audition for The Voice and other competitions in the future.
Portraits at Hungarian Falls Middle Waterfall in August
“A prized recreational spot located in the heart of the Keweenaw, Hungarian Falls is one of the most visited destinations for both tourists and local residents. A series of impressive waterfalls cascade down the steep gorge before draining into Torch Lake near the small town of Tamarack City … A series of trails meander their way up both sides of the gorge, allowing hikers an almost unlimited number of viewpoints from which to enjoy the waterfalls’ scenic beauty. The Keweenaw Fault, a billion-year-old geological feature, is exposed at the uppermost falls and provides insight into the history of how the Keweenaw landscape was formed long ago.” -Keweenaw Land Trust
On the Grounds of Houghton County Historical Society
Jessey requested her second location as the Houghton County Historical Society in Lake Linden. The complex is home to a museum, and also to the Lake Linden & Torch Lake Railroad. She loves old things – buildings, cars, trains, and historic landmarks – so this was a perfect area for Jessey!
A quick PSA – I never photograph on in-use train tracks! These tracks are fully decommissioned and therefore safe to use.
What are Jessey’s plans after high school? She’s just looking forward to the final day. 😉 “A few weeks after graduation I’m going on a two-week hiking trip through the Swiss Alps with one of my friends.” (I’m SO jealous!! LOL) She hasn’t selected a college yet, but she is really interested in West Virginia University and leans toward something in business.
A few last words –
Jessey and family – thank you for planning time for senior portraits during your vacation in the Keweenaw! Your adventurous spirit is refreshing, and your experiences will surely flavor whatever career you pursue in the future. Best wishes on a smooth and quick senior year. I can’t wait to see what you do next!
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