Kaydence’s mom contacted us months ahead of time to book her senior photos in the Keweenaw Peninsula. They planned to come up from downstate and make a weekend of it, enjoying some of their favorite Upper Peninsula spots. Destination senior sessions like this are always a highlight of my year — a little extra travel, but so worth it when we create something special in places that hold personal meaning. The commitment to get great images always pays off!
Senior Photos at Canyon Falls
On Kaydence’s consult call, we talked through all the possibilities for her senior photos in the Keweenaw Peninsula. The two must-haves? Canyon Falls Roadside Park and a sunset on Lake Superior. We covered some ground that day, but it all came together beautifully to capture everything Kaydence envisioned for her senior pictures!
Kaydence says, “I have always loved the UP. Going through it to visit family in Wisconsin has always been a highlight trip of mine; stopping at every waterfall possible on the way back and seeing the many beautiful areas that the UP has to offer. Canyon Falls was my favorite place we went because it allowed you to hike and explore all throughout the falls, which is something I really enjoy.”
When we arrived at Canyon Falls there were a lot of cars in the parking lot, but as we made our way down the trail, most visitors were heading out. We planned to arrive shortly before dinner, hoping most tourists would be wrapping up and heading for their evening meal, and this was perfect timing! We stopped a few times on the way to take advantage of the trail’s variety — bridges, gnarled trees, and more. Kaydence’s mom, Tiffany, reminisced about how, even as a little girl, Kaydence was always outside — exploring, making tiny homes for forest creatures, and gathering bouquets of wildflowers. Basically, the dream childhood for a nature-loving Northern Michigan girl.
Beyond her love for the outdoors, Kaydence is smart, passionate, and driven. Tiffany told me that when Kaydence sets her mind on something, she works for it. No shortcuts, no giving up. She has big plans to study pre-med and become a pediatrician. I have no doubt she’ll be an incredible doctor one day.
Canyon Falls Fun Facts
I loved hiking down into the “canyon” part of Canyon Falls for these epic portraits!
Did you know?
Canyon Falls is often called the “Grand Canyon of Michigan” or the “Grand Canyon of the UP.”
The North Country Trail, is the longest National Scenic Trail in America. runs through Canyon Falls Roadside Park!
If you venture beyond the maintained path, another footpath springs up and leads further downstream. You can view the rest of the canyon by following the footpath down the river beyond the viewing area. More drops are located deep in the box canyon, with Upper Falls far at the end where Sturgeon River empties out into a calm section. (More information here.)
Keweenaw Peninsula Senior Photos in a Flower Field
As a lover of nature, flowers, and everything pretty, Kaydence requested we find a flower field along our route to incorporate into her senior photos. That’s no problem; the Keweenaw Peninsula delivers with fields of wildflowers in abundance! While I’m still hoping to be able to photograph seniors in the lupine fields one of these years, they bloomed too early this year for Kaydence’s session. Thankfully, Quincy Hill was covered with vibrant sweet pea blooms for the dreamy wildflower field look Kaydence dreamed of.
Kaydence is a photographer herself and has a great eye for style. She chose a white crochet blouse that added gorgeous texture and contrast against the velvety, fuchsia flowers. The whole scene felt effortlessly beautiful.
Lake Superior Sunset Pictures on the Beach
After a short break for dinner and hotel check-in, we met up at Great Sand Bay in Eagle River for sunset. The golden light was perfect, casting a warm glow over the waves and sand. Kaydence kicked off her shoes, embraced the breeze off the lake, and fully leaned into the experience. These beach portraits felt so natural and carefree, a perfect representation of this exciting season in her life.
At the end of our session, Kaydence happily waded into the lake for these stunning twilight images. After a humid 90 degree day, there was no better way to end our time together!
In closing –
Kaydence and Tiffany, thank you for planning this special destination senior experience and for choosing Rob and me to be a part of these memories. We had such a fun afternoon and evening with you! I hope our paths cross again while you’re attending college in the Upper Peninsula in the years ahead. Best wishes as you chase and reach your dreams! 🙂
To all my soon-to-be seniors, if you’re dreaming of senior photos that feel like you, let’s make it happen! Whether it’s on the shores of Lake Superior, a favorite hiking trail, or another spot with sentimental meaning, I’d love to help tell your story through my lens.
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