When you think of a perfect winter day for family photos, the kind that makes you want to cozy up with hot cocoa and reminisce over the pictures for years, you’re probably imagining something like this early December session at the CR-510 bridge in Negaunee, Michigan.

I originally met Christina and her boys while doing preschool pictures here in Marquette. It was so fun to watch them get a little bigger each year, but of course, eventually they aged out of the program. So when she contacted me to schedule a family session this winter, I was excited to see them again. They’ve grown so much!

Winter Family Photos at The CR-510 Bridge

The CR-510 bridge is a gem of a location for winter family photos, and somewhere I’ve wanted to shoot for some time. Nestled just outside Negaunee, it offers a mix of rugged charm and natural beauty that’s hard to beat. The steel trusses of the bridge stand out beautifully against the snow, adding a touch of character that’s both industrial and nostalgic. Below, the frozen river creates a serene backdrop, while the surrounding evergreens give the area a classic winter wonderland vibe. This spot isn’t just picturesque; it’s steeped in that special kind of U.P. magic that makes every photo feel like a postcard.

On top of that, it’s close to Darcy and Christina’s home, so it’s a familiar place for their family to walk down and explore. A location that already holds so many good memories is the perfect place for family pictures! Additionally, we had a decent amount of snow the week before, so Darcy came down ahead of time and shoveled a path so we didn’t have to plow through a foot of fresh snow to get out to the bridge. I didn’t expect this but was super appreciative!

You never quite know what you’ll end up with for weather in December in the UP, but we ended up with perfect weather. It was chilly, but not so cold that we were rushing to stay warm. The boys kept their mittens on but were comfortable in layered sweaters and didn’t need the bulky layers of marshmallow snowsuits required by January and February. They spent the afternoon playing, laughing, and exploring without any complaints about the cold — a small miracle for any parent with kids in tow during a winter session!

Starting With the Basics

We started the session with “standard” family photos, ensuring to grab a couple of mom and dad by themselves, too. Parents spend so much time taking pictures of their kids, which means as years go by they have less pictures of just the two of them. As we chatted, we found out our anniversaries were only a couple of weeks apart, which was a fun connection point!

Especially in the winter, we quickly move to blend posed shots with plenty of movement and candid moments. I’m a firm believer that the best photos happen when everyone’s having fun and just being themselves, and this family was a textbook example. The boys — full of energy and endless curiosity — kept us all on our toes (in the best way). Whether they were peeking over the bridge railings or racing each other through the snow, their joy was contagious.

Every sibling relationship is a little different — and of course brothers always pick on each other and tease. But I can truly say Jasper & Asher get along really well, and I loved capturing the two of them together.

Snowball Fight!!

After we wrapped up the more structured family shots, we let the boys take the lead. They dove right into exploring the area, climbing snowbanks, tossing snowballs over the edge of the bridge, and generally making the most of their afternoon adventure. Watching them play reminded me how important it is to let kids be kids during a session. Those authentic smiles and bursts of belly laughter? You can’t stage those.

We ended the session with a full-on family snowball fight. And let me tell you, it was epic. Everyone was laughing so hard, and it felt like the perfect way to close out our time together. Plus, it gave me some of the most genuine, joy-filled shots of the day. If you’re ever wondering whether to embrace a little playfulness during your family photos, my answer is always a resounding yes.

See the blue cap hiding on the right? 😂

In closing –

Darcy, Christina, Jasper, and Asher – thank you for trusting us to capture these moments, and letting us be part of your family for the day. Your warmth, laughter, and love for each other made our job an absolute joy. We hope these photos bring you as much happiness as your family brought to that snowy afternoon!

Should You Plan Family Pictures This Winter?

Winter family photos might seem daunting at first—Will it be too cold? Will the kids stay happy? How do we dress for snow? But days like this one are proof that with the right planning (and a little flexibility), winter can be one of the most magical times to capture your family’s story. The snow adds a softness and sparkle that’s so unique to the season, and there’s nothing quite like bundling up and embracing the beauty of the U.P. in winter.

And to anyone reading this and thinking, “Maybe we should try winter family photos,” let me tell you — now is the time! Of course, we’ll get a mix of the perfectly posed shots everyone wants for their yearly photos. But after that, I encourage you to embrace the playful chaos of snowball fights and the joy of life in the Upper Peninsula. I can’t wait to tell your family’s story. Reach out today, and let’s start planning your snowy adventure!