There’s something truly magical about New Buffalo, Michigan on the Fourth of July. The lakeshore comes alive with laughter, bonfires flicker along the beach, fireworks light up the sky, and families gather from near and far to celebrate together. As a photographer, it’s one of the most heartwarming sights to witness — and even more special to capture through the lens.

I had the joy of photographing a large family reunion right in the heart of New Buffalo during the holiday weekend. Multiple generations — grandparents, grown children, and little ones running barefoot in the sand — all came together to make new memories while honoring old traditions.

Photographing a big family group can be a beautiful challenge. It’s not just about posing everyone for the perfect shot (though we do plenty of that, too). It’s about catching the moments in between: cousins sharing secrets on a beach blanket, grandpa helping a toddler with a sparkler, siblings wrapped in a big family hug as the fireworks burst overhead.

These photos become more than just pretty images — they’re treasured keepsakes that grow more precious with time. Long after the beach toys are packed away and the sparklers have fizzled out, these photographs serve as a time capsule of togetherness, laughter, and love.

For families, especially large ones who may only gather once a year or once in a lifetime, having these moments captured professionally means that the spirit of that day — the warmth, the joy, the traditions — is preserved forever.

New Buffalo is the perfect backdrop for this kind of storytelling. The lake breeze, the dunes, and the endless sky make every candid and posed moment feel effortlessly timeless. There’s nothing quite like seeing a whole extended family barefoot in the sand, laughing and holding each other close, with Lake Michigan glistening behind them.

This Fourth of July, if you’re lucky enough to be surrounded by your loved ones, take a moment to appreciate the generations gathered under one sky. And if you can, capture it — whether through your own camera or by inviting a photographer to help you hold onto these fleeting, beautiful moments.

Because in the end, fireworks fade, but family memories — when photographed with heart — are forever.

I met the Meyer family the weekend of the 4th of July. We had amazing weather and got to capture the family only the beautiful shores of Lake Michigan. Emily and Zack just moved to the area from Minnesota as he had a job transfer and wanted to capture their first summer at the lake as a family with their one and four year old little girls. I know that they will love this area as much as I do. There is something special about living in a small town and enjoying the slower pace of live. Grabbing groceries at a local outdoor market inside of shopping at a large grocery chain, jumping on a bike to the post office to be greeted by your first name, yup there is something charming about it all. I captured them at around 6pm (as the sun is still shining bright.) It’s been a while since I photographed on the beach in full sunlight but I love how true the blue skies look against the green tree line - not to mention these cute smiles enjoying it all!