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 Jin family in October when they wanted to take family photos for the holiday session! We photographed at an open park with tall grass. The family wore sweaters, plaid jumpers, boots basically — all things fall. Coming from Boston, they really wanted to take advantage of their new area and wanted to do a summer session with me in Malibu. I found a great spot that was really quiet and empty called Lechuza Beach. Which was perfect for this family of four! Joan had told me that she order these cute outfits from Lilly Pulitzer months in advance and I loved the neon colors and cute patterns her and the girls wore! The girls are 6 and 3.5 so I told mom if she was okay with bribes ( I have two ring pops in my bag ) as soon as mom told the girls to be nice and smile at me because they might get a treat - all bets were on and I could grab those cute smiles and personality photos of these two cuties for split second. ha!