Lyle + Ava | Maternity Session at Sleeping Bear Dunes in Empire, Michigan

I actually jumped up and down excitedly when Ava reached out to book hers and Lyle’s maternity session. I have known Ava for years, and she has become family to me. It’s special documenting others stories. But there’s something really beautiful about photographing someone you’ve grown to close with, outside of the photography world. 

“What’s your vision,” I asked? I gave her a variety of location examples. And with no surprise, she responded that she loved Pierce Stocking Drive, in Empire. I mean, I’m not going to lie-it’s one of my top three favorite locations to shoot at, so I get the appeal. It is a bit of a drive from Traverse City and Frankenmuth (where I’m typically located, for the most part) but it’s 120% worth it. 

We set a date. We blinked a few times and suddenly it was here. I woke up so excited the day of. We actually carpooled so we could catch up, and I could get to know Lyle more. And the car ride seriously flew by! 

When you get to Pierce Stocking Drive, you have to check in with the little clerk at the entrance. I have the yearly pass, so I can go anytime. But typically if you don’t have a pass, the weekly pass is $25. There was no one at the entrance when we got there, so we drove in. It’s about a 8-10 minute drive (from the entrance) to stop number #9/#10, which is the most beautiful stop that they offer, in my opinion. 

After we parked, it was about a minute walk to the beautiful open overlook. This is very convenient for maternity sessions, as pregnant mamas are usually feeling pretty tired. We worked our way around the dunes. There is so much variety there. We were able to get photos with trees, sand, water, and greenery all within the one location. 

We wrapped up the session with sunset portraits of Lyle + Ava all nuzzled up in each others arms. It was a beautiful day with two beautiful people, inside and out.