Anna Davis’s Senior Session in Houghton, Michigan

A Senior Session in Houghton, Michigan

Some senior sessions feel rooted in familiarity. Others feel like a quiet step forward. Anna Davis’s senior session in Houghton, Michigan, was both. It reflected the place she was in during that season of life, while also leaving room for personality, curiosity, and a little bit of fun layered in as she embarked on a new chapter.

Anna and her family traveled up from downstate Michigan during a busy, meaningful weekend. They were already in the Upper Peninsula for her sister Emily’s wedding, which I photographed later that same weekend.

Before the session, Anna, her mom, and I jumped on a video call and talked through what felt important to her. She described herself as a bit quirky, with interests that didn’t always fit neatly into a single box. She loves comic books, was going to attend cosmetology school, and wanted to focus on her relationship with her sisters.

That clarity made planning the session straightforward. We focused on locations that felt natural and highlighted her personality.

Starting a Senior Session in Downtown Houghton, Michigan

We began Anna’s senior session in downtown Houghton, Michigan. One of Anna’s requests was to incorporate a local comic book store. With the owner’s permission, we spent some time photographing her there. It was a simple choice that gave her a gallery personality that fit her perfectly.

From there, we grabbed coffee with her sisters at Cyberia Cafe (now Prickly Pine Cafe). This gave Anna time to reset, laugh, and settle further into the rhythm of the afternoon. Those moments don’t always end up front and center in the final gallery, but they shaped the connection with her sisters at McLain.

Time With Sisters at McLain State Park

After our time downtown, we drove out to McLain State Park. McLain offers a beautiful Lake Superior shoreline and some interesting wind-blown details around the beach.

Anna wanted a few portraits with her sisters here. That choice felt especially meaningful given the weekend they were sharing. We kept things simple: walking on the beach, playing with some of the natural elements left there by winter’s carving winds.

McLain State Park also offered a landscape that contrasted nicely with downtown’s architecture. For seniors who want a little bit of both worlds, pairing a town setting with a natural environment works well.

Planning Tip: Personalizing a Senior Session Through Location

When planning a senior session in Houghton, Michigan, one of the most effective ways to personalize the experience is by choosing the location.

Sometimes that looks like an iconic Upper Peninsula landscape or a place that immediately feels expansive and memorable. Other times, it’s a favorite stretch of shoreline, a downtown spot you spend time in, or somewhere tied to family and everyday life.

What matters most is how the location supports the experience. Places that feel comfortable and familiar often help seniors settle in more quickly, while more scenic or aspirational locations can bring a sense of excitement and variety. Both can work beautifully — primarily when they reflect who you are and how you want the session to feel.

Evening Light and Night Portraits in Downtown Houghton

One of Anna’s priorities was having portraits taken later in the evening, once the downtown lights came on. In June, darkness doesn’t arrive until close to 10 p.m. Rather than trying to fit everything into one continuous stretch, Anna added an extra (à la carte) hour to allow for nighttime portraits.

When we met back downtown, the energy was different in the best way. By then, Anna knew what to expect. She felt comfortable with the process, which allowed her to loosen up even more. She changed into a different outfit that matched the evening vibe, and we leaned into the glow of streetlights and storefront windows.

Those nighttime images brought a completely different layer to her gallery. They felt confident, creative, and distinctly her.

Planning Tip: When an A-La-Carte Hour Makes Sense

Adding an a-la-carte hour to a senior session isn’t about needing more photos. A standard session is more than enough to create a complete, beautiful gallery.

That said, additional time can be helpful when there’s a specific goal in mind. In Anna’s case, she wanted both daytime portraits and a nighttime look that reflected her personality.

An added hour works best when it supports pacing, lighting, or a particular vision. It can offer breathing room, variety, or flexibility, depending on the season and location. It’s always optional, and we talk it through during planning to make sure it actually serves the experience.

The focus stays on intention, not quantity.

A Senior Session That Reflected the Whole Picture

Anna’s gallery reflected different sides of who she is, shaped by the places she enjoys and the people she’s close to. I aim for elements of personality and story in every senior session. Whether we’re working within a single location or layering in a bit more time, the priority stays the same: creating space for authenticity.

Anna’s session is a reminder that meaningful photos don’t come from doing more. They come from thoughtfully choosing your experience.

Planning a Senior Session in Houghton, Michigan

If you’re planning a senior session in Houghton, Michigan, and want photos that tell your story, I’d love to help. Sessions can be simple or layered, quiet or energetic. The right approach depends on you.