Golden Hours in the Keweenaw: A Family Adventure
The Keweenaw Peninsula feels like it was made for golden hours like this one. Late afternoon, the sun doing that slow, lazy dip, lighting up the autumn leaves like fire on the horizon. And there we were—Mom, Dad, two giggly sisters on the edge of becoming teenagers, and a curious little guy still finding his feet. Big flat rocks stretched out beneath us, the kind that invite you to sit, wander, and soak it all in. This spot is a favorite for a reason.
The air felt crisp, but not cold. Perfect for exploration. The girls led the way, racing ahead, stopping to whisper secrets only they could hear, then laughing loud enough for the whole world to notice. Their bond? Unmistakable. Meanwhile, the baby (toddler? I swear they grow so fast!) stumbled across the uneven terrain, his wide eyes catching every shadow, every glint of sunlight. His parents were never far behind, their hands ready to steady him but just as ready to let him figure it out on his own.
And the light? Oh, the light. It danced on their faces, peeked through the trees, and made every smile glow. We paused often, not just to capture moments, but to feel them. A breeze rolled in, carrying the scent of fallen leaves and something almost unnameable—pure, raw autumn. The family gathered close on one of the larger rocks, with the landscape sprawling out behind them like a painting. I couldn’t help but feel a pang of awe. This, right here, is what connection looks like.
As the sun sank lower, the rocks started to cool, but their energy didn’t. Dad showed off his baby tossing skills, while Mom wrapped her arms around the girls for a big squeeze. The girls climbed higher up the rocks, claiming their spots as queens of the Keweenaw for just a little while longer. And me? I stood back, taking it all in, marveling at how the simplest moments often feel the most extraordinary.
This session? Pure magic. The kind you can’t plan for but are endlessly grateful to be part of. It’s proof that the best days are the ones spent together, surrounded by nature’s quiet kind of majesty. Scroll through these photos and tell me you don’t feel it too.
:) Andrea
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Hi! I’m Andrea!
Photographer, storyteller, nature lover
Lume Photography is a creative Michigan elopement photographer & planner based in the Upper Peninsula. Behind the camera, you’ll find me (Andrea) photographer, forager, paranormal enthusiast. My passion is helping free-spirited couples craft their dream wedding in nature, and documenting the moments, emotions, and story in amazing photos. READ MORE ABOUT ME