One of the first things I look for when choosing a location for senior pictures is public access. (Unless the client has me photograph them on their private property.) I never trespass for senior pictures, and since Holland State Park has public access, it definitely meets criteria number one.
The next thing I look for when choosing a location for senior pictures is parking close to where we need to be. There are other state parks, and public beaches along lake Michigan, but not all of them have easy access to parking. Unless it is a holiday or holiday weekend, parking is fairly easy at Holland State Park.
One of the most important things I look for when choosing locations, is VARIETY. Holland State Park definitely meets that criteria! I have found more variety there, then at other public lakeshore locations. It is more than just sand and water. There are great dunes and dune grasses, trees, and some fallen logs that are close to the pavilion. I have even used the pavilion doors as a background! Then, we can move over the the channel that connects to Lake Macatawa. There is a GREAT railing, and the infamous “Big Red” Holland Harbor light house. That makes for some great backdrops. The rocks by the pier are perfect for posing, and then we can grab some great sunset shots at the end of the session.
The best time of day to photograph seniors at the beach is the last hour of the day before sunset. Weather you want to include the sunset in your pictures or not, the light is much softer and more flattering that time of day. My second choice for time of day to take pictures at Holland State Park would be the first hour of the day after sunrise. But, for some reason I can’t get many high school seniors to agree to this time of day! LOL (And the parking lot is not opened that early!)