Best Family Photo Locations in Holland, Michigan
Holland, Michigan is one of my favorite places in West Michigan for family photography. It has the perfect mix of Lake Michigan beaches, wooded trails, open fields, and charming natural spaces that work beautifully in every season.
Whether you’re planning a relaxed documentary-style session or something a little more posed, Holland offers a variety of backdrops that feel natural, timeless, and uniquely West Michigan.
Below are some of my favorite family photo locations in Holland.
Riley Trails
Riley Trails is one of the most versatile locations in the Holland area. It offers a quiet, wooded setting with wide trails, soft natural light, and plenty of space for kids to move freely.
This location is especially beautiful in:
Late spring when everything is fresh and green
Summer evenings with long golden light
Early fall when the colors start to change
What makes Riley Trails so great for family sessions is how relaxed it feels. Kids can explore, parents can breathe, and nothing feels overly posed or forced. It’s perfect for families who want authentic, connected images.
The tree cover also provides great shade, which helps create soft, flattering light almost any time of day.
Tunnel Park
Tunnel Park is one of the most iconic Lake Michigan locations near Holland—and for good reason. It offers a combination of dune views, beach access, and open sky that creates stunning, classic lakeshore imagery.
The walk through the sand dunes adds a sense of adventure to the session, and once you reach the beach, you get wide-open space, beautiful water tones, and some of the best sunset light in the area.
Tunnel Park is especially popular for:
Summer family sessions
Sunset beach photos
Windy, dramatic lake days
Kids playing in the sand and water
Because it’s more open and exposed, I often recommend this location for evening sessions when the light is soft and golden.
Other Beautiful Holland Area Locations
While Riley Trails and Tunnel Park are two of the most requested spots, there are several other great options depending on the feel you want for your session:
Quiet neighborhood parks with tall grasses and open fields
Lake Michigan shoreline areas with fewer crowds
Downtown Holland for a more modern, colorful feel
Seasonal flower fields in nearby West Michigan areas
Each location brings something different, and part of the planning process is choosing the one that best fits your family’s personality and the type of images you want to create.
Choosing the Right Location for Your Family
When I help families choose a location, I usually think about three things:
How much movement the kids will want
Whether we want water, woods, or open fields
What time of day the session is scheduled
For example, energetic toddlers often do best at Riley Trails, where they can roam freely. Families wanting a more dramatic sunset look usually love Tunnel Park.
There’s no “wrong” choice—just different ways to tell your story.
Planning Your Holland Family Session
If you’re planning a family session in Holland or anywhere in West Michigan, I’ll help guide you through location selection, timing, and styling so everything feels simple and natural.
The goal is always the same: real connection, real moments, and images that feel like your family.
Book your Holland photography session today! Click the link here to inquire about availability! https://www.kmellema-photography.com/emotive-moments#contact
