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Engagements

February 5, 2018

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Traverse City Engagement Photographer

Capture Your Love Story In Northern Michigan

Your engagement marks the beginning of a beautiful new chapter—and your photos should celebrate every bit of that excitement, connection, and adventure. Whether you're envisioning golden hour magic along the shores of Sleeping Bear Dunes, a cozy winter stroll through downtown Traverse City, or a vineyard sunset on Old Mission Peninsula, I specialize in crafting engagement sessions that feel effortless, fun, and authentically you. Each session is tailored to highlight your unique story against the stunning backdrop of Northern Michigan. Keep reading to explore my top recommended locations, styling tips, and engagement package to help you plan the perfect session.

Send me a message, and scroll down to view packages and start planning!

Josh Hartman - Traverse City Engagement Photographer

Old Mission Peninsula Engagement Photographer

LET’S CAPTURE YOUR LOVE STORY IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN

"I’m not sure how to put into words how amazing our experience with Josh was. We were so blessed to have our engagement photos done with Josh at the Sleeping Bear Dunes! Our sunrise session felt like a sunrise hike with a new friend." ~Olivia

Traverse City Engagement Photographer Couple on the Beach

 

The Northern Michigan Engagement | $800

A relaxed, authentic session designed to celebrate your unique connection against Michigan’s most beautiful backdrops.

  • The Experience: 75 minutes of documentary-style photography, giving us plenty of time to explore, laugh, and seamlessly fit in one outfit change without feeling rushed!
  • The Locations: Your choice of anywhere in the Traverse City area, including Old Mission Peninsula or the Sleeping Bear Dunes.
  • The Curation: A beautifully curated gallery of 75 high-resolution, professionally edited images.
  • The Perks: Wardrobe guidance, expert location scouting, and full personal printing rights.

Customize Your Adventure:

  • Extended Adventure Coverage | $300 (Add an extra 30 minutes to your session! Perfect if you want to shoot at two different locations or add a third outfit).
  • Rush Delivery | $200 (Need your photos immediately for Save-the-Dates? Move to the front of the editing queue for a guaranteed 48-hour turnaround).

 

Pyatt Lake Engagement Session Old Mission Peninsula

 

Where Should We Go?

Your photos should reflect what you love to do together. Here are my top three vibes for Northern Michigan:

  • The Epic Adventure (Sleeping Bear Dunes): Perfect for couples who love sweeping lake views, rolling sand dunes, and romantic sunset hikes.
  • The Wine Country Romance (Old Mission Peninsula): Ideal for a mix of rustic charm and elegance, featuring lush vineyards, orchards, and serene shorelines.
  • The Urban Stroll (Downtown Traverse City): Great for a lively, versatile session. We can grab a coffee, stroll past historic brick storefronts, and end at the marina.

(Have a secret spot or a family cabin in mind? Let me know! I love exploring new places).

 

Top Tips for Planning Your Engagement Session

  • Choose a location that reflects your relationship. Whether you’re drawn to cozy city streets or wild dunes, pick a spot meaningful to you.
  • Consider outfits carefully. Bring two: one casual, one dressy. Solid colors work beautifully, but don’t shy away from bold patterns or textures that show off your personality.
  • Time of day matters. Most sessions are best scheduled around sunrise or golden hour for soft, flattering light.
  • Embrace the weather and seasons. Northern Michigan shines in every season—winter snow, spring blossoms, summer sunsets, or autumn color.
  • Relax and trust the process. I’ll guide you through natural poses and candid moments to keep things light and fun.

 

Traverse City State Hospital Engagement Session Fall October

"Josh recently took our engagement photos at the Sleeping Bear Dunes, and we were absolutely thrilled with our photos! It was laid back, and fun, which was evident in our photos." ~Kelsey

Engagement Session FAQS

• How long does an engagement session last?

My engagement sessions are 75 minutes long, giving us plenty of time to capture a variety of photos in different locations and settings. This allows for a relaxed pace, outfit changes, and exploring your favorite spots together.

• What if the rain is bad?

Northern Michigan weather can be unpredictable, but I’m always ready to adapt! We can reschedule for the next available date or embrace the weather for unique, adventurous photos. Light rain or snow can add a magical touch to your session!

• Can we choose multiple locations for our session?

Yes! I love capturing couples in places that reflect their unique story. We can plan your session to include up to two nearby locations, such as Old Mission Peninsula and downtown Traverse City, or a spot that's special to you.

• What should we wear for our engagement session?

The best rule of thumb is to wear outfits that make you feel comfortable, confident, and true to your style! Since our session allows for an outfit change, I recommend bringing one casual look and one that is a bit more dressed up. For all my best tips on coordinating colors, layering, and what patterns to avoid, check out my complete Engagement Outfit Guide!

"Josh did an amazing job with our pictures. I can’t say enough about how much we love our engagement pictures. Josh was so fun to work with, we had an amazing time and the pictures are beautiful!" ~Gio

California Engagement Photographer

START PLANNING YOUR ENGAGEMENT SESSION TODAY!

Let’s create something that feels true to you.

CONTACT ME
©2026 JOSH HARTMAN PHOTOGRAPHY • ORIGINAL IMAGES BY JOSH HARTMAN
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TRAVERSE CITY, MI
630.440.9250

©2026 Josh Hartman Photography

TRAVERSE CITY, MICHIGAN
630.440.9250

©%year% Josh Hartman Photography