How to take the Best Spring Photos in Southwest Michigan

Spring is a beautiful time of year in Southwest Michigan, with rolling hills of orchard blossoms, forest floors blanketed in wildflowers, colorful warblers, splendid Lake Michigan sunsets, lively festivals, and heartwarming family moments. This is the perfect place to follow your passion, whether you are a professional photographer or take photos for the sheer joy of it. 

When it comes to what to aim your camera at and where to find the best locations, no one knows better than one of the region’s most famous photographers, Joshua Nowicki. Here are his tips. 

WHERE TO GO FOR THE BEST PHOTOS

SPRING BLOSSOM ITINERARY

This two-day itinerary is a treat for your senses in the spring. All across our countryside, verdant orchards, and vineyards explode in pastel blossoms and sweet scents from mid-April to the end of May. Many of our markets reopen in May, with trays and baskets of ready-to-plant flowers in a brilliant array of colors. You'll find jars of tantalizing jams and jellies, bunches of just-snapped asparagus, creamy chocolates, and palate-pleasing craft beverages and cheeses along the way. Finding blossoms is as easy as going east from Lake Michigan and exploring Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. This is one of our favorite, self-guided spring blossom tours — you won’t put your camera down!

DOWAGIAC RIVER | DOWAGIAC TO NILES

This moderately paced, paddling and fishing river flows east of Decatur in Van Buren County, through Cass County, and into the St. Joseph River in Berrien County’s Niles Township. The banks are lined with budding trees and greenery. The early morning mists and wildlife create an idyllic setting for keepsake photos. 

FERNWOOD BOTANICAL GARDEN AND NATURE PRESERVE | NILES

What a tapestry of spring colors you will find in this natural treasure. Fernwood Botanical Garden is a photographer’s paradise with its daffodils, tulips, hyacinths, native woodland blooms, and blossoming trees. Trails wind through the preserve so you can capture shots of birds, wildlife, and the St. Joseph River’s placid views.

LOVE CREEK COUNTY PARK | BERRIEN CENTER

Bring your camera to Love Creek County Park and photograph the beauty of its awakening Maple-Beech forest. Wildflowers carpet the forest floor and a canopy of budding trees creates some of the most picturesque woodland scenes in Southwest Michigan. Along its trails, keep a sharp eye out for butterflies, deer, foxes, and the many birds that call this sanctuary home.

ROSS COASTAL PLAIN MARSH PRESERVE | COVERT

A local favorite, Ross Coastal Plain Marsh Preserve is one of three of the highest-quality coastal plain marshes in Michigan. It is a rare find in the Great Lakes region! As you explore more than five miles of trails, you and your camera will likely encounter reptiles and amphibians around the coastal plain marshes and small ponds. Watch for elusive mammals such as red fox, coyote, and many of the 100+ bird species known to nest in the shrubs and trees. 

ST. JOSEPH RIVER | BENTON HARBOR/ST. JOSEPH

The St. Joseph River ends its 206-mile journey as it empties into Lake Michigan near downtown St. Joseph. Follow paved trails along the river or paddle its calm waters, keeping your camera ever ready. Unique photography opportunities include the historic North Pier lighthouses, trains crossing the historic swing bridge, giant lake freighters, sailboats, anglers fishing along the North and South Piers and the riverbanks, abundant wildflowers, and a variety of birds, foxes, deer, and other wildlife. 

SARETT NATURE CENTER | BENTON HARBOR

The Sarett Nature Center is a favorite haven for wildlife and landscape photographers. Spring brings migratory and year-round birds, including green herons and eagles, blooming wildflowers, and active wildlife, set in wetlands and woodlands. Two photography highlights are the Butterfly House open from late May to late September and the walkway that gives a treetop vantage point. 

TISCORNIA BEACH | ST. JOSEPH

On the shores of Lake Michigan, Tiscornia Beach is a favorite for family photographs. In the spring, the small dunes bloom with wildflowers and lush greenery. The soft, golden sand contrasts with the white-capped blue waters. Stand on shore or the North Pier to take photos of the lighthouse at sunset, paragliders taking flight or the powerful waves pounding the coast. The golden hours — dawn and dusk — are magical, offering soft, warm lighting that accentuates the natural beauty.

VAN BUREN STATE PARK | SOUTH HAVEN 

Dunes frame the one-mile, sandy Lake Michigan beach at Van Buren State Park. They open up to water vistas that are especially dramatic at sunrise and sunset. The surrounding woodlands are alive with spring flowers and birds, offering diverse photo opportunities. Nearby blueberry fields and orchards create gorgeous spring settings, too. 

WARREN DUNES STATE PARK | SAWYER

Some photographers would say that Warren Dunes State Park is the premier photography destination in Southwest Michigan. It offers a unique combination of massive dunes and spring flora. Come photograph a burst of life in the park, with wildflowers such as trilliums and lady's slippers dotting the landscape and returning shore and songbirds, The towering dunes also provide vantage points for breathtaking panoramic shots of Lake Michigan and the surrounding natural beauty.

EQUIPMENT AND SHOOTING TIPS

USE A POLARIZING FILTER

A polarizing filter can help to enhance your photograph colors by reducing glare and reflections. This is especially useful when photographing flowers or bodies of water. The filter can make the colors appear more saturated and vibrant.

USE A TELEPHOTO LENS

A telephoto lens is essential for birding and wildlife photography. It allows you to capture close-up shots without disturbing the animals. Joshua recommends a lens with a focal length of 300mm or more.

GET CLOSE

To capture the intricate details of flowers and plants, get up close and use a macro lens if possible. This will allow you to capture the texture and patterns of the flora, creating stunning and unique images.

USE A WIDE APERTURE

A wide aperture, such as f/2.8 or f/4, can create a shallow depth of field and blur the background, making your subject stand out. This aperture is especially effective when photographing a single flower, plant, stone, or beach glass.

LOOK FOR CONTRASTING COLORS

To make your photos stand out, look for contrasting colors in your composition. For example, a bright yellow flower against a blue sky or a red tulip against a green background can create a visually striking image.

SHOOT DURING THE GOLDEN HOUR

The hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset, known as the golden hour, is the best time to capture the warm, golden light that makes spring colors pop. Plan your photography outings during these times for the best results.

BE PATIENT

Wildlife photography requires patience. You may have to wait hours to capture the perfect shot, but the result will be worth it. Sit quietly and observe your surroundings — it is the best way to be rewarded with a rare sighting.

RESPECT NATURE AND WILDLIFE

When photographing nature and wildlife, respect their habitats and do not disturb them. Keep a safe distance and never approach or touch wild animals, especially babies in spring.

PLAN TO STAY OVER — MORE PHOTOS AWAIT

Staying at a hotel near our best photography locations allows you more time to capture your best shots between sunrise and sunset. Throughout your day, try local culinary delights at nearby restaurants and cafes. Many chefs showcase locally harvested, farm-to-table ingredients and picture-perfect plate presentations. 

Another way to enhance your visit is to stop along the Makers Trail, where you can enjoy some of the finest craft beers, wines, ciders, and spirits Michigan offers. Look, too, at the local events calendar. Springtime is bustling with festivals, art shows, and outdoor concerts that provide good times and memorable photography moments. So, pack your camera and we hope to see you in our photographer’s paradise!

BOOK A ROOM