Capturing Magic at Esch Beach: A Late Summer Photo Walk at Sleeping Bear Dunes

Our walk began well before sunset,  but with our goals squarely on that sunset light. With plenty of time to explore different spots before the sun was where we wanted it, I explained how to spot different locations within a broader location. While the pristine sand and gentle waves of Lake Michigan are the main attraction at Esch Beach, we wanted to show that there’s more to a destination than the obvious.

One of the key lessons I shared with the group was how to “burn sunlight” while waiting for that perfect golden hour. We wandered through the surrounding areas and discovered hidden gems like "the magical purple forest, and Otter Creek, where the reflections in the still water offered a completely different atmosphere. It was a reminder that sometimes, stepping away from the expected can lead to extraordinary photos.

Before we made our way down to Esch Beach, we stopped on the road along the way. The sun is still not where we want it for the beach, this provided the perfect opportunity to experiment with sun flares—a technique someone in the group was asking about.

As we walked along the road, I encouraged everyone to play with their compositions and embrace the harsh, direct light of the late afternoon sun as it ran directly down the road. Sun flares are one of those tricky elements that can make or break an image, but when controlled properly, they add a dreamy, artistic touch. I demonstrated how positioning the sun just at the edge of the frame can create beautiful bursts of light, while subtly adjusting the camera position or changing your aperture can control the intensity of the flare.

If you are aiming for dramatic sunbursts, a smaller aperture (around f/16 or higher) helps define the rays, making them sharper and more pronounced. Or, if you want a softer look, opt for a wider aperture, allowing the light to spill more naturally across the lens, giving their images a warm, hazy glow.

After experimenting on the road, we finally made our way down to the beach.

Thank you to Suha Grace for these images of me teaching

The star of the show was, of course, the stunning sunset. As the sun dipped toward the horizon, the skies transformed into a brilliant palette of warm hues, and the reflections on Otter Creek as it fed into Lake Michigan were mesmerizing. This was one of those moments that felt like magic—nature and light coming together in perfect harmony.

Triple lens array. I'll explain later...

As your guide on these photo walks, there’s always a delicate balance to strike. My main focus is to support everyone, keeping an ear out for those who may feel a little lost or need guidance with their shots, while also giving space for each photographer to explore and find their own creative voice. It's a fine line between stepping in to offer advice and letting you discover new techniques on your own.

At the same time, I’m constantly juggling my own goals—capturing content for future projects, experimenting with new techniques, and capturing in a few portraits along the way. It’s a rewarding, dynamic challenge, and at the end of the day, seeing everyone leave with images they’re proud of makes it all worthwhile.

Thank you to Suha Grace for these images of me teaching

One of the best parts of these walks is the community we’ve built. These humans are some of the best photographers I have ever met. And I am not speaking directly to their skills (tho there is PLENTLY to go around here). There is just a warmth and kindness to this crew that I am always amazed by. No matter what phase of this craft you are in, this community is here if you are ready to dive in and start growing together!

We have so much more planned, so take a look at our calendar, and get connect to our focus circle emails to be the first to know when we drop something new.