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Scenic family portraits taken along a grassy beach dune path at sunset.
SAUGATUCK, MICHIGAN · LAKESHORE & WORLDWIDE

Saugatuck Photography

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Couple sitting intimately on a cozy sofa, gazing at each other in a bright, sunlit living room, black and white photo.
SAUGATUCK, MICHIGAN · LAKESHORE & WORLDWIDE

Weddings, Portraits & Brand Photography

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Sunset beach scene with red chairs and coastal buildings visible in the golden hour light.
SAUGATUCK, MICHIGAN · LAKESHORE & WORLDWIDE

Weddings, Portraits & Brand Photography

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Person in white dress sitting in tall grass field under blue sky.
SAUGATUCK, MICHIGAN · LAKESHORE & WORLDWIDE

Weddings, Portraits & Brand Photography

Check My Availability

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Group of friends sitting and relaxing by a swimming pool on a summer day.
SAUGATUCK, MICHIGAN · LAKESHORE & WORLDWIDE

Weddings, Portraits & Brand Photography

Check My Availability

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Wedding, Portrait & Brand Photography

12 Years Photographing Michigan's Lakeshore

300+ Weddings · 1000+ Portrait Sessions · 70 Coffee Farms Documented Across Africa & Central America


Welcome to Saugatuck Photography. My name is Kim Zahnow, a Saugatuck, Michigan photographer specializing in weddings, portraits, and brand photography along the Lake Michigan lakeshore.

My passion for photography and art surrounded by our beautiful lakeshore has been a perfect match.

This year marks my 12th year based in Saugatuck. My work moves between candid documentary and gently guided portraits that are honest, grounded, and deeply connected to your story.

I am also a encaustic painter and host of The Heart of Saugatuck Podcast, which means I bring an artist's eye and a storyteller's ear to every session.  




 

More About Me
Scenic family portraits taken along a grassy beach dune path at sunset.
Close-up portrait series with natural lighting and leaf shadow patterns.
Couple sitting intimately on a cozy sofa, gazing at each other in a bright, sunlit living room, black and white photo.
Dark silhouettes against dramatic water spray and mist effects in theater audience.
Romantic couple embracing in tall grass at sunset with two dogs watching nearby.
A romantic beach wedding portrait with a couple embracing against a vibrant sunset over the ocean.
Person in light blue shirt and khaki shorts walking along beach at sunset.
Silhouettes walking along beach at sunset with golden light reflecting on water.
Seagulls scatter on sandy beach during golden sunset.
Orange floral dress contrasts beautifully with large monochrome lily wall art.
Artistic beach portraits at golden hour with flowing fabric creating dynamic movement against sunset.
Scenic coastal landscape with sand dunes and tall grass against a blue sky.
A group of friends sit along the edge of a swimming pool with their feet in the water on a sunny summer day.
People splashing and playing in water creating dynamic spray patterns.
Romantic sunset silhouettes by ocean with rocks in foreground.
Family walking together along a scenic beach path with tall grass and trees.
A flowing mint dress catches sunlight in a summer meadow with mountains in the distance.
Silhouettes of romantic couple against dramatic sunset on beach.
Close up of multiple people's hair in outdoor setting.
Action sequence of someone riding waves at the beach on a sunny day.
Person relaxing on beach with white hat during vibrant orange sunset over ocean waves.
A group shares joyful laughter while relaxing together on Adirondack chairs in a backyard garden setting at sunset.
Wedding portraits taken in golden field under bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
A series of outdoor portrait shots in a white dress against a natural green background.
Wedding couple embraces under large tree branches near waterfront.
Sunset beach scene with red chairs and coastal buildings visible in the golden hour light.
Couple dancing together outdoors with string lights in the background.
Couple sitting on sandy beach dunes watching a colorful sunset over calm ocean waves at dusk.
A joyful celebration in a scenic meadow with trees and rolling hills.
Outdoor wedding reception with orange decorations and guests seated at tables under a tent.
Couple walking along beach at sunset through golden grass.
Silhouettes against a dramatic green aurora borealis in the night sky.
Figure in white dress walks along beach shore at sunset.
A family of four poses together outdoors against a leafy green background.
Silhouettes of people on beach at sunset with dramatic orange and purple sky.
Couple embraces in tall grass field under cloudy blue sky.
STEP 01

 

Inquire

Tell me about your date, your vision, and the people.

STEP 02

 

Plan Together

We'll talk locations, timeline, outfits, and what you want to photograph.

STEP 03

 

Show Up & Be Yourself

I'll read the light, the energy, and the moments. You just be you.

STEP 04

 

Receive Your Gallery

A beautifully edited gallery of images that feel honest, grounded, and unmistakably you.

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Silhouette of dancer performing at sunset against dramatic ocean backdrop.
Testimonials

"Kim is an absolute pleasure to work with. Not only is her photography beautiful, but the experience is also wonderful. Kim is warm, creative, passionate and unassuming. Kim puts you at ease and makes you feel comfortable right away. She is awesome with kids, my kids love having their pictures taken by her."

Justine Kolev

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Black and white fashion photo series showing a person in dark clothing posing on a light colored floor against a plain backdrop.
Testimonials

Kim's work reflects the excitement, enthusiasm, and energy she pours into everything she touches. A Delight!

Juli Petter, J.Petter Gallery

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People enjoying an outdoor gathering in a backyard garden setting with patio furniture and natural lighting.
Testimonials

"Kim is an amazing photographer! We have used her for our business as well as capturing our wedding! She's incredibly professional and goes above and beyond. Thank you for the beautiful photos Kim"

David and Chad

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Get in Touch

 

Ready to Book? Let's Find Your Date

 

Check My Availability
Aurora borealis illuminates vibrant pink and green sky over weathered wooden pier pilings reflected in calm coastal waters.

 

Fine Art Prints

 

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Recent Sessions

 

Dramatic silhouette of figures in tunnel with bright light at the end.

March 14th, 2026

Holland Senior Portraits | Soccer and Tunnel Park

Senior Portrait, Portraits
A person in a pink dress sits on a blue-lit bridge walkway at night.

March 13th, 2026

Night Lights Senior Portrait Session in Downtown Grand Rapids Michigan

Senior Portrait, Portraits, Home
A mint green dress twirls among tall beach grass on a sunny summer day.

March 12th, 2026

Morning Senior Portraits at Oval Beach, Saugatuck Michigan

Senior Portrait, Portraits, Home
Dancer in black leotard performing expressive movements with hair in motion against white backdrop.

March 9th, 2026

Artistic Yoga Portrait Session

Portraits, Studio, Home
Dramatic dance pose performed on sandy beach against colorful twilight sky.

January 11th, 2026

Saugatuck Senior Dance Session on Lake Michigan

Senior Portrait, Portraits, Home
Summer portrait session in golden sunlight among green foliage.

January 11th, 2026

South Haven, Michigan Senior Portrait Session

Senior Portrait, Portraits, Home

 

Ready to Book Your Michigan Photographer?

 

Wheter it's your wedding day, a portrait session, or imagery for your brand, let's create together. Sessions start at $450.00

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FAQ

Where are you based and do you travel?

I am based in Saugatuck, Michigan and photograph throughout the Lake Michigan lakeshore including Holland, South Haven, and Grand Rapids. I also travel nationwide and internationally for weddings, brand shoots, and destination sessions. Travel fees are quoted per project. Fun Fact, I have photographed over 70 coffee farms throughout Africa and Central America.

What types of photography do you offer?

I specialize in three areas: wedding/event photography, portrait photography (senior, family, models, maternity, couples, and personal branding portraits), and brand/commercial photography for small businesses, makers, and hospitality brands.


How much do your sessions and weddings cost?

Portrait sessions start at $450. Wedding collections and brand packages are quoted based on coverage, deliverables, and location. Reach out through my contact page for more information.

What is your photography style?

My style is candid, documentary, and gently guided. I read light and energy quickly so I can capture real moments as they unfold. The final images feel honest, grounded, editorial, and deeply connected to your story.

Do you photograph elopements and small weddings on Lake Michigan?

Yes. Intimate weddings and elopements along Lake Michigan are some of my favorite sessions. I know the lakeshore's best light, beaches, dunes, and hidden spots for a meaningful ceremony.

How many photos will I receive and when?

Portrait sessions typically deliver 40–75+ edited images; weddings deliver several hundred. Sneak peeks arrive within a week, and full galleries are delivered within 4–8 weeks depending on the session.

Do you offer prints, albums, and wall art?

Yes. I offer heirloom albums, fine art prints, and framed wall art through my print shop so your images live beyond the screen.