Do you have a “happy place”? Or maybe a few places that bring you instant joy? Mine are typically centered around water: a stream, lake or ocean.
Water Mill at Paradise Cove Artesian Well in Winslow, Ill.
Last weekend I spent a few hours on the road to scout out a spot for an upcoming trash the dress photo session. The couple I’ll be photographing lives north of Chicago, a solid two hours away from me. I wanted the session to be as accommodating as possible, yet still something I’d be pleased with. The couple had a condition on the location, that there had to be a body of water and a sandy beach. Try finding THAT in northern Illinois or southern Wisconsin. There are quite a few lakes, most with a beach of some sort, but few with a view worthy of photographing.
A few of the places I stopped to check out included Paradise Cove Artesian Well in Winslow, Ill., and Rock Cut State Park in Rockford, Ill. Neither worked for our purpose. Then, a quick stop at Crystal Lake was pretty cool, but still too small and congested for a photo session. Don’t get me wrong, I want to go back to that lake for recreational purposes. It had crystal clear water, cool boat docks and all sorts of boat rentals.
The last stop on this trip was Illinois Beach State Park. From the first moment I arrived I was in love. The waves lapping the shore reminded me of the ocean. The pebbled beach was speckled with color. The sand dunes were soft and warm. It may have been the mild summer weather, but it just spoke to me.
Lake Michigan, Illinois Beach State Park
I walked approximately one mile of the beach before finding a solitary spot to put down my beach towel and relax. I dipped my toes in the chilly lake and played in the sand like a 4-year-old. There’s something about the water that just brings out the kid in me, excites me in a way that makes me not care how ridiculous I look.
Lake Michigan, Illinois Beach State Park
Beyond its appearance, it will make a great location for a trash the dress session. With enough space to escape the summer crowds, we should be able to find privacy for taking photos. There is a boulder resembling a chaise lounge and logs protruding out of the water, barely escaping the crashing waves. The constantly moving water will add some definition and movement to the beach scenes. And there’s enough sand to write messages and make a commotion in. There’s a little bit of everything.
I can’t believe I found the perfect spot in only one scouting trip.
Lake Michigan, Illinois Beach State Park