Katharine Rose Photography - Mackinac Island, Michigan

Hi everyone, I’m Katharine!


I’m a full-time photographer serving beautiful Mackinac Island and historic Saint Ignace, Michigan.


My love for Mackinac Island started early—at just six months old, my family brought me here for my very first trip, and I’ve been captivated ever since. As a child, I vacationed on the island every year, always dreaming of one day working here. In 2015, after my freshman year at CMU, I got the opportunity to spend a season on Mackinac, working at what used to be Martha’s Sweet Shop, The Leather Coral, and waitressing evenings at The Mustang Lounge. At the time, I thought it would be my last chance to live and work on the island—just a wonderful summer memory.


A few months after returning to CMU, life took an unexpected turn. My mom, Rose, who had always dreamed of living and working on Mackinac, was offered a job, and my dad took early retirement so they could move to the island and run a B&B. While they were there, I visited any chance I got.


In 2018, I graduated from CMU with a B.A.A. in Public Relations and started doing freelance social media work. During that time, I visited my parents often and realized I was missing out on an incredible life on Mackinac. In 2019 and 2020, I worked alongside them, helping run two B&Bs while growing my photography and social media business on the side. Not only did I fall in love with island life, but I also fell in love with an island boy—who would later become my fiancé.


In 2020, I had a horrible bike accident that forced me to put my photography and social media work on pause while I recovered. By the end of the season, I was feeling great again, and I couldn’t imagine leaving Mackinac or my boyfriend for the winter—so I stayed. My first winter on the island was beyond magical.


At the start of 2021, my mom transitioned to working at the incredible Bicycle Street Inn. With the support of my parents and boyfriend, I was able to pursue my dream of becoming a full-time photographer. In February 2021, I officially launched Katharine Rose Photography, and it took off—better than I ever could have imagined.


After three and a half years as a full-time island resident, my fiancé and I moved to the mainland and purchased our first home in Saint Ignace in July 2023. While I absolutely loved living on Mackinac year-round, this new chapter has been so exciting. Now, I get to enjoy mainland living while continuing my photography business on the island and expanding my services to Saint Ignace. It truly is the best of both worlds, and I couldn’t be more grateful.


Photography means the world to me — not just because I love it, but because I know how special it is to freeze time and hold onto moments you never want to forget. 


If you’re looking to capture memories on Mackinac Island or in Saint Ignace, I’d love to work with you! Whether it’s senior photos, a surprise proposal, a family session, or saying “I do,” send me a message—let’s create something beautiful together.

Katharine Rose Photography - Mackinac Island, Michigan
Katharine Rose Photography - Mackinac Island, Michigan
Katharine Rose Photography - Mackinac Island, Michigan

Testimonials

Testimonials

“Katharine Rose did such an amazing job that my whole family loved her work. The pictures came out beautiful & she made us feel so comfortable like we had known her forever. She is an excellent photographer who truly went above & beyond. She made my whole wedding feel ten times more special. I highly recommend her.”

—Sarah Cano

Follow me on Instagram


@katharinerose.photography

Proud Member of the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau

Katharine Rose Photography - Mackinac Island, Michigan


2025 Mackinac island wedding guide COVER PHOTO!

Read the Cover Story Here!

FEATURED IN MLive!

Vibrant blue ice stacks up along Mackinac Island’s shores



View The Article Here!

Katharine Rose Photography

FEATURED on the weather channel!

FEATURED IN MLive!

5 places for fantastic family photos on Mackinac Island



View The Article Here!

Katharine Rose Photography

COVER PHOTO FOR THE 2024 FAll Edition of GRAND TRAVERSE Scene MAGAZINE!

Katharine Rose Photography

COVER PHOTO FOR THE 2024 Summer Edition of GRAND TRAVERSE Scene MAGAZINE!

Katharine Rose Photography