10 places to take senior photos in the Ann Arbor area
Choosing the location for your senior photos is a big decision. Though many factors go into curating the perfect vibe of the shoot—the outfit, lighting, weather, etc.—the location quite literally sets the scene. It provides the natural backdrops to the photos that will ideally hang on your walls for years to come.
When I think of the perfect location for senior photos around the Ann Arbor area, I think of a place that offers a diverse range of backgrounds that let us get creative and create a unique gallery that feels true to you. These locations were selected as my favorites because they have multiple elements of natural and man-made beauty throughout.
Four Star Greenhouse
If you are looking for unbelievable flower displays in your senior photos, lets go to Four Star Greenhouse. Though it is a little further of a drive for Washtenaw County residents, it is always worth it. If you are unfamiliar, Four Star Greenhouse is a greenhouse in Monroe county that upkeeps a gorgeous display garden that is free and open to the public. They open for the season May 1 and they are open throughout the summer. Though it does not require an extra fee, photographers are required to register prior to the shoot. The approval process does not take long, but since some days are completely booked off for private events, it is important to book a session at this venue at least a couple of weeks in advance. There are endless photo opportunities here, including a swing, streams, different types of bridges, flower displays and more. It is especially beautiful at sunset!
1015 Indian Trail Rd., Carleton
Parker Mill County Park
This location caters to a love of nature, architecture, history and rustic charm—all without having to walk around too much. Parker Mill is a compact park filled with natural settings which make for perfect photo opportunities. Some of my favorite spots to photograph are on the bridge, along the stream, in the wooded area and of course, in front of the historic stone mill. Since there is so much texture and structure throughout the park, it’s a great place to take photos year round. Even in the winter, this park creates a stunning backdrop for timeless photos. My favorite time of year at Parker Mill is the fall because the colors of the leaves are so beautiful.
4650 Geddes Rd, Ann Arbor
Downtown Ann Arbor
If parks are not your vibe, but you are still looking to take photos outside, downtown Ann Arbor is a great spot that has so many unique photo spots. Capture the downtown feel with textured walls, city benches, iconic buildings and more.
While we are at it, we can also take photos on University of Michigan's campus. The Law Quad and stadium are some of the most recognizable spots on campus, but there are so many other interesting backdrops throughout the historic campus.
Before our session, let's talk about what areas we want to target so we can come up with the most efficient route to take.
Crosswinds Marsh
This is another location, that is a little out of the way for Washtenaw County residents, but again—it is so worth it! Visually, Crosswinds Marsh is so unique. It is actually one of the largest man-made wetlands in the United States. This Wayne County Park has 1.4 miles of boardwalk over ponds filled with plants and wildlife. There are also a shelter on the boardwalk that provides the perfect filtered light for headshots on sunny days.
27600 Haggerty Rd, New Boston
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Matthaei Botanical Gardens in one of Ann Arbor's most iconic spots for senior photos. It offers so many beautiful backdrops of flowers and foliage. I love the variety they the gardens offer and always love finding new pockets of beauty. In addition to the gardens, there are also trails for photos in the woods and there is a conservatory. The conservatory is especially great for those cold or rainy days, however, it can get to be a little too warm on the hottest days of summer.
Note: This location charges an extra fee for photographers. The client will be responsible to cover this for their session. For senior photos or individual photos, it is $35. If you choose this spot, I will handle reserving the passes and will include the price in the final invoice.
1800 N Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor
North Bay Park
North Bay Park is another great option for boardwalk photos—plus, this one is located nearby in Ypsilanti. This park consists of a hiking trail that leads to a boardwalk over Ford Lake. On the way to the boardwalk, there is also the opportunity to take photos along the unpaved wooded area.
Note: Their hours vary in the off season, so if you are planning a fall shoot, I will call ahead of time to make sure the boardwalk will be open. Also, there is an admission fee to get into the park. Clients will be responsible for their own admission into the park.
1151 S Huron St, Ypsilanti
Lillie Park South
The hiking trails at Lillie Park South make for gorgeous senior photos for anyone who is looking to take photos in the woods. The trails are surrounded by full trees that create a great background to any senior photo. One of the trails also leads to a body of water—adding variety to the gallery. The tall grass that surround the picnic tables near the water welcome a splash of color that make photos pop. There used to be a boardwalk across the water, but that is currently torn down.
4365 Platt Rd, Ann Arbor
Wilson Park
If you’re looking for small town charm and maybe a little bit of nostalgia, Wilson Park—adjacent to downtown Milan—is a great location for a photoshoot. Not only does it have beautiful willow trees and other lush greenery in the summer, but it sits right across from a small body of water. When you choose Wilson Park as a location, you have the opportunity to have a variety of vibes represented in your gallery. After we take photos at the park, we can take the short walk to the water to for a whole new look.
89 Wabash St, Milan
Gallup Park
Gallup Park is one of Ann Arbor's most popular spots for outdoor recreation. The scenic view over the Huron River makes for an interesting backdrop—filled with trees, water and stone. There is also a pedestrian bridge, which offers a classic photo opportunity. This park can get busy during the summer, but luckily it is big enough to find less populated areas. There is not much shade at the park on hot sunny days, so I recommend scheduling a shoot closer to golden hour to avoid the direct sunlight.
3000 Fuller Rd, Ann Arbor,
Draper-Houston Meadows Preserve
This preserve is a hidden gem in Milan. I know it as, "the park behind Kroger," but its official name is Draper-Houston Meadows Preserve. Once you park in the gravel driveway, it is a short walk to a boardwalk through a wooded area that leads to a bridge. If you keep walking there is a meadow of tall grass and a bench to sit on. This location is perfect for the nature lover who loves lush greenery and flowing grass.
578 Mooreville Rd, Milan,
