Lake Erie Metropark

The beauty of Michigan is that every inch of the state can be visited at any point in the year and it will look and feel like a completely different place. Yes, you might recognize the street signs or park benches, but did that old maple tree look the same last fall or summer? Probably not. This visit to Lake Erie Metropark was exactly like I just described. The grass was mushy and wet. The rain was more like a mist coming off the lake than anything else. The visibility was minimal and made for an eerie walk through the park. Thankfully we wore boots because even the asphalt roads were riddled with puddles. But it was truly magical because it felt like we were entirely alone, exploring a never before seen land that was ready to sprout at any moment. Definitely don't underestimate the power of a rainy day in Michigan.

Driving through Southwest Detroit

After traipsing through the cold, wet park, we decided to stop by a vintage store in Southwest Detroit that we had been interested in checking out- Flamingo Vintage. It's nestled right in the heart of the SW neighborhood, near delicious Mexican restaurants and within view of the historic train station. Nothing in the area is particularly fancy but there is almost MORE beauty in the details because of that. Vernor and its neighboring streets are home to old architecture, enormous churches and abandoned buildings turned into graffiti canvases. The vintage shop itself was a really kitschy treat and good excuse to find yourself in the neighborhood. Which spot do you think would be the coolest for a photoshoot? I honestly can't decide.

Notes

Special thanks to my husband for always being my impromptu model. All images were taken using my Fujifilm XT-5 and Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 lens. This was my first time out and about with this lens and I can tell it'll be on my camera really, really often because of its versatility. Check out Flamingo Vintage and Lake Erie Metropark- you won't regret it. And if you're interested in doing a photoshoot at either location, please inquire!