I've chosen the following locations as suggestions for photoshoots because of their beauty, historical importance or positive impact. Each title contains a link to a website, article or map associated with the location.
Belle Isle Locations
Sunset Point
Truly a gorgeous overlook of the Detroit River and city skyline at sunset. If you haven’t been to Belle Isle in recent years, this really is a beautiful place to be.
Oudolf Garden
A beautiful 3 acre garden on Belle Isle located near the Nancy Brown Peace Carillion. The garden is named after a Dutch garden designer that influenced the style of perennials and grasses utilized here.
Scott Memorial Fountain
Also located on Belle Isle, this is a classic fountain to have photos taken near.
Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
The Belle Isle Conservatory first opened its doors in 1904! Since then, it has been a mainstay on the island. Thanks to a large donation from the Belle Isle Conservancy group and federal relief funding, this beautiful conservatory is getting a much needed "face lift" and is scheduled to reopen in 2024.
Golightly Center - Belle Isle Annex
This small (but special!) part of Belle Isle features a row of greenhouses is on a side street and isn't noticed by many! It's a beautiful backdrop for couples and families. I highly recommend we check this out for your session! It's located near the Oudolf Garden.
Livingstone Memorial Lighthouse
This lighthouse is made of Georgia marble (the only one like it in America!) and has a very unique look. The lighthouse is on the Northern end of the island and is surrounded by nature trails and views of the water!
Detroit Locations
Dequindre Cut
Not far from Downtown is the bicycling trail you’ve likely heard of, Dequindre Cut. There are areas of plants and trees but also areas of beautiful street art. Definitely a good place for families and couples on bikes. The Art Walk is a really special attraction (check out spots 10-13)!
Roosevelt Park
This park JUST opened this summer and is a beautiful throwback to the original Detroit train station design. Lots of newly planted trees on the lawn of the renovated train station. The park is also located next to a tasty restaurant, Cork and Gable.
Eastern Market and Art Park
A special part of Detroit that hosts weekend markets and special events. The buildings are covered in hand painted murals by local artists. There is also a special little park in the heart of Eastern Market with art and seating.
Outskirts of Eastern Market
Located on the outskirts of Eastern Market, the Anthology coffee shop has perfectly simple outdoor white brick walls and windows to photograph against that will put all of the focus on your family. Another adjoining wall is a gorgeous teal color.
Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA)
This building is gorgeous! And the grounds also have trees and greenery. Entry is free for locals if you’d like to visit prior to or after your session. It's also a really nice option if you want to do a “holiday” photoshoot (nice sweaters, holiday color palette, etc) because the backdrop is a very simple & upscale marble. Note that professional photography is not allowed indoors without special permission and passes.
MOCAD
The Museum of Contemporary Arts in Midtown, Detroit features a very unique black brick wall exterior. It is free to enter (donations recommended) and there’s also a small shop and cafe inside- perfect for coffee lovers. If you’ve been to Hop Cat in Detroit, then you’ve likely seen this building across the street.
West Canfield Historic District
A granite block street lined by up-kept Victorian homes and a lane of shady trees. Historic Detroit at its finest.
Detroit Public Library (Main)
A beautiful location to take photos both indoors and outdoors during any season!
Campus Martius Park
This downtown Detroit park changes with the season and hosts a plethora of special events. If you’d like photos next to an ENORMOUS Christmas tree, this is the place for you!
Fisher Building and Theater
This is a historical landmark and truly a work of art. Perfect for those interested in cozy, indoor shoots. They also set up a Christmas tree leading up to the holidays.
The Belt
A popular spot in Detroit to check out murals, food and shopping! Great for daytime or nighttime sessions. It’s adjacent to The Z Lot, which also contains murals and a beautiful rooftop.
The Z Lot and Rooftop
Location in downtown Detroit, this is no regular parking structure. It contains a plethora of murals and a beautiful rooftop overlooking the city.
Metro Detroit Locations
Graye's Greenhouse
Located in Plymouth, this lovely greenhouse hosts photography sessions for a very fair fee. Definitely worth checking out if you want an indoor session that feels like you’re still outdoors!
University of Michigan Law School
Known as the “Quadrangle”, this portion of the Ann Arbor campus is known for its gothic outer architecture.
Matthaei Botanical Garden, Trails and Arboretum
Located in Ann Arbor, this botanical garden is maintained by the University of Michigan. It includes more than a handful outdoor and indoor garden spaces that are home to wildflowers, native plants, herbs, bonsai trees, rock gardens, desert plants and more. The area also has several miles of walking trails.
Parker Mill County Park and Forest Nature Area
These two parks in Ann Arbor connect to form one larger network of walking trails and scenic overlooks. The Parker Mill County Park got its name from the historic 1800s cider and grist mills that are still located on the land today.
Grounds at The Ford House
A beautiful historical landmark on 87 acres of beautiful grounds surrounding the estate. It was the home of Henry Ford's son- Edsel Ford. Note that this location does require an additional photography fee paid to the estate and approximately 2-3 weeks advance notice for booking.
DeBuck's Family Farm
This family farm hosts an annual summer lavender festival, sunflower festival and “fall” festival (pumpkins galore!). This is a great spot for seasonal photos and the opportunity for kids (and kids at heart) to play games, explore the corn maze and take wagon rides.
**Other suggestions for local family farms and orchards are welcomed!
Fair Lane Estate
This is the home of Clara and Henry Ford in their late years. Located in Dearborn, this beautiful estate is being renovated inside but the exterior is open to the public and permits are available for photography on the grounds.
The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village
A beautiful and educational place to visit! The Village has a huge windmill, barns, historic buildings, a covered bridge, ice cream shop and more.
Lake St. Clair Metropark
ALL of the metroparks are really beautiful and worth visiting! This one hosts a beach, green areas and paved walkways.
Heritage Park
Located in Taylor, this park has truly grown over the past few years! It’s connected to a maze of new biking and walking paths for those interested in photos amongst the trees. The park also hosts a large pond surrounded by trees, a covered bridge, a petting farm, a wonderful botanical garden and more.
Elizabeth Park
Located in Trenton, this county park hosts green areas, beautiful walking bridges and a riverfront walkway. When the leaves change color in the fall, this park is even more gorgeous. It is within walking distance of an ice cream shop.
Detroit International Wildlife Refuge
Founded in 2001, this park was the first "international" wildlife refuge created in North America! This park features 48 miles of shoreline and THOUSANDS of acres of land to explore. It is located in Trenton, south of Elizabeth Park (and north of Lake Erie Metropark).
Lower Huron Metropark
This metropark in Belleville hosts over 1,200 acres of mature woods to explore. It is also the home of Turtle Cove, a popular summer aquatic attraction for children. The park sits along the Huron River, which creates meadows and wetlands to explore.
Plymouth Orchards
This apple orchard hosts a pumpkin patch, wagon rides, fresh baked pies at the market and even a hay bale maze! A beautiful place for fall photos.
Muddy Acres Flower Farm
This beautiful garden in Plymouth grows seasonal flowers, offers u-pick options and gorgeous flower bouquets. They offer the garden and greenhouse for photo sessions for a small hourly fee. Great option if you'd like to be safe from any risk of rain by taking photos in the greenhouse!
Crosswinds Marsh
This unique park is located in a wetland habitat. Hundreds of species of birds (including bald eagles!), beavers and other mammals call this park "home." If you're interested in boardwalks over the wetlands and through the trees- this park is a great option.
Bennett Arboretum
Currently the oldest county arboretum in Michigan, it is a beautiful park with a well established forest and walking trails in Northville.
Other Fun Ideas!
Your Local Ice Cream Shop
What’s more fun and spontaneous than a trip to get ice cream? A cute session for families and couples alike.
Your Local Park
Is there a beautiful park near you? Suggest it! I love visiting new green spaces in the Detroit area.
Outside of Your Favorite Team's Stadium
Perfect for sports enthusiasts or graduates from the associated team's college!
At the time of publication, all links are active and link directly to the location's website or an associated article/review/map. Please inquire for more information about these locations!
