Things to consider:

-Accessibility – If you have a member in your family that has difficulty walking

-Travel Time

-Location Fees if applicable

-Outdoor sessions during the colder months

-Time of Day

Top 5 best Ann Arbor Photoshoot Locations

1. Hudson Mills Metropark

Hudson mills is a great location in any season. It’s beautiful in the spring with all of the trees, bridges, and paths. It adds tall grasses in the summer and it really packs a punch in the fall with all of the colors! The trees here can look like fairy-tales in Autumn.

There are several locations here as well – three turnouts off the main road. The first will give a big open field, tall grasses, a bridge not too far from the parking lot, and some great views of the river.

The second gives some beautiful views of the trees and fall colors, tall grasses, plus a dirt road that I adore. It’s also great for bribing little kids if they want to play at the park…or tempting them. Lots of families will reward their littles with some park time after their session.

The third turnout has a beautiful field with tall grasses that really lights up at golden hour.

There is a fee required for the metroparks – $10 daily pass or $40 annual pass.

2. Lillie Park

Lillie park is so gorgeous! There are walking paths that go all around the lake and so many different kinds of trees so it’s easy to get different looks all around the park. Additionally, session times are a little more varied here because there are so many different places we can start that will allow for good light, so this is a great option if you have littles that need to go to bed earlier.

If you’re wanting pictures in front of the lake, waiting until the sun is lower in the sky will be key if you’re having a session in the evening. Sessions in the morning would be magic as well, but you’d want to start early.

Parking is relatively easy. There is a parking lot at the top of the park and there is a fair amount of walking to get to the lake and then to walk around the park, but it’s all paved and very easy to access.

3. Sharon Mills Park

Sharon Mills is one of my all time favorite locations. There is hardly anyone there when I have sessions, so we have the whole place to ourselves…usually. It is full of surprises and has so many gorgeous views around every corner. This park really is the the most bang for your buck as far as variety goes. There are two bridges, a waterfall, a gorgeous white building, a pergola, beautiful landscaping, and more.

It’s great for little kids as it gives a lot of things to look at, but also has a large field to run around in when there are wiggles to get out. It’s also perfect for senior and engagement sessions because there is much beauty in one place.

Drive time from Dexter, Ann Arbor, or Saline is about 30 minutes and 15 from downtown Chelsea.

4. University of Michigan

University of Michigan is stunning if you really want to get some amazing architecture in your photos. Morning sessions are great because the buildings help with great light! There is so much variety here and it’s beautiful all year long. Walking around campus will give you so many good options. My first favorites are the Law Quad and the Museum of Art.

Prepare for a lot of people being on the grounds at the Quad, especially during the summer and fall.

During the winter, the buildings will still make it beautiful and look more alive, but bundle up because it is so cold!

5. Downtown Ann Arbor

Downtown Ann Arbor has so much going on and so many places to go! There is  the perfect picture spot around almost every corner. You really can’t go wrong. There are graffiti and rock walls, stairs and shops. The art museum is beautiful with it’s perfect architectural walls and design with campus offering loads of opportunity as well.

Prepare for a lot of walking! Parking can be hard to come by around campus. You can either choose one spot to focus on, or we can walk all over.

Great for winter sessions as well!

BONUS: Belle Levande Lavender Farm

I have to leave a bonus location for you! It’s about 45 minutes away from Ann arbor, and Oh. My. Goodness. It is the most breathtaking Lavender field around. Rolling hills, a gorgeous white barn, a beautiful treeline, you name it!

Parking is easy. One thing to always be aware of at a lavender farm is bees. I have never gotten stung during a session and these bees have way more important things to do than bother you. However, if you have an allergy, definitely be aware.

Lavender blooms in July for about 2 weeks, so if you’re wanting a session at a Lavender Farm, reach out and schedule it before it’s all booked up. Photographers will coordinate with the farm to plan session times for you, but it is subject to availability.

Check them out HERE. They also have amazing products that the make and sell. I love their soaps!

I hope you get some great ideas for your upcoming session! I’m more than happy to help in any way. See my Do’s and Dont’s for picture-perfect outfits when planning your next family session!

The post Top 5 Best Ann Arbor Photoshoot Locations first appeared on Stacy Anderson Photography.

You did it! You’re here! It’s finally your senior year and it’s your turn. That means you’re at the beginning of closing one chapter of your life and moving on to the next. I’d bet money that you’re so excited for this journey to be complete. You’re ready to take the next step, but there are several things you may be nervous about too. College, moving out, making new friends, jobs, etc. Let me tell you one thing: As you start your senior year, do not let your senior photos be something that you’re nervous about. 

You may be feeling that you’re not that photogenic. Other people are, but you’re not. Maybe you feel you’re not that interesting and don’t have a story to share. That you have absolutely nothing to wear. Well, let me tell you something. 

Almost Everyone feels this way. You’re totally normal. 

You do have a story to share! I know you have clothes to wear (or else we’re addressing something else entirely), and the term “photogenic” is somewhat of a lie. It’s a loaded word and a whole topic in and of itself (posing, lighting, camera angle, etc.). 

So, drumroll please, let’s talk about….

3 Tips on How to Choose Your Senior Photographer

1. Style

This may sound obvious, I know, let’s talk about it for a second. When you’re looking for a photographer, make sure you like their style. You like how their pictures make you feel. If you like bright, colorful photos then don’t choose a photographer whose images give off a dark and moody vibe. There’s more to this than purely “editing style”. A photographer’s style includes locations, clothing colors, light priority, and posing – among other things. It doesn’t mean that you can’t wear a dark colors when you like bright photos. I love to pair black clothes with a brighter environment to give it some really beautiful contrast. Your photographer will be able to coach you though this!

2. Communication and Comfort

Have a little chat with your photographer about what you want from your senior session. See if you like them and feel comfortable with them. Ask for location recommendations and see if they’re helpful.

If you feel comfortable with your photographer it will be easier for you to talk with them about things you may feel self-conscious about. It’s important to know because we think you’re flawless. What you’re seeing, we don’t always feel the same way. You want a photographer that you can talk to and who knows how to help in a positive way.  

We want you to feel your very best and information is our greatest ally.

3. Personalization

There are lot of little things that go into your senior session. Do you care about it being super generic, or do you want it to look and feel like YOU? Personalizing your session is such a fun way to make your senior sessions more fun, reflect your personality, and showcase what you love. This could be in location, props, themes, outfits, and products you order.

4. Bonus: Treats!

This is just a tip for you, but after you have your session, get yourself a treat! If you in downtown Ann Arbor, my top choice is always CANNELLE. Oh my goodness, it’s amazing. It’s best to get there early in the day for the best picks, so it’s work going back for. Head there on Washington Street for a beautiful french treat that’s to die for!

If you want to feel amazing in your senior photos and want someone to walk you through the process, let me know! I LOVE making seniors feel amazing in their session, but also afterward when they see their images. I’m your biggest cheerleader!

Check out a downtown senior session HERE

The post 3 Tips on How to Choose Your Senior Photographer first appeared on Stacy Anderson Photography.

What to wear for family pictures…it’s one of the hardest parts about the entire process, even in Ann Arbor when your season determines what kind of attire you’re going for. It’s the very first thing we stress about. Your session usually isn’t for a few weeks, so mom’s get the lucky task of not only receiving the brunt of the stress, but taking it on for weeks! I love helping with taking that load off your shoulders and giving some guidance.

My biggest overall advice is to coordinate your family outfits and try not to “match”. Having coordinating colors will add more variety and interest in your pictures that you will end up looking more cohesive than if you all wore the same colors, fabrics, or textures. Don’t be afraid to mix it up!

My first plea is DO NOT skip my first tip below. My mom’s always want to skip it, but I promise you that if you stick to my advice, the whole process will be so much smoother.

What To Wear For Family Pictures

1. CHOOSE MOM’S OUTFIT FIRST

See, you already want to skip it, don’t you? You may have found the perfect dress for your daughter already or have the best color scheme in your mind. If you work in reverse, often you end up being stuck with the limited options available for you and then don’t love what you wear. If you choose your outfit first, the plethora of kid’s clothes out there will bend to what you find. They have so many more options! Let’s be honest here. You, the mom, are who wants these family photos the most.

I want you to love how you feel and love how your pictures turn out, so do yourself a favor and find something that you feel amazing in! If mom is happy, everyone is happy!

DRESSES

If you’re finding yourself asking what to wear for family photos, dresses and skirts look the most stunning because they flatter every female body! Long, flowy dresses and skirts add some magic because they bring movement to your photos. Consider the length of your dresses. If you have little children, you may be crouching or sitting, so choose something that will insure you feel comfortable in either position. Patterns are such a fun way to add to your pictures. If you choose a bold floral, pair it with more simple patterns for others. My favorite fabrics, like chiffon, tulle, or silk add beautiful movement to your images.

2. FOR DAD

My guess is that most dad’s don’t ask themselves what to wear for family photos, but we want to make them look good too! They care more than they probably care to admit sometimes. For men, long, fitted pants and closed-toed shoes are going to give them most flattering look on camera. This draws attention away from the legs and up to his face. Right were you want it to be! Shades of gray or navy are a great way to compliment most women’s clothing. Button down shirts are amazing for photos because they keep their shape and don’t cling like many polo shirts tend to do.

Accessories are key for men. Who knew!? Nice shoes, belts, and watches will really make his wardrobe pop.

3. FOR THE KIDS

Thank goodness the world is full of children’s clothing and you can usually find anything you need to coordinate with what you’ve chosen for mom and dad. The key to dressing children is, once again, coordinating!

When choosing your color palette, think in dominant colors and accent colors. Each person should have their own dominant color, but everyone is tied together through accent colors.

For example. If mom is wearing a blush pink dress and soft blue earrings (blush being the dominant color), Dad is wearing a gray slacks, a pale blue shirt, and a navy jacket (navy the dominant color). Your daughter will be wearing a ivory dress with pink and blue stitching around the neckline (ivory being her dominant color), while another daughter wears a pale blue and white gingham dress with subtle pink flowers (making the pale blue and white pattern her dominant colors). Your son wears a pale blue shirt with beige pants (making pale blue his dominant color).

This is such a great way to break up the colors and patters to make your photos visually appealing, highlight personality, and give you less time “pulling your hair out” trying to make everyone’s outfit fit together.

WHERE TO BEGIN

1. GIVE YOURSELF TIME

Hopefully you’ve scheduled your session enough in advance that you don’t have to stress about timing. Figuring out what to wear for family photos may take some time, so I suggest starting a few weeks in advance, looking through our your own closets to see what could work and then branching out. If you want to buy something new, allow for enough time to have some trial and error. It’s so stressful to try and buy your outfits last minute! I love to purchase a few options and then take back whatever I don’t end up using.

2. LAY IT OUT

It is so helpful to see what your clothes are going to look like all together! I mean, all of it. Shoes, accessories…everything. It will help you swap things out to see how cohesive it is and make changes without forcing everyone to get dressed a thousand times. If you’re having trouble, I love when my clients reach out for help! Ask your friends, family, and me! I’m always happy to help!

Here are some photos of my own family so you can see how coordinating colors work!

THINGS TO AVOID

I recommend to avoid small patterns like pinstripes or small plaid as they distort on camera. It reminds me of staring at Magic Eye books for took long as a child and I can’t tell what pattern is what anymore. Logos and graphics also pull the focus away from your faces and draw them to where you purchased your clothing from.

Black can be such a classy color to incorporate into your photos, but with a caveat. Black can make the overall feel of your photos much heavier and dark. If you want to keep things light and bright, stick to other neutrals (gray, white, ivory) or pastels. Black is best paired with another color to keep you from looking like a solid black object with a head popping out of the top. 🙂

See a great example of coordinating outfits in this family session HERE.

The post What To Wear For Family Pictures and How to Coordinate first appeared on Stacy Anderson Photography.