Top 5 Ann Arbor Photo Shoot Locations

Here are my Top 5 Ann Arbor Photo Shoot Locations for anyone looking to have beautiful a beautiful setting for your photos. There are a few things to consider when planning your session and I’m here to help make that a little easier.

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 Ann Arbor Photo Shoot 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.

See more photos in Hudson Mills:

Hudson Mills Extended Family Session – Hannich Family

Hudson Mills Family Session – Hanna Family

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. 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.

See full family sessions at Lillie Park

Lillie Park Fall Family Session – Hanna Family

Lillie Park Family Session – Zanaboni Family

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.

Sharon Mills Senior Session – Julia

Sharon Mills Family Session – Williams Family

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!

See more University of Michigan Sessions:

University of Michigan Senior Session – Shaylee

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!

See more Downtown Ann Arbor full session galleries:

Downtown Ann Arbor Photo Session – Brianna

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.

See more at Belle Lavande:

Belle Lavande Family Session – Sharples Family

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!