When I was a high school senior, senior portraits involved heading over to Olan Mills or JCPenny studio, choosing 2 backdrops, and posing in super awkward positions that resulted in equally awkward photos. High school senior photography nowadays is a completely different experience. It is exactly that, an EXPERIENCE. Guys and girls choose a shoot date in which they will look and feel like a model for a few hours. The shoot often entails multiples clothing changes, professional hair and makeup, and of course, epic locations.

Many seniors place their time and attention on clothing, hair, and makeup, but the choice of location is one of the most important planning elements to achieve the desired look/vibe of the photos. Keep scrolling to discover your location “vibe” so you can get the senior photos of your dreams!

Which set of three words speak most to your heart?

Carefree, Whimsical, Bohemian

You are a boho baby! You’re probably drooling regularly over clothing from Free People and Anthropologie. You want a nature location with long grass, hills, and dreamy trees (such as willow trees).

Architecture, Cityscape, Alleys

You’re heading to the big city! The best choice is downtown Detroit, with downtown Ann Arbor as a close second (in the Metro Detroit area). Campus Martius, several areas along Woodward Ave, and Corktown are popular and fantastic places for that “big city” look.

Rural, Quiet, Scenic

You’re looking for quieter towns many miles from Detroit, Ann Arbor or surrounding communities. Think of fields, barns, and forested areas.

Trees, Lakes, Landscape

Lucky for you, Michigan is TOP NOTCH for this look. There are endless options for forests, lakes, ponds, bridges, docks, rolling hills, and beautiful scenic pathways. Michigan boasts many state and metroparks and they are my favorite for scenic shoots!

Quaint, Charming, Buildings

You love the look of city and architecture, but aren’t quite into the big, busy look of Detroit. Choose smaller towns that boast super cute and charming main streets, such as downtown Northville, Milford, Clarkston, Brighton, Plymouth, Howell, Ferndale, Rochester, and Ypsilanti.

Rustic, European, Charming

The beautiful rustic, European look is plentiful throughout Michigan, but please note many locations aren’t available for photo shoots (such as Cranbrook which requires you to be a student or alumni) or require a fee (Mill Race Village, Greenfield Village, Ford Fairlane Estate, and Edsel and Eleanor Ford House). There are several free options, with the University of Michigan campus being one of my favorites!

Sand, Sun, Water

You’re headed to the beach! There are many options along Michigan’s coastlines, but lucky for us, many lakes (especially Metroparks) have beaches and are surrounded by gorgeous tree/foliage scenery.

Gritty, Colorful, Texture

You love the city, but you’re more attracted to a grungy, edgy vibe. Detroit has so many great options for this look, including Eastern Market, which is full of murals and textures! Ann Arbor also has some pretty fantastic murals and alleys.

Simple, Convenient, Personal

Have you thought about your home as being a location for your senior photos? You betcha! Easy, comfortable, and personal for you, abd fun for me to capture you in your favorite place!

Dark, Moody, Artistic

Hey hey! I think you’re the perfect candidate for a night shoot! Cities are the best choice for this as the more lights in our background, THE BETTER!

Sports, Athletics, High School

If you relate to this word grouping, you must be an athlete! Awesome! Some bring jerseys, sports props, or balls to their session, but how about you go one step further and choose a location where your sport is played?

There are so many options for locations in Michigan and you want to find the perfect one that matches your personality and style. Oftentimes, we are even able to do two locations (if they are near each other) if you just can’t decide on one. If you decide to schedule, I’m happy to answer your questions and give suggestions for locations!