Senior year is here, can you believe it? Time sure does fly! Senior year can be a whirlwind. Between college applications, senior events and extracurriculars, this can be one of the most hectic years of high school. Sometimes planning senior photos can feel like another task added to a long list of items, but we are here to help! 

As a past high school teacher, I love getting to document this special time for teens. I’ll help you plan where to take senior photos, what to wear and keep the booking process smooth and seamless. In this blog post, I will share some of the best places to take senior photos in metro Detroit to help you choose the best location for your senior photos! You can also learn more about our senior photo packages on our website here.

Parks for senior photos

Most students choose to take their senior photos at a local park. Here are some of my favorite local parks that offer a variety of spots that make for the best pictures.

Riverbends Park, Shelby Township: Riverbends is a large park with lots of variety. It’s one of my favorite spots because it’s almost never crowded, so we don’t need to worry about working around crowds. There is lots of tall grass, a bridge, graffiti and a river that flows through the park. 

Bear Creek Nature Park, Rochester Hills

This is a small, quiet park in northern Rochester. This park is beautiful in the fall. It has tall grass, an open field, and a farm-inspired wooden fence. This park does have a restroom that can be used for wardrobe changes.

Troy Farm Park, Troy

Troy Farm Park is a popular photoshoot location for a reason. It’s easily accessible, and it has a white barn that country lovers like to use in the background. There’s also an open field and plenty of greenery. There is no public restroom at this park, though, so plan accordingly.

Dodge #4 State Park, Waterford

This is a hidden gem. It’s one of my favorite photo locations in Oakland County! There’s water, bridges, and a willow tree. If you’re looking for a mix of greenery and beach photos, this is the place! There are public restrooms here.

Ankely Family Farm, Imaly City

If you’re looking for a flower field, this is the place to go! There is a small fee to enter the garden ($5 as of the time of this writing). 

Summer Dreams Farm, Oxford

This local flower farm is perfect for senior photos! Usually flowers are in bloom July-September, but it’s best to contact the farm to confirm the best time for photos based on the crops.

Where to take senior photos in Downtown Detroit

Downtown Detroit is one of my favorite photo locations! There are a variety of locations to choose from. Architecture in Detroit tends to be a more masculine location compared to a flower field, so it’s a popular option for boys. There’s also the elegant architecture of the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Detroit Library that is an elegant background for any senior. Here is a list of some of my go-to spots for photos in downtown Detroit:

• Parking garage rooftops
• Parker’s Alley
• The DIA
• Belle Isle (a great spot for nature and architecture)

Unique locations to take senior pictures

If you’re looking for more personal, unique locations for senior photos, consider some of your or your student’s favorite spots! I love to include personal touches like sports items, artwork or even theatre posters. We can even take photos at the high school or a location where your student has spent much of their time, like a football field, theatre or coffee shop.

Here are some other unique locations for senior pictures in Metro Detroit:

• Cranbrook House and Gardens, Bloomfield Hills: One of the most popular photoshoot locations in Oakland County. From manicured gardens to the reflection pool, this is a popular location for a reason. There is a $300 permit fee to photograph here.
• The Ford House, Grosse Pointe: The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe is a gorgeous photo location. The estate has gardens, architecture and water. There is a $75 fee for non members.
• Meadow Brook Hall, Auburn Hills: An estate on Oakland University’s campus. Beautiful estate and manicured gardens. There is a $250 fee at the time of this writing.
• Goldner Walsh, Pontiac: A local greenhouse perfect for senior photos in all weather. There is a $50 fee to shoot here.

Metro Detroit Senior Photographer

I have been taking senior photos since the start of my business in 2021! In fact, I was even a high school teacher when I started my photography business, so I have plenty of experience with teens. I love providing a space for students to feel celebrated and confident in who they are and all they have accomplished. Because I want to give my clients as much attention possible, I only take on a select amount of senior photo sessions a year, so make sure to contact us today for pricing and availability.