Outdoor Photography Locations | Ann Arbor — Jessi Baldwin Photography

Choosing your outdoor session space is a dream when you are being photographed in Ann Arbor—this area is amazing!

I am a 100% natural light photographer, and that means I’m always looking to shoot in amazing, beautiful places.

This is one of my favorite parts of the session planning process—selecting a location that fits your family and your style. If you’re booking with me, wherever we decide to capture your family, maternity, or specialty session, you can count on a stunning backdrop to elevate your experience.

The choices can feel overwhelming! So let’s simplify things :)

A field, by the water, a park, or a garden are great choices for outdoor photography. Here’s why, and my top pick for each type of location!

Field

A field is a popular choice for family photos because of the freedom of space. Lots of room to move around with epic scenery at every turn. The colors are more muted, allowing you and your family to pop regardless of your color scheme and clothing choices. The timeless feel is always a plus.

My pick: The Nichols Arboretum

A wide open space to explore together. In the spring/summer, the field and trees are green and lush, with paths winding throughout.

The fall/winter is actually my favorite, when the field and trees are bare and everything is quiet. Note—this session was taken in December!!
This location can involve a bit of walking or not much at all, whatever you prefer. It’s a tucked away spot without many people to interrupt, I love it!

Water

With all the water in this state, there are sooo many water location options. Your photos will breathe with life and light when rivers, lakes, or beaches are glistening with the setting or rising sun around your family.

My Pick: Gallup Park

This park has it all.

If you live in Ann Arbor, you’re definitely familiar with Gallup. A gorgeous river with swans, trees hanging over the paths that wind over bridges, wide open green spaces backdropped by the setting sun, it’s stunning!
Even though it’s a popular location, I am always impressed by it’s generous amount of accommodating space for everyone and their dog. Or dogs. Or kids. Or hundreds of geese and their pooooop. Stop feeding them bread peeps. Ok rant over.
Lots of super close parking from multiple entrances, and great playgrounds for the kids post-session.

Park

Looking for something a little more playful? Parks come in all shapes and sizes, and are super kid-friendly even if you’re not looking for a playground.

The space will have families in mind in their proximity to parking, distance away from traffic or busy-ness, and you’ll get more bang for your buck with things to explore in a smaller space.

My Pick: Parker Mill Park

A path from the parking lot leads you down a short hill into the most picturesque park!

There are so many different backdrops available, including a historic brick mill, a small stream with an island and bridge, historic wood cabin, and nature trails on wooden boardwalks leading into the forest.
Lots of variety in a smaller space, with still plenty of room to play!

Gardens

Flower, veggie, and rock gardens provide a focused theme for your family photos. It becomes even more about the experience you’re having together in that location, which I definitely love. Your family will have things to explore and interact with in a natural way.

My Pick: The Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden

Anyone familiar with the Arboretum has heard of their famous peony garden. And, you guessed it, the peony garden takes the cake for gorgeous gardens to shoot in. Look a little bit past the gorgeous flowers and you’ll find my favorite secret, rather less-traveled paths that are the perfect addition to those covetable flower photos.
The peonies are breathtaking and I’ve unlocked the secret for taking advantage of what’s sometimes the shortest and busiest week of the year—early morning sessions! My peony sessions rise with the sun and it’s perfect.
But whether the flowers are in bloom or not, this area is expertly cultivated and absolutely stunning. And there’s soo much to be enjoyed during the other 50 weeks of the year! And don’t forget the option of adding a brief walk up the hill for a few urban shots on the University of Michigan campus.