Beautiful Locations in Detroit for Photography

My favorite places in the city for creating timeless images.

Over the years, I have been falling in love with Detroit over and over again. Needless to say the city’s landmarks have been the background for so much of my work. I constantly get asked what are my preferred locations there for photography. My main criteria aside from aesthetics is how versatile they are, can I shoot all year round, indoors, outdoors and accenebility.

So here we go.

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BELLE ISLE

BELLE ISLE, means Beautiful Island in French. And beautiful indeed it is…. I love the diversity and the unique combination of architecture and nature. At 982 acres it is larger than New York City’s Central Park! Even though most people go there for the white marble Fountain and the Conservatory, there are trails that not many people visit, like the one leading to William Livingston Memorial Light, the only marble lighthouse in the nation.

With so many things to do and places to visit, there’s something in this beautiful location for evryone. High heels for around the Casino ( funnily it was never, ever a casino), the Aquarium, The James Scott Memorial fountain or the Conservatory, or flats for a little bit of waking around the Lighthouse or any of the trails.And of course the skylines…both Detroit’s and Windsor’s are spectacular, day and night. I especially LOVE THE LIGHT around the whole island in October. It’s absolutely magical… Weddings, engagements, editorial. Spring, summer, fall and winter. Pick and choose, and no matter what, it’ll be perfect.

Inspired yet )?

One thing to keep in mind, when planing for this beautiful location is that you need to have a Recreational Passport, or you have to pay the entrance fee, since Belle Isle is a State Park. You also have to call ahead of time, reserve a timeframe and specify where are you interested in shooting and pay one more fee. This might be a minor inconvenience, but it is 100% worth it. And your money is being put to good use. Preserving and up keeping this lovely place.

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WHITNEY MANOR

One of many historical buildings in Detroit.

With its stone extirior, light pink South Dakota Jasper, the building has a fairy tale quality. Once you walk in you’re transported in time. The staircases, the stained glass windows, the furniture, the art. Everything is like a Jane Austin novel, so if you’re a fan, this could be the ultimate location for you. Also there is a lovely garden around the building that adds variety to the shooting. It’s all so romantic.

As with most places downtown you do need a reservation to do a shoot. That will give you more privacy and freedom to move around undisturbed.

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RIVER WALK

The River Walk is a beautiful location, and a favorite of mine, because of how diverse it is.

Depending on the angle the shoot can look like you are in the middle of nowhere or easily include the Windsor skyline, the Carousel, the RenCen and I can make the images as busy or as minimal as I’d like. Day and night. To me this is always a plus. It is easily accessible, and its free. No reservations needed )

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THE DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS

Well, I could not skip this famed location. I do have mixed feeling about it, mainly because of how busy and overused it is…Attempting to create different images is fun, but it also requires my clients to be open to new possibilities and to want the same. Over the years Ive have been there countless times, and I’m always inspired. Shooting inside the museum is no longer allowed, unless you are getting married there. Outside provides plenty of opportunities, and very season has its charm. I especially love spring. The magnolias and daffodils in the front, the cherries in blossom on the side…

A little fun fact. Did you know that the DIA was the very first museum in the entire USA to acquire a Van Gough ?