Newburgh Pointe

This is one of my most popular spots, especially from Livonia families, and honestly, it’s kind of a hidden gem. It’s got a little of everything: a patch of golden-hour looking grass (that’s actually right by the parking lot, but don’t worry, it doesn’t look like that in photos!), tall evergreens for winter card vibes, a historic brick house with vines on one side and an industrial-style window on the other, and even a pier with ducks and swans floating by.

Yes, there’s an actual lake in Livonia. I didn’t know that either and I grew up out here. It’s called Newburgh Lake, and you can absolutely take photos there.

We can basically walk in a circle and get a ton of variety, meadow-y grass, water, brick textures, green vines, and a lakeside pier, all in one spot.

Villa Barr Art Park

Yes, technically it’s an art park. Some of the sculptures are very bright and colorfu. It’s giving “abstract” in a bold, public-art way. But I shoot around them! The backgrounds I use here are peaceful and beautiful: a quiet pond, a willow tree, and big open fields with soft light. I get creative with angles so you won’t see the egg-shaped statue at the pond's edge unless you really want to. Bonus - I have rarely seen anyone here, so lots of times we'll have the whole park to ourselves. The location is great - right on the borders of South Lyon, Novi, and Northville.

Matthaei Botanical Garden Trails, Huron Valley Rail Trail & South Lyon Studio

South Lyon/Huron Valley Rail Trail

Always cute. The trail looks great in most seasons (well maybe not winter, unless there's fresh snow!) Just a heads up: it’s an active trail, so we may have to pause and dodge the occasional biker!

Kensington Metropark (various spots)

If you’re up for a short drive, Kensington has a bunch of great options. Wide open spaces, wooden fences, fall color like crazy, and even deer if we’re lucky. (You don’t have to be lucky to get great shots, but the deer are always a bonus.)

My Studio (South Lyon)

My studio is in a cozy little sunroom, which means we still get that lovely natural light without worrying about the weather. It’s small - perfect for babies, branding, or smaller families who want something relaxed and comfortable.

Outdoor Trails at Matthaei Botanical Gardens – North Ann Arbor

Matthaei does have an indoor botanical garden, but they also have an outdoor preserve with nature trails. There’s a tunnel of trees in the summer, wildflowers, ponds, and a big open meadow that photographs beautifully. Just a quick note: there are a lot of rattlesnake warning signs. I’ve never actually seen one, but now you know. Also, this is not the scary part of Ann Arbor. You’re not driving downtown. You’re not battling U of M game traffic or one-way street chaos. This is North Ann Arbor. It’s barely even Ann Arbor. And yes...there’s parking.