Michigan Photography: Top 5 Photo Destinations

Michigan is one of the most naturally beautiful states in the country, making for many great photography destinations for family photo shoots, individual photo shoots, engagement photo shoots, or even just to take some beautiful landscape pictures yourself. Read below for my top 5 Michigan photography locations that you should try on your next photoshoot.

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5. Holland, West Michigan

Tulips in bloom in Holland, Michigan. Photo credits to: community-first.org.

Holland may be known as the city of tulips to Michigan locals, mostly for its annual Tulip Festival, held from early to mid-May every year--but Holland also features many photo-worthy locations. Filled with windmills from the Netherlands that are surrounded by tulips, its easy to see why this is such a desirable photo destination for tourists and professional photographers alike.

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4. Boardman River, Grand Traverse

Boardman River in the Summer. Photo credits to: mynorth.com

Located near the extremely popular Traverse City, Boardman River is well-known for its desirable fall photography. The changing of the leaves in Michigan to red and amber hues makes for great landscape photography and personal fall photo shoots for families, couples and individuals alike. Boardman River is also widely known as a popular trout fishing location in the area.

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3. Point Betsie Lighthouse, Northeast Michigan

The shoreline at Point Betsie lighthouse. Photo credits to: traversecity.com.

Looking for a beach feel for your next family photoshoot? Look no further than the scenic Point Betsie lighthouse, located in Point Betsie, near Frankfort, Michigan. Located on the coast of crystal clear Lake Michigan, the sandy beach will make for a great photo opportunity, rain or shine.

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2. Tahquamenon Falls, Upper Peninsula

Tahquamenon Falls during Michigan's Fall season. Photo credits to: awesomemitten.com.

The Tahquamenon Falls of Michigan's Upper Peninsula are one of the most popular tourist and photography destinations for anyone looking to experience undisturbed nature at its most raw. The Falls are known for their copper and rust colors throughout the water and also noteworthy at both sunrise and sunset. This would make the perfect photo opportunity for couples looking to have a unique engagement photoshoot. You can experience the Upper Falls or Lower Falls (or ideally both) in the same day, and take pictures documenting your entire journey.

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1. Matthaei Botanical Gardens, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

Matthei Botanical Gardens at University of Michigan. Photo credits to: Michigan Photography/E. Bronson.

The inclusion of an indoor-only photography destination my surprise you as my number one destination in Michigan, but there's a reason for it; versatility. In the Matthaei Botanical Gardens located at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, you can have the backdrop of a desert, a tropical rainforest, and many more settings, all within one day and one experience. This location is ideal if you want to do multiple photoshoots in one day, or if you are an individual looking for different landscape shots of different climates. Speaking of climates, this location is completely climate-controlled, making your photography equipment much safer from the elements. You can find more information on the Mattaei Botanical Gardens and how to go there yourself here. A bonus of this location is there is also an outdoor nature trail to give you even more variety of photo-taking opportunities. This destination truly has it all for photographers looking to shoot multiple experiences or landscapes in the short span of one day.