When the leaves are no longer on the trees, my favorite locations for engagement sessions are downtown/city spots! Especially around the holidays with the hanging twinkling lights, the vibe is cozy, the architecture provides interest, and long coats add texture. As long as it’s not freezing (so that noses aren’t running and extremities aren’t turning funny colors!), the off season can make for some of my favorite images. Here are some of my favorites from Alex and Benji’s December session, on an unseasonably warm day near 50 degrees, in downtown Detroit!

One of my favorite things to do is walk around downtown Detroit finding new streets, corners, and nooks with my couples to photograph them in. My goal is to find one new little spot or angle every time I shoot to keep myself challenged, work fresh, and make sure my couples have some unique shots in addition to every one’s faves (like Shinola!). I had so much fun walking around with Lexi and Jimmy, and we had the most pleasant November day. We even found a tree with leaves still on for a fall look! You would never know that this was directly next to a large construction zone. Here are a few of my favorites from their session!

When Ashley and Jake asked to have their engagement session at the new Roosevelt Park, I was so excited! It had just re-opened a couple of weeks earlier, and its always so fun to shoot at new locations. Detroit locations like the DIA can become crowded, so its nice to have more options. They did such a nice job with Roosevelt Park….the old train station is such a landmark and then the landscaping with all of the hydrangeas was so pretty! Excited to shoot here again in the future!

Detroit Institute of Arts

The DIA is a super popular spot for photos! It’s probably the most requested session location I get for Detroit. It has the most beautiful architecture, so is a great spot for photos in any season. It’s across the street from the Detroit Public Library so both locations are easy accessible during one shoot. This is definitely an elegant look, so dresses and sport jackets look best. Parking is on the street, but Sundays it’s free and not too bad. Expect to wait in line as it’s a popular location not just for engagements, but for weddings, families and seniors. No bathrooms.

Detroit Public Library

This is probably my favorite! It’s grand architecture feels like you are outside of a mansion. There is shade and trees and the building is large so it’s not too hard to find a nook away from others. Street parking that is free on Sundays. No bathrooms. It also has that elegant feel so works better with dressier outfits.

Z-Lot

The Z-Lot has great views of the city and a perfect casual vibe. You do have to pay to park in the structure to shoot on the top, so parking is never an issue but it does cost. No bathrooms. Also, it can be super windy up top! I always love the photos I get shooting at the Z-Lot and it is great in any season except winter.

City Streets

What could be more fun than wandering the streets of a city capturing photos on crosswalks, with street lamps, and that city vibe? This is the perfect location for ALL seasons, since you don’t need to worry about leaves on trees with such gorgeous architecture as your backdrop. Formal and casual both work, but expect to walk a ton. This can be paired with the Z-Lot…park and shoot there first, and then take a walk around the city after. No bathrooms.

Edison Memorial Fountain

The fountain is gorgeous architecturally, and with string lights hanging over, make such pretty light. End here after walking through the city streets for photos. Casual or formal, but wear comfy shoes. No bathrooms.

Belle Isle

Between the Casino and the fountain, you can get so many photos! It can be super crowded so expect to wait for the best spots. Parking isn’t too bad at either, and bonus there are bathrooms at the Casino! There are willows and a pond too, so you get architecture and greenery. Only downside is sometimes the park can’t keep up with the trash. It can get super windy, so I recommend this location in late spring, summer and fall only. The wind makes it very cold being on the water.

Alissa and Rob originally wanted their session to take place on Belle Isle, but the island stopped issuing photo permits for 2020 due to the pandemic. So, we decided on downtown Detroit (Z-lot and Grand Circus), with the goal of getting as much fall color in the photos as possible. People don’t usually think of city locations as being great spots for fall photos, but they are! The trees turn color in cities too, and the leaves mixed with the architecture makes for stunning, unique color. In fact, cities are really the only location that look fantastic in all four seasons. Here are a few of my favorites from their shoot…