The Best Family Photo Locations in Southeast Michigan

Hi, I’m Kim. I’m a local family photographer serving families in Canton and the surrounding areas. If you’re looking for the best family photo locations in Southeast Michigan, you’ve come to the right place! I’m going to share some of my favorite outdoor locations with you.

1. Morton Taylor Trailhead:

First up, is the Morton Taylor Trailhead. Now, I might be a little biased here because this is where I got engaged, but it is seriously such a hidden gem here in Canton, MI. At first glance, it doesn’t look like much. It’s actually something you’d probably never find on your own if you just were driving by it. You can access it right from Michigan Avenue, and there aren’t really any signs posted by the road to let you know to explore there. Once you pull in, you’ll see a small gravel parking lot with multiple loops of trails to walk through. They don’t have any restrooms, so that’s a bit of a bummer.

Once you start walking through the trails, you will see lots of greenery. Something to keep in mind with locations is color casting. I particularly like this spot because you have a gravel trail to walk on, which reduces the green color cast from grass from showing up on your face in photos. I know, it’s not something you’d normally think about when getting family photos taken, but I’m tellin’ ya! It makes a difference!

Here’s a quick summary to make things simple:

Restroom: No

Parking: Gravel Parking Lot

Accessibility: It does require a bit of walking. Trails and parking lot are made of gravel, so I wouldn’t say it’s very wheelchair friendly. I have, however, taken my wagon through it, so it could be done!

Amenities: Parking lot, portable rest room, graveled trails, mowed paths

The vibe: Beautiful nature trails with tall trees, a bridge, and multiple paths to explore

Cons: As with most outdoor nature spots in Michigan, you’ll want to come prepared with bug spray. Mosquitos are out from March – November. Although I haven’t personally had a run in with one on this trail, it is always best to look out for ticks as well! If you have mobility concerns, this might not be the best spot for you, as it does have lots of uneven paths and it can get muddy after rain.

 

 

2. Zibiwes Nature Area:

Next up on our list for best family photo locations in Southeast Michigan is Zibiwes Nature Area, in Canton Michigan. Formally known as “Patriot Park”, this is the perfect spot to do a quick nature hike without leaving the city. There are plenty of tree lines and beautiful blooms depending on what time of year you visit. They have recently added a patch of wildflowers right near the entrance of Zibiwes.

Summary:

Restroom: None

Parking: Gravel Parking Lot

Accessibility: This spot also has trails throughout, but it is made of dirt and gravel. I wouldn’t say it is very easily wheelchair accessible; however, there are beautiful spots to photograph right next to the parking lot, so if you do have mobility limitations and still want a naturey feel, this might be a good spot for you! For those that like a bit more exploration, there are lots of paths to travel throughout the area.

Amenities: Parking lot, portable restroom, wild flower field (seasonal), hiking trails and walking paths

The vibe: Pretty nature trails with a large parking lot, wildflower field, and multiple hiking/walking trails

Cons: Again, you’ll want to be prepared for mosquitos and ticks at this spot. This spot doesn’t look great once the leaves fall at the end of Autumn, so you’ll want to get photos completed within the first 3 weeks of October, or wait until the next Spring. The downside to this spot is it can be really popular with other photographers, so it can be difficult to snag the prime locations within the park. Luckily, there are plenty of backup spots that are still beautiful! You may just need to walk down the main path a little further.

3. LeFurge Woods Nature Preserve:

LeFurge is a great spot to escape from the city. You’ll see lots of photographers and wildlife enthusiasts visiting these trails. There are ponds, tall grasses, open areas, fields, and trails! It’s absolutely gorgeous from Spring – Fall. My favorite thing about visiting these trails is all of the wildlife you’ll run into. I always see so many unique birds near the pond. If you’re into bird watching, definitely bring your binoculars! The biggest disadvantage of this location is the parking. If you plan to come near sunset, their extremely small parking lot will likely be full, which can be a nightmare if you’re trying to show up for family photos here. My advice is to plan ahead to have someone drop you off, or maybe plan for a week night and cross your fingers that it is less busy.

Summary:

Restroom: No restrooms here. Better go before you leave the house!

Parking: There are a very limited number of spaces at the entrance. It fills up quickly!

Accessibility: This spot is best for people that love adventure. There are no paved areas for wheelchairs. There are some rickety wooden pathways and dirt/grass trails throughout. Some parts can get a little muddy.

Amenities: Small parking area, open fields, hiking trails and walking paths

The vibe: Nature trails, wildlife, tall grasses, and walking paths

Cons: I know I sound like a broken record at this point, but bring the bug spray! Parking is tough to get a spot, so be prepared! Also, hit the restroom before you arrive, because there are no restrooms on the property.

Of course there are lots of other great spots in Southeast Michigan, but these are my personal favorite spots when it comes to outdoor/nature scenery. I love that they are all really conveniently located without needing to drive too far. They are are good central location between Detroit and Ann Arbor as well. If you’re looking for a local photographer to take your next family photos, please feel free to check out my work! I host local minis throughout the year as well. Here is my website.