locations

Please choose a location from my location guide for your session. Location scouting is a huge part of my job, each one of these locations are perfect for a photoshoot in terms of lighting, backgrounds, space, and distractions. Please look through the options and read the short descriptions of each location to find one that best suits who you are!

Addison Oaks Park in Leonard

family posing for a photo in front of a willow tree at Addison oaks county park
family sitting on a boardwalk smiling for a photo in an Oakland county michigan park
man in a tan suit sitting in a field with his pregnant wife in the fall
couple spinning around in a field of wildflowers at Addison oaks county park
couple walking through the fall leafs at Addison Oaks county park
teenage girl standing on a wooden boardwalk at Addison oaks in Oakland township
family of four sitting under a willow tree in Oakland county
girl standing in a field of wildflowers tucking her hair behind her ears

features

Addison Oaks Park is a beautiful park with a huge willow tree, a wooden boardwalk and seasonal wildflowers. If you'd like a wildflower session here, please book as close to sunset as possible.

seasons

This park is great when the trees are in bloom May-October. It would also be beautiful for a snowy session. This park opens at 8am.

session type

Addison Oaks is large enough to accommodate any session length. The lighting here is perfect for a sunset or sunrise session.


If you choose this location, please specify what part you like!

what to expect

There is a fee to enter Addison Oaks, it's $5 for Oakland Country residents. A session at this park would involve a small to moderate amount of walking. They do have public bathrooms here.

Troy Farm Park

family with a newborn and a dog sits to pose for a photo in front of a barn in troy Michigan
pregnant couple smiling at each other holding their ultrasound strip in a gray field in troy Michigan at sunset
pregnant couple holding the belly and kissing in front of a rustic barn in troy michigan
siblings sitting on a old log in a grassy field smiling for a winter photo at troy farm park
family of 5 wearing orange, cream and brown walking through a grassy field at troy farm park
family of four sitting in front of the barn at troy farm park
high school senior in a black dress standing on front of a grassy field in October
family of three in blue and orange standing in front of a rustic barn in troy michigan
family of four sitting in a grassy field at troy farm park

features

Troy Farm Park is a beautiful small park with an old barn and tall grasses.

seasons

The barn and grasses at Troy Farm park make this location beautiful throughout every season.

session type

This park is perfect for any session type. The lighting here is good for sunrise or sunset.

what to expect

Troy Farm Park tends to get pretty busy on weekend evenings. It is a small park with a small parking lot. I highly suggest booking a weekday session or a weekend morning session for this location. This location does not have bathrooms.

Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm

family of four with two little girls smiling for a photo at Rochester Hills museum at van hoosen farm
family posing for a photo in front of van hoosen house in rochester
family holding their toddler standing in front of a historic brick wall in the fall in rochester michigan
man posing in front of a nature path in Rochester michigan
family holding hands and walking in front of the farm at van hoosen farms
family smiling for a fall photo at van hoosen farm in Rochester Michigan
man walking in front of a modern white barn in Rochester michigan

features

This location is a huge historic farm and estate now owned by the city of Rochester.

seasons

Van Hoosen Farm is beautiful year round because of it's historic farm.

session type

This location is huge so it is suitable for all location types and lengths.

what to expect

Rochester Museum at Van Hoosen Farm requires a permit for photographers. I cover the cost of this but your session must be booked a few days in advance as they are first come, first serve. If there is a wedding or event, we cannot use this location. They normally have their public restrooms open here.

Cranberry Lake Park in Oakland

family of three wearing cream and khaki smiling for a photo at cranberry lake park
couple sitting on a walking path with autumn leafs behind them at cranberry lake park in Oakland township
teenage girl wearing a pink dress standing in a field of yellow flowers in september
teenage girl leaning on a red barn at cranberry lake park
a mom smiling with her daughters in a field of grass at golden hour
pregnant couple sitting on a porch in front of the white park at cranberry lake park
teenage girl pushing her hair behind her ear in a field of grasses at cranberry lake park
girl leaning against a barn and smiling for senior photos at cranberry lake park
mother, son and dog smile for a photo on farmland
teenage girl in a white dress and cowboy boot smiling for a photo in front of a red barn in Oakland township

features

Located just north of Rochester, this park has an old barn and farmhouse along with a lot of land to explore.

seasons

Cranberry Lake Park is beautiful in every season.

session type

This park is big and has a lot of features, making it great for any session length and type. The lighting here is perfect for a sunrise or sunset session.

This is the best location for extended sessions because this park offers so many different backgrounds in a small area.

what to expect

This park requires very little walking. We can use the outside of the farmhouse and barns if you'd like, or just stick to the beautiful property surrounding it. They do have 1 public restroom here.

Stony Creek Metropark in Shelby Township

family sitting on the beach at Stoney Creek at sunset
large family holding hands and walking together in a feild at Stoney Creek metropark
pregnant couple walking through the woods and smiling at each other at Stoney Creek
pregnant couple holding wives belly and smiling for a photo at Sheldon estates
teenage girl sitting on a chair in a field of flowers
pregnant couple leaning on each other in front of stony creek lake in Shelby township Michigan
pregnant couple walking in the evergreen trees by Sheldon estates at stoney creek metropark
pregnant couple leaning against each other in the grasses by Sheldon estates at Stoney Creek metropark
family of four walking along the beach at Stoney Creek at sunrise
family posing for a photo in the evergreen trees at Sheldon estate

features

Stony Creek Metropark is located in Shelby Township. It features a beautiful evergreen forests, tall grasses, open fields and a large lake with a beach. There will be opportunities to get into the lake if you would like.


*if you would like beach photos here, they need to take place 30-60 minutes before sunset

seasons

Taking photos at Stoney Creek is beautiful year round. The lake, grasses and evergreen trees are gorgeous even in the winter months.

session length

Stoney Creek Metropark is HUGE. It can easily accommodate any session length and type. If you decide on Stoney Creek for your location we will stay there the entire session and travel to different locations within the park. The lighting here is perfect for a sunrise or sunset session.

what to expect

This is a metropark so you will need a metroparks pass to enter the park or there is a $10 fee. If you book a session here you need to be comfortable walking about a 1/2 mile.

D E Nature Preserve in Beverly Hills

pregnant couple wearing creams and beiges cuddled up together at Douglas Evans nature preserve in october
teenage girl sitting in a field of wildflowers at a park in Oakland county michigan
family of four standing in a field of grasses in winter in Beverly Hills michigan
family with two little boys walking in a park in October in Oakland County Michigan
family of four standing on a bridge at a park entrance in Oakland County Michigan in late September
couple sitting is a field of grasses and wildflowers at a photoshoot location
family with twin girl smiling for a fall family photo at Douglas Evans nature preserve in Beverly Hills, Birmingham
family of five in the rain holding umbrellas and kissing for a photo
teenage girl in a grassy field in the morning smiling for a photo with a white dress on
family with two preteen boys wearing green and brown standing in front of a white barn for a family photo
teenage boy sitting in a field of wildflowers in august reading a book
family of three sitting in a field of wildflowers in august laugher at each other
couple holding each other close in a field of wildflowers in front of a barn
teenage girl sitting in a grassy field in October in Birmingham/Beverly Hills Michigan

features

The nature preserve is located in Beverly Hills. It offers lots of grassy areas, seasonal wildflowers, and a cute white barn.

seasons

This park is beautiful year round and it's my favorite October location. In the summer, it's best not to dress in greens here as you will be surrounded by green.

session type

The nature preserve is great for all session lengths and types. The lighting here is perfect for a sunrise or sunset session.

what to expect

This location is a huge, unmowed field and it is BEAUTIFUL, but there will be bugs and critters close as there are very little true "paths" here. Parking is very limited here. This location is not suitable for heals and is great for children.

Addison Oaks Christmas Tree Farm

family of three playing with the toddler on his dads shoulders at Addison oaks Christmas tree farm
children running the evergreen trees at Addison oaks Christmas tree farm
engaged couple hugging and holding each other tight with their eyes closed at Addison oaks Christmas tree farm
couple walking their dog through evergreen trees at Addison oaks
family of three holding their toddler daughter in front of the Christmas trees at Addison oaks Christmas tree farm

features

This location is a huge 20 acre christmas tree farm on private property in Oakland Michigan.

seasons

Addison Oaks Christmas tree farm is beautiful year round because it is virtually unchanging throughout the seasons. This is my FAVORITE location November-March.

session type

This location is huge so it is suitable for all location types and lengths.

what to expect

Addison Oaks Christmas tree farm charges a $35 fee per session BUT if you have a session here, the owner offers $10 off a Christmas tree. Dogs are allowed. Boots are highly recommended.

River Bends Park in Shelby Township

extended family standing in front of a gravel hill at river bends park in Shelby township
teenage boy leaning against a bridge at riverbends park
married couple hugging each other and smiling for a photo in front of a river
family with teenage boys posing for a photo in front of a river in utica
family with 2 young boys standing in front of the river at river bends park in Shelby township
family sitting for a photo in a field of wildflowers in utica Michigan
senior boy in his varsity jacket squatting in front of a red bridge on a snowy day in utica
family with a toddler boy sitting on a pile of leafs in the fall at river bends park in utica
extended family walking through grassy park at sunrise in Shelby township Michigan

features

River Bends Park is located in Shelby Township. It is a large park with a river, wooded areas, a few bridges, occasional wildflowers and grasslands.

seasons

Because of River Bends many features, this park is beautiful year around.

session type

River Bends Park is perfect for a session of any length and type. The lighting here is perfect for a sunrise or sunset session.

what to expect

The best spots to take photos at River Bends are a little difficult to access and are not accommodating to people who have trouble walking or are wearing heels. Before reaching the most picturesque areas you will need to go down 40 step or walk down a gravel hill, and again on the way back up.

Downtown Rochester

man sitting on the ground at a parking garage structure in downtown rochester michigan
teenage girl posing in front of a storefront in downtown Rochester Michigan in the winter
pregnant couple walking on the rooftop of a parking garage in Rochester Michigan
man in glasses leaning on a glass building in downtown Rochester michigan
young man in a suit standing in downtow Rochester folding his arms
teenage boy posing with his car wearing a suit on the top of a parking garage in rochester
young woman holding her leather jacket on the rooftop of a parking garage in downtown Rochester michigan
young man in a blue suit standing in front of a glass building in downtown Rochester michigan
pregnant couple leaning against building and kissing in downtown Rochester Michigan
teenage girl sitting on the sidewalk in downtown Rochester michigan
teenage girl in a nirvana shirt and jeans leaning on a building in Rochester michigan

features

Downtown Rochester features a lot of buildings and alleyways that makes great backdrops for cityscape photos.

seasons

This location is wonderful year round and doesn't change much in looks from season to season. Because of the Christmas lights, I do not recommend this location from mid-November to February.

session type

The downtown location is great for any session type! It's a popular location for seniors and headshot but can be a unique and edgy location for couples and families as well!

what to expect

Naturally, this location can get crowded on nights and weekends. It's best to book your session here on a weekday. Morning sessions are always an option as well.

Bear Creek Nature Park in Rochester

family of four sitting on a blanket at a park in Rochester smiling at each other
family of three with a pregnant mom smile for a photo with a wooden fence and orange trees
pregnant couple holding their baby bump in a field in oakland

features

Bear Creek Nature Park is a large, quiet park located in north Rochester. There is a nice walking path and open fields.

seasons

This park is best when things are in bloom, typically May-October.

session type

Bear Creek is a huge park and can accommodate all session lengths and types. The lighting here is perfect for a sunrise or sunset session.

what to expect

Due to the nature of the park you will want to use bug spray, which I always have. There are bathrooms at this park.

Fox Nature Preserve

teenage girl standing in a field of flowers smiling for a photo
Teenager standing in a field of dried autumn plants wearing a cream sweater and jeans on an overcast day.
teenage girl skipping down a lane of grass surrounded by goldenrod
teenage girl standing in a field of goldenrods smiling for a photo

features

Fox Nature Preserve is a large field of goldenrod flowers that typically blooms mid July to mid September then turns into a beautiful brown field in the winter.

seasons

This park blooms mid July to mid September but also offers a nice October background with fall foliage and a unique winter location.

session type

This park is very close to Addison Oaks and Cranberry Lake Park, making it a great add on for those longer sessions

what to expect

Due to the nature of the park you will want to use bug spray, which I always have. You will be getting into a field of flowers that are waist high for adults so please plan accordingly. There are NOT bathrooms at this park.

Innovation Hills in Rochester Hills

teenage girl sitting on a wooden walkway in the wintertime at innovation hills park in Rochester hills
pregnant couple posing for a photo on a wooden walkway in Oakland county
teenage boy sitting on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by green cat tails at innovation hills park
teenage girl posing in front of the orange trees at innovation hills in Rochester hills
teenage girl playing in the river at innovation hills park in Rochester Hills michigan

features

This large park features a wooden walking path through a wooded area and grasses. There is also a creek you can get into if you'd like but unfortunately there is not enough space for you to pose in front of it without getting in.

seasons

Innovation Hills is a great location year round.

session type

Innovation Hills is best for senior, maternity and couples but it's not great for families.

what to expect

Taking photos here will include walking about a 1/2 mile loop. This walk will be on either a paved path or a wooden walkway.

Sylvan Glen Lake Park in Troy

teenage girl wearing all black, standing in the rain in a orange forest in October holding an umbrella
teenage girl wearing a brown dress sitting on a walking path at sylvan glen lake park
pregnant couple wearing pink and blue kissing at a park in troy michigan
teenage girl in a brown dress standing in front of a lake in troy michigan in october
teenage girl in a brown dress standing on a walking path under a bright orange autumn tree in troy michigan

features

Sylvan Glen Lake Park is located in Troy. This park features a large lake, and a small wooded area.

seasons

Taking photos at Sylvan Glen Lake Park is best when the trees have leaves from May to mid November.

session type

This park is best for session with only 1-2 people. The lighting here is only good for a sunset session.

what to expect

Once you park your car there is a short walk to reach the most picturesque spot, we will need to continue on about 200 yard to a grassy area behind the lake. There are bathrooms at this park.

Dodge Park in Sterling Heights

family of four playing with their two little girls in utica/Sterling Heights michigan
family of four wearing tans and blues poses for a photo at dodge park
3 year old girl posing for a photo in a blue dress and tan boots at dodge park
family of four dancing with their little girl at a park in sterling heights michigan

features

Dodge park features grassy areas with gravel walking paths surrounded by trees.

seasons

This location is great May-early November.

session type

Dodge park is large enough for any session type and length.

what to expect

This park can often be crowded with guests so it's not the best place for a large family or to bring your dog along with you.

Birmingham City Hall

teenage girl standing on a walking path in downtown Birmingham with fall foliage
man leaning against a brick wall at Birmingham city hall
teenage girl standing in front of Birmingham city hall in early october
man sitting on a bench at Birmingham city hall posing for a headshot
teenage girl leaning against a wooden door in downtown Birmingham michigan

features

This is a beautiful brick building surrounded by plants and shrubs in the heart of downtown Birmingham.

seasons

Taking photos at Birmingham City Hall is beautiful year round.

session type

This location is great for for seniors, portraits, and headshots.

what to expect

This location is easy to access and you can normally park very close.

Downtown Detroit

couple kissing on a rooftop in downtown Detroit
teenage boy crouching on a rooftop in downtown Detroit for a photo
couple dancing and smiling at each other in winter on Woodward in downtown Detroit
teenage boy wearing a detroit varsity jacket walking down the sidewalk in Downtown Detroit
teenage boy on a rooftop in downtown Detroit for senior photos
couple walking their dog in downtown detroit near capital park
teenage boy in a blue sweater leaning against a fence with christmas lights behind him in downtown detroit
teenage boy leans on the edge of a rooftop for a photo in downtown Detroit

THERE IS A $50 TRAVEL FEE FOR A SESSION in downtown detroit.

features

When booking a session downtown please let me know if there are any specific areas you would like to go to. If you do not have any spots in mind I will lead us around to the most popular spots.

seasons

Downtown Detroit is great year round.


*If you'd like to go to this location I suggest checking if there are any events downtown on the date that you have scheduled*

session type

This location is best for any session length. The longer session that you book, the larger the variety of backgrounds will be used for your photos. If you book a mini or full, only expect to use 1 background location.

what to expect

If you book a session in downtown Detroit you can expect to walk around different street taking photos the entire time. The less people you have, and the bigger package you book, the more background variety we will have.


*If you'd like to go to this location I suggest checking if there are any events downtown on the date that you have scheduled*

Spencer Park in Rochester Hills

family with two boys playing together at Spencer park in Rochester Hills Michigan
family with two boys sitting and playing together at Spencer park in Rochester Hills Michigan
family with two boys playing tag at Spencer park in Rochester Hills Michigan
family with two boys posing for a family photo at Spencer park in Rochester Hills Michigan

features

Spencer Park is located in Rochester Hills. It features a beautiful lake with a beach area, shade trees and a wooded area.

seasons

Photos at Spencer Park are best from May-November. This would also be a nice locations for snowy photos. This park is open from 10am to dusk.

session types

Spencer park is perfect for any session type or length. The lighting here is perfect for a sunset session.

what to expect

This park does charge a fee to enter(this ranges from $5-15) and they do not accept credit cards. The park also does not allow dogs from May 15 to Labor Day. Spencer park opens at 10am so you need to book an evening session to use this location.

Port Huron Beach

pregnant woman playing with her dress in the waves of Lake Huron
pregnant couples walking along the beach in port huron
pregnant woman holding her belly as the waves of Lake Huron splash her dress
pregnant woman standing on the beach of Lake Huron holding her belly
pregnant couple laying in the sand together at Krafft road beach
pregnant couple kneeling together on the beach of lake huron
pregnant couple walking along the shoreline of a port huron beach together

there is a $100 travel fee for a session at this location

features

This is a large public park with a beach. There will be sand, rocks, seagulls and other people at this beach.

seasons

This location is beautiful year round thanks to Lake Huron but can get windy occasional, in which case we will play in the wind.

session type

This location is great for everyone, especially children!

what to expect

This location requires about 50 years of walking from the parking lot. Occasionally you have to pay a small fee to park. There are public restrooms here but they are occasionally locked.

Lake St Clair MetroPark in Harrison Township

teenager walking a gravel path at lake saint claire metropark
man playing with his dog on the beach of lake saint clair
teenager posing for a photo on the beach of lake st clair
man posing on the beach of lake st clair and lake st clear metropark
teenage sitting on the sand at a metropark in Harrison township

THERE IS A $30 TRAVEL FEE FOR a SESSION AT Lake St Clair Metropark.

features

This Metropark features a beach along Lake Saint Clair, tall grasses, a walking path and green fields.

seasons

This park is beautiful year round.

session type

Lake St Clair Metropark is a large park so it is great for any session length.

what to expect

You will be walking through the sand for this session so please come prepared. This park is a Metropark so you will need a Metropark pass or you will have to pay a $10 entry fee. Please arrive to your session 10 minutes early to accommodate.

Detroit Institute of Arts

woman sitting on the stairs of Detroit institute of arts in downtown
woman posing in front of a marble building in downtown detroit for a headshot
woman posing for a headshot in front of DIA in downtown Detroit
woman leaning against the marble walls at the detroit institute of arts

There is a $40 travel fee for a session at DIA.

features

This location is on the grounds of DIA in downtown Detroit. It would be an outdoor session around their property. It is a beautiful marble building with great gardens and landscaping.

seasons

Taking photos at Detroit Institute of Arts is beautiful year round.

session type

DIA is best for a 30 minute or hour session. Most of my clients love this location for headshots, a senior session or a romantic couples session.

what to expect

To used this location you must book Monday-Friday. It is too crowded to use on the weekends. This location is easy to access and you can normally park very close.

Cranbrook, Ford House, Meadow Brook Hall & Packard Proving Grounds

If you'd like to have a session at Cranbrook House and Gardens, The Ford House, Meadow Brook Hall or Packard Proving Grounds you will need to pay a permit fee and book your session well in advance(typically at least 3 weeks in advance). Each one of the above locations require that you reserve a session time and pay a fee for using their property for professional photos. Cranbrook House and Gardens is $300+ (depending on how many people you have) for a 2 hour time slot. The Ford House is $85 per hour. Meadow Brook Hall is $225 for the first hour and $150 for each additional hour after the first. Packard Proving Grounds is $100 an hour. Please reach out to me ASAP if you'd like to book one of these locations.

Creeks & Wildflowers

If you are interested in getting into a field of wildflowers or a creek for your photos please contact me. Wildflowers typically bloom in mid July and stay until September but they fluctuate every year.

I know a few spots in Rochester that are great for creek photos. Please reach out to chat about wildflowers or creek photos.

Walking Disabilities

If you or someone in your group has trouble walking please let me know. I have a locations that are great for people who have trouble walking.

Becks Photography is a Metro Detroit photographer who specializes in family portraits, senior portraits, couples portraits, maternity portraits and lifestyle newborn portraits. Whether you're looking for a Rochester Hills photographer, Troy photographer, Royal Oak photographer, Birmingham photographer, Sterling Heights Photographer, Oakland County Photographer, Auburn Hills photographer or West Bloomfeild photographer, Becks Photography is your go-to Metro Detroit Photographer.