Is Detroit a good place for photoshoots?
Absolutely! In the past decade, Detroit has been working hard to become an incredible city. While there are still many areas of the city that could use a little TLC, there are many more places to explore and take photos. In fact, the plethora of spots in the city is why I've branded myself as a Detroit-based photographer. There are just so many hidden gems around Detroit; one of my goals is to shoot at as many of them as I can!
3. The Renaissance Center
So this might be my nostalgia pick, but I love the Renaissance Center! This is where my first con ever used to take place (Youmacon), and this is also where I did my first paid photoshoot! From the riverfront to the light-up interior halls. There are so many interesting and dynamic spots to take photos.
I also appreciated the variety of businesses located in the Renaissance Center. Especially the CVS, it was great to have nearby in case of any mishaps or forgotten products (like makeup, bobby pins, etc). You didn't have to go far to get yourself fixed up and back to shooting.
Unfortunately, this location is at the bottom of my list because, at the moment, the future is uncertain. Currently, the building's owners are planning a massive renovation, which includes knocking down some of the towers. So whether the Renaissance Center remains a great place for photos, we'll just have to wait and see. But if nothing else, we still have the riverfront!
Official website for more information: https://gmrencen.com/
2. The Z Garage
You might not think of a parking structure as a place to take photos, but not only is Detroit filled with areas covered in amazing art work, but the city skyline makes for such a unique background. The Z-lot was my first experience with this type of location and because of it's location you get a plethora of views. Not only does each floor have it's own mural to work with, each direction around the top floor offers a different skyline view for your back drop. Bonus is this location is free on Sundays and generally not too busy of a location.
But being a predominately outdoor location means there's a limit to when this location can be used or you'll have to work around the weather for a successful shoot. And
Official website for more information: https://www.bedrockdetroit.com/property/the-z-garage/
1. Michigan Central Station
I count it as a privilege to have shot photos at Michigan Central Station. Ever since it's renovation it has become a beautiful location to hang out at and do photos. Right outside the train station is Roosevelt park, which is a wonderful spot on its own for photos. The train station itself makes for an incredible backdrop, along with the trees and small gardens planted throughout the park. It's also a location in Detroit that has immediate free parking.
Inside the train station is spacious rooms (when not roped off for weddings) and is beautifully decorated every year for the holiday season. Even on busy days there's plenty of space to take photos and have a great time.
Though I would be remiss if I didn't include the cons of this location. Being such an iconic location in the city there's a plethora of events that happen in this location and the knowledge of those events isn't always easy to find. Then there's the $250/half hour cost to shoot inside this location. But thankfully that's only for inside the train station. Despite those cons Michigan Central Station remains my favorite and most frequent location to shoot at!
Official website for more information: https://michigancentral.com/
