MSU Tollgate Farm, Novi

• This 160 acre farmstead includes plenty of land to roam, a barn, and garden. There is no fee but it does require a permit and closes at 8PM.

Governor Warner Mansion, Farmington 

• The Warner Mansion is a local icon featuring a large front porch and a large gazebo on the grounds with plenty of gardens. They do require a permit and charge a fee, it is $50/hour or $100/hour for groups. There are no hours posted.

Three Cedars Farm, Northville

• While this cider mill is only open in the fall, it is a great spot for seasonal photos. It includes an outdoor fireplace, petting zoo, old country store, and a pumpkin patch. They do require a reservation and charge a fee but their website does not say how much. Their hours vary throughout the fall.

Mill Race Historical Village, Northville

• This village is like stepping back in time with a plethora of historical buildings including an antique chapel and gardens. There is a $125 fee and photographers are not permitted on Sundays between 1-4PM. Photography is not permitted inside the buildings and hours are not posted.

Greenmead Historical Park, Livonia

• This park features historic buildings and large grounds to walk around. There is no fee but they do ask to be notified before photographing on their grounds, photography is also not permitted inside the buildings. The park closes at 5PM.

Nankin Mills Hines Park, Livonia

• This park features a playground, woods, as well as an antique grist mill. The park closes at 9PM.

Graye's Greenhouse, Plymouth

• This adorable little greenhouse is the perfect location for plant lovers! You do have to reserve a time slot and pay $50 an hour with a one hour minimum. The greenhouse is open Wednesday-Saturday until 5PM and Sunday until 4PM but they do book sessions outside of business hours.

Howell Nature Center, Howell

• The nature center includes lots of woods to stroll through and an actual treehouse! This makes it the perfect location to photograph your little ones. There is a $6 entry fee for adults.

The Belt Alley, Detroit

• This alley is complete with murals and bistro lights and is a popular spot for Detroit photographers. There is no fee to photograph here.

Parker's Alley, Detroit

• This upscale brick alley gives a modern feel to your portraits. There is no fee to photograph here.

Blue Underpass New Center, Detroit

• This small underpass is completely painted blue for a pop of color and has reflective lights all throughout. There is no fee.

Barton Nature Area, Ann Arbor

• This location has nature trails, bridges, and a dam off the Huron river. There is no fee and it closes at 10PM.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor

• The gardens and arboretum are some of the most photographed locations in Ann Arbor. With sprawling indoor and outdoor gardens, these sites make for beautiful natural backdrops. Matthaei has a fee ranging from $35-$100 depending on the type of photoshoot (no need to schedule in advance), there is no fee for the arboretum.

Lewis Landscape Arboretum, East Lansing

• This outdoor arboretum includes acres of manicured lawn and gardens. It is a popular spot for wedding photography. There is a $120 fee and it closes at sundown.

Fair Lane Estate, Dearborn

• This grand estate features castle-like architecture and manicured gardens. Weekday fees are $100 per hour, $150 on weekends and require an appointment. The estate closes at 6PM.

Edsel & Eleanor Ford House, Grosse Point Shores

• The Ford House is an absolutely amazing feat of architecture with sprawling vines that give the place an old-world feel of royalty. $85 per hour and must be booked two weeks in advance. Photography is not allowed indoors.