Ann Arbor is a city of opportunity. Not only for the students at the U of M but also for the countless AAPS high school students. The last year of high school can be daunting for many reasons, but graduation pictures should not be one of them. Use this local list to get some inspiration to capture those last moments of high school. From gilded interiors to lush gardens, this list is filled with some of our favorite photo opportunities in this city.
(Next to) The Michigan Stadium
These beautiful blossoms can be found right outside one of Ann Arbor’s most popular tourist attractions: the Michigan football stadium. Tons of U of M graduates take their photos at the stadium, with the big M in the background, but personally, I prefer the darling, blossoming trees just a few steps away. Come at golden hour, and you’ll encounter the glowing sunlight shimmering through these blooming trees, creating the perfect location for your graduation photos!
St. Andrew’s Church
St. Andrew’s Church is known by nearly every CHS student as it’s where every student, teacher and staff member gathers on the first day of school each year. The church’s photogenic scenery, however, gets overlooked despite the
amount of time students spend in the vicinity. Whether it’s taking the bus home, going to a school assembly, or passing the church on the way out of school, CHS students get very familiar with this spot. I’ve discovered there are at least 5 places at St. Andrew’s that are perfect for giving an old-money, academic vibe to any of your photoshoots.
North Quad
This is one of my favorite hidden gems in Ann Arbor. This courtyard sits on the edge of downtown, encased in dormitories, making it quiet despite the cars, crowds and construction that may be just outside. Especially in summer, the Quad has little activity and is most frequently visited by studying students and business people eating their lunch.
Kerrytown Shops
While there are many enjoyable places to visit and shop in Kerrytown, it is also an optimal location for graduation pictures. Sparrow Market offers futuristic and nontraditional theme options, while the countless vintage shops feel rustic and country. One notable place is the backside of the building, a painted brick wall that looks like a Georgian facade. It is a simple, classic photo location and offers a decently quiet spot to take pictures.
The Graduate
Right down the street from CHS is the hard-to-miss building that houses The Graduate Hotel. There is a constant stream of traffic in and out of the building, which is not only a hotel but also a cafe open to the public. If the fever of classy, extravagant graduation pictures hits you, The Graduate offers many different photo opportunities. When you’re there, be sure to check out the lush greenery and the large spiral staircase.
