Find Photo Shoot locations for rent in Ann Arbor, MI

About Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is the county seat of Washtenaw County. The city is 50 miles due west of Detroit and the region’s metropolitan airport. According to the 2020 census, Ann Arbor is comprised of nearly 50,000 households and 124,000 residents. The MSA of Ann Arbor is contained within Washtenaw County.

There are those who think Ann Arbor was named after an actual person—this is not so. The city was founded by two land speculators in 1824. The wives of these speculators were both named “Ann.” “Arbor” was chosen to describe the dense bur oak forests within the 640-acre tract owned by the founders. The first known use of “Annarbour” was contained within the town plat in 1827.

Today, Ann Arbor holds true to its “arbor” description. Ann Arbor has become known as “Tree Town.” Neighborhoods and parks remain heavily treed and the forests at the periphery remain dense. There are 157 parks within the 30 square miles of the city limits.

Photo Shoot Venue Options in Ann Arbor

You will not have any trouble finding a variety of different photo shoot venues in Ann Arbor. The hardest part will be choosing from so many terrific options. You will also need to start considering what kind of local assistance you may need like catering, prop rental, and transportation.

• Photography Assistance
  If you need additional photographers, you can find many professionals in Ann Arbor who can help. Not only will you get the needed assistance, but they can help you learn the local hotspots, hidden treasures, and the ins and outs of rules and regulations for photo shoots.
  
  
• Media Platforms
  The website and logo designs need to run simultaneously with the stages of photography. Meetings with the client early in the process will bring the graphic designers and the photographer in sync with the client’s goals and objectives. The website’s content, design, and logo are the first impressions of the public.
  
  
• Permitting
  A permit is not required for the activity of commercial photography. However, if any aspect of an outdoor photo shoot will encroach upon city-owned property, like a sidewalk, a right-of-way, or a park, then a permit is required. If the photo shoot venue is within a public building or taken during the hours of the Kerrytown farmer's market, then a permit will be required for the shoot.

Photo Shoot Venue Companies in Ann Arbor

Choosing local companies to help you plan and create the perfect Ann Arbor photo shoot venue just makes sense. The businesses in Ann Arbor know where to get the best photography tools, props, and other industry needs and can help you find the best deals for what you want.

• MG Photography and Design
  A husband-and-wife team owns and operates MG Photo. Their photojournalism backgrounds will add to the capturing of emotion and tome of the shoot and in the final product. The photo sessions can be either in-studio or in remote locations. The post-production services are performed within the facilities of MG Photo.
  
  
• Intersect Digital
  Intersect Digital has been a provider of digital services in southeast Michigan for over 22 years. Based in Ann Arbor, Intersect Digital works with the client and the advertising agency to interface with e-mail campaigns, web content, and strategies for brand perception. The staff engineers and designers are very much aware of budget accountability and approach every project with a design-forward plan.
  
  
• Hosted
  Hosted is a boutique service provider for the rental of décor. Based in Ann Arbor, this local business began on the premise of not purchasing rarely used items and disposable products. The business model is sustainable and practical. The rented items can be scheduled for either pick-up or delivery to the shoot.

Pros and Cons of Photo Shoot Venues in Ann Arbor

Below are some suggestions to consider when deciding upon a photo shoot venue in Ann Arbor. These suggestions are not meant to imply that the list is complete, nor should the list limit further investigations and considerations by those sponsoring the photo shoot.

Advantages

• Choice of venues
  The venue choices offered by the host owners present opportunities for theme and style. When the message of the product melds with a specialty space and décor, then much of the early planning stages are complete.
  
  
• Lifestyle
  The salaries and wages commensurate with the industries within Ann Arbor’s economic base come with high expectations in social gatherings and lifestyle choices. Commercial photography, and the vendors providing the ancillary services, have roles within these lifestyles.
  
  
• Walkability
  The downtown core and the surrounding neighborhoods have walk and bike scores of 93 and 87, respectively. However, the walk score in areas away from the core decreases to 77.

Disadvantages

• Climate
  Although the full effects of summer do not last long, the summers are hot and humid with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s. The winters are long and the effects include below-freezing temperatures and over 50 inches of snow.
  
  
• U of M Film Office
  The University’s film office has non-negotiable guidelines for any commercial photography. The university has the sole discretion of what is filmed on campus notwithstanding those of city hall.
  
  
• No growth opportunity
  An unintended or intended consequence of the greenbelt law is the lack of growth opportunity. The only condition that will allow additional housing units and storefronts is redevelopment. This tight and closed market leads to higher prices.

Famous Locations in Ann Arbor

• University of Michigan Museum of Natural History
  The exhibits of this museum are more than a recreation of the past. The displays are interactive and show the latest in research and programs. The museum houses a planetarium and a domed theater as well so you can enjoy learning about the solar system while you are there.
  
  
• Domino’s Farms
  Domino’s Farms is a petting farm for visitors to come up close to all types of farm animals. The farm is a 501(c)(3) organization with a mission to bring both education and fun to the community. There are also seasonally appropriate hay and pony rides.
  
  
• Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
  This museum is geared to children and their learning of science, design, and media through interactive exercises and activities. All family members can join in and enhance their child’s experience in discovery. The museum can be rented for parties and themed activities.