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As a local of Midland for over two decades, I have had the opportunity to explore and shoot pictures in some of the best photography locations around. From hidden gems to iconic landmarks, Midland has something for every photographer looking to capture stunning images. In this post, I will share my top picks for the best photography locations in Midland that are sure to improve your photoshoot.
The photography locations of Midland will be split into two blog posts. This post will be about the photography locations in Midland that have some of the best backgrounds and are well-known among photographers. However, they also can get crowded since they are well known. The second post (coming soon) provides more unique spots that are less popular but could be limited in terms of space or diversity as compared to the other locations.
The Ranking Categories for Photography Locations in Midland, Michigan
I will rank the top photography locations in Midland, 1 being the worst and 5 being the best, based on the following characteristics:
Usability
The usability of a location depends on whether it is publicly or privately owned, and whether an entrance fee is required.
Another factor is the hours of operation and whether it is open all year or closed for part of the year. I will comment on the fact that although many parks are open year-round, some may not be a great option during certain times of the year (for example, winter when there is little snow).
Diversity
Diversity refers to how many different looking backdrops are in a location. For example, is it all forest or are there other backgrounds like fields, rivers, and buildings?
Accessibility
The accessibility of an area refers to how easy it is for users to navigate. One aspect of this is if trails are well mapped out and marked; another aspect involves how easy the path will be with group members who may have limited mobility, such as elderly photo subjects or those with physical disabilities.
Uniqueness
The uniqueness of a property is ranked based on its similarities to other locations in Midland. Is this location distinguishable from others, or does it have an aesthetic that can be found elsewhere?
Dow Gardens - Photograph Well-Kept Garden Landscapes
Dow Gardens is a living paradise nestled in the heart of Midland City. It boasts an array of gardens, water features, and unique bridges for visitors to explore and enjoy. Dow Gardens stands out from other parks in Midland by featuring a neat and well-maintained garden landscape as opposed to a more natural look. Perhaps the most impressive feature is their recently added Tree Top Skywalk – a suspension bridge suspended high above the ground – that adds an extra level of adventure to the park. With its diverse backdrops it is a popular site amongst photographers for good reason.
Usability | Diversity | Accessibility | Uniqueness | ​Total |
3 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 18/20 |
Score Explained:
Dow Gardens' strengths are its diversity, accessibility and uniqueness. While walking through the gardens, you will encounter different water features, gardens, bridges or buildings at every turn - it is easy to get inspired here! All areas of the garden are well mapped out and most trails are paved, making them accessible for everyone.
My favorite locations are the red bridges, the front porch of the "Estate Garden", and the meadow mounds. Literally, every corner you turn, there is another unique feature. Even when there aren't any flowers in bloom or trees with leaves, I have still found some great backgrounds. All spaces are within walking distance of each other.
Dow Gardens has a lower usability rank because of a few reasons. Firstly, be prepared to pay the entrance fee or buy a year-long pass for each individual going to Dow Gardens. Secondly, the hours vary from season to season, closing as early at 4 pm in the winter or spring. Make sure to check the hours of the park before planning your visit.
Chippewa Nature Center - Photograph a Large Diversity of Natural Backgrounds
The Chippewa Nature Center is an ideal destination for photographers and clients looking to capture the beauty of nature in their shoots. From majestic forests and lush meadows to sparkling rivers and expansive wildflower fields, there's something here for everyone. Best of all, admission is free, though a family membership is strongly encouraged to support the center's mission. The Center offers a diverse range of backdrops so every picture is unique! With its well-maintained trails and boardwalks, the Chippewa Nature Center makes it easy to explore its many natural wonders and to capture your clients with many unique backdrops.
Another great feature of the Chippewa Nature Center is its' 1800s homestead. This picturesque setting features a variety of historical buildings including a cabin, barns, a schoolhouse, and a sugar house. All of these structures are crafted with historic windows and woodwork that make for an amazing backdrop for photos.
Usability | Diversity | Accessibility | Uniqueness | Total |
4 | 5 | 3 | 5 | 17/20 |
Score Explained:
The Chippewa Nature Center scores high in uniqueness and diversity. The park is open all week; trails are open from dawn to dusk. It has many different ecosystems—all within a 2-5 minute walk of the homestead area—offer something for everyone!
The Chippewa Nature Center is less accessible than others because, although it has a few paved trails and mowed spaces, many places are natural. The homestead area is relatively flat and marked well.
When meeting with clients here, I usually direct clients to park at the homestead. The buildings, river, forests, and fields are all within walking distance of this parking spot. My favorite time of year to shoot here is winter and fall. Note: the trails close down from dawn to dusk.
City Forest - Photograph the Natural Beauty
City Forest has natural beauty that makes it an ideal spot for photography. My favorite aspect of City Forest is the red pine forest at its back entrance, which provides a stunning backdrop for any shoot in any season. The park also has a tranquil stream with bridges that create interest in photographs. With its lush vegetation, City Forest is sure to make any photographer feel inspired. Another bonus, is that this park has no entrance fee.
Before you go, consider the fact that the park is mostly forested. Although beautiful, if you are looking for a variety of backdrops this park may not be the best fit.
Usability | Diversity | Accessibility | Uniqueness | Total |
5 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 12/20 |
Downtown and Tridge Area - Photograph a Cityscape
The Midland downtown area is an intriguing combination of old and new. Its antique courthouse, H Hotel, and traditional shops all make the space particularly attractive. It's always presentable, too - in the summer months, it's even blocked off so people can use it as a place to eat and socialize.
Not far from downtown lies the iconic Tridge – a three-legged footbridge across the confluence of two rivers. The Tridge is one of many attractions that make Midland an inspiring place to explore.
Usability | Diversity | Accessibility | Uniqueness | Total |
5 | 3 | 5 | 4 | 17 |
The downtown and bridge area score highly in terms of usability and accessibility, as they are open all year round and easy to navigate. All walkways are paved trails, sidewalks, and paths. In the summer, part of the downtown main street is blocked off to provide additional seating and hangout space.
This area has a lower score in diversity. The backdrop options are the tridge, buildings, and grassy spaces. If you walk under the M20 bridge, there are some murals as well.
Overall... you can't go wrong with any of the locations mentioned above. Remember to check park hours and rates before scheduling. Check out part 2, coming soon, to see some more unique locations in Midland, Michigan.
If you are a local photographer of Midland, I would love to hear what your favorite places to shoot pictures are located!
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