Floral Locations for Senior Photos (When to Book)
If you’re dreaming of flowers for your senior photos, timing matters. Here’s a quick guide to the best local blooms throughout the season so you can plan your session around what you love most.
If you're new here- hey! I'm Bekah and thanks for stopping by. I'm a senior photographer from Canton, Michigan-- about 15 minutes from Ann Arbor. Each year I work with dozens of grads to bring their Senior Photo dreams to life-- if you'd like to book click HERE.
July 2026 Update: If you're checking this page out and still need to book, my current floral recommendation would be a morning session at the Plymouth Wildflowers this summer (Book HERE), or a September session at Fowl Creek Farm- their Dahlias are showstoppers!! (Book September HERE).
Peonies
Late May- Early June
Nichols Arboretum, Ann Arbor
A short but stunning bloom window—perfect for soft, romantic photos with full peony blooms. These go fast, so book early!
Parking can be tricky at this location, and it's super busy on weekends. I recommend a weekday evening or weekday morning session here.
Canton Wildflower Fields
June & July
One of the most popular looks! Think tall grasses and airy white blooms—perfect for a natural, effortless field-vibe. Best close to sunset.
Plymouth Wildflowers
August- first frost
If you want more color, this is your season! This small patch of flowers blooms later in the summer and offers flowers of every color. Best close to sunset or early morning (sunrise-9am).
Matthaei Botanical Gardens (Conservatory)
Large, lush blooms and a more curated European garden feel.
$35 photo pass required
Closed Mondays
Open until 8pm in summer (4:30pm after Labor Day, except Wednesdays (8pm))
Matthaei Botanical Gardens- Park area
Some wildflowers appear in late August, but it’s not as reliable. A bouquet can be a great add-on here! Catch your"Golden hour" glow here early- great location for a 5 or 6pm session.
Plymouth Orchards Sunflowers
The orchards open Labor Day weekend and the sunflowers last a few weeks! This can be a great stop after an Ann Arbor location, or paired with wildflowers.
Fowl Creek Farms
Huge, stunning dahlia blooms—one of the most unique options! Best in September.
$50/hour location fee
More ways to include flowers
- Bring a bouquet-- I recommend for everyone who loves florals!
- Find a storefront with great florals- westborn market in Plymouth, downtown Northville & more
- Seasonal greenhouses- great in May or early summer!
FAQ's
What happens if my chosen flowers aren't in bloom?
I do my best to predict what will be blooming when you book your session, based on past years experience. But weather is different each year and many of these flowers also depend on the public parks and groups that plant and care for them. If your first choice in location isn't an option we will look at what is currently in bloom and change location. My summer nights are booked out months in advance so postponing isn't usually available.
How late in the season do you recommend booking a floral session?
My recommendations for September- the colorful wildflowers, Dahlia farm and Matthaei Conservatory typically bloom until the first frost- sometime in early October. I recommend scheduling for mid-late September at the latest though, because if your date is rained out then the next reschedule would be a week or two later.
My daughter loves the wildflower sunset look- but you're sold out of times lots here. What should I do?
Golden hour is always the first to sell out, and the sunset look is difficult replicate. Early evening photos still look great at the Canton field ( a start time of 6-7pm instead of the 8-9pm golden hour) and at the Plymouth wildflowers I recommend either sunset here or a morning session (8-8:30 start time would be ideal!)