Engagement Photos at UMMA in Ann Arbor- Rachel + Frank

Rachel and Frank decided they wanted their engagement pictures taken at The University of Michigan Museum of Art in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor

(The university’s art museum is also known as “UMMA” and is not to be confused with the horror movie of the same name starring Sandra Oh)

I have an astounding confession to make.

I have never actually been to UMMA before this day. As an art major focused on painting in college— you would think that the art museum in Ann Arbor would be a place that I am very familiar with. I have no idea how or why I have eluded a trip here up until this point, but what I can tell you is that it has been a MISTAKE. The museum itself is exceptional but also, as far as spaces for photography go— well, I’m mad I didn’t discover it sooner.

If you’re reading this because you’re a fan of photography in general, or because you’re looking up places for engagement photos in Ann Arbor, you’re in the right place! I also want all of my session blogs to be a good resource for other photographers who are looking for inspiration or info about shooting locations that they’re considering. Any time I go somewhere new, my anxiety forces me to exhaust the google and instagram search bars for any information I can about a place before I go there. What are the coolest places? When is the best time to go? Is there parking? (In Ann Arbor, there is never parking. lol. bring your walking shoes.) So hopefully this is helpful to anyone who is planning a photo session at UMMA and wants the inside scoop!

In this case, we got there right at open (11 am) on a Tuesday. There were certainly other people there but not enough to feel like we were ever in anyone’s way, nor they in ours. Also, it appears people use the museum as a spot to hang in between classes, or to find a quiet reading corner. So take this as a helpful nugget- Tuesday mornings are a a good time to visit the museum without a crowd.

One of the first things I noticed was that some of the best spaces for photos were tucked away in a corner of a stairwell, or honestly any of the stairwells in the building. The architecture allows for a lot of natural lighting in these spaces (the higher you go in the museum, and the further you can get to the perimeter, the better the lighting is for photography).

As any Ann Arbor photographer knows, light is our best friend, and in Michigan we are always trying to seek every last ray we can find.

Anyway, this natural light is going to be your best friend, because even if you aren’t a natural light photographer, you’re going to be SOL here if you don’t rely on it (the museum does not allow flash photography, which is pretty standard for any museum).

And then there are the exhibits— which you can use to become part of the narrative of your photos. This installation (pictured below) with a glowing cloud hanging from the ceiling was immediately something we all decided would be great for pictures. Super Lavender Haze adjacent (just without the lavender). Not complaining.

I really like it when I allow myself to not plan out shoots or poses in advance of a session. It’s so tempting to do when you have a bout of imposter syndrome and worry about whether the photos will be good enough for your clients. It’s so hard to trust that if you just let them be themselves the photos will come so easily and be so true to them. I really felt like the museum setting helped me realize this. And it helps EVERYONE get inspired in the moment, photographer and client(s).

When we walked around the corner of the modern art exhibit and saw this neon sign, we all looked at it, looked at each other and went “YEP.” I don’t know what kind of photographer can pretend they are too good or too cool to do photos in front of neon signs, but I am not one of them. I felt like this was a gift from the photography gods. If you look closely, you can also see the way that the neon light is glinting off the metallic surface of the painting in the background of this first photo below. I don’t think any photos can really do it justice, it was such a MOOD.

I had Rachel and Frank pick out a piece of art they especially wanted a portrait in front of. Although it is still unclear whether it was because they really liked the painting or because they really liked that the painting matched Frank’s shirt.

I do love all art, and I think the historical stuff is fascinating, but I do really love Modern Art, and I love the Modern Art section of this museum. I like that it gives my photos a kind of historical context too.

I really love photographing couples. Engagement photos are the best because everyone is always so in love. Everyone is so happy to be there with their person. To perform this rite of passage for those that get to enjoy their life with someone who has decided they can’t live without you. Engagement photos only come around once— and they might not be as important or expensive as wedding photos— but damn if I don’t choose them as my favorite.

UMMA is a great place for photos, but really any museum is probably a fantastic choice. Huge shout out to the staff at UMMA for how they curate, and how they think about spaces and people, and for allowing creatives like myself to make use of those spaces.

If you want more information about UMMA, head on over to their website to get whatever you need.

Couple looking for wedding venues… you can have your wedding at UMMA. Please bring me along :)

If you like what you see here, and want to schedule a session with me, click here or on the inquire button at the top of the page to get in touch! I respond to every inquiry within a couple hours, and I’d love to get the conversation started. Whoever you are, I want to work with you and help tell your story in an authentic and FUN way!