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where to take family photos in clarkston, mi (my 5 favorite locations!)

Aug 6 2026 | By: Blanck Canvas Photography

Family posing on a forest path in autumn at independence oaks county park, with two adults kneeling in front and three children behind them in clarkston mi

Hands down, the #1 question I get from newly booked clients: 

"Where should we go for our family photos?" 

And every time, I give some version of: it depends. 

Not in a vague, dodge-the-question way — but in a true-to-the-word, it really does depend. A location that's perfect for a family of five with a toddler on the run may not be right for a couple of teenagers. 

So instead of one generic list of "pretty parks near me," here are five of my Clarkston, MI local favorites...  and why.

Independence Oaks County Park

This local park is my home-away-from-home from May through Oct every year. 

If you're looking for a natural backdrop where your family can be the star of the photo, this is it! With tall grasses, open trails and access to water, there is a little bit of everything. It's great for kids that need to run, or high school seniors that want several different backgrounds without needing to travel too far. 

The park is lovely all year but I particularly love the wild goldenrod in late summer and the fall colors in October.

Best for: Everyone! families of all sizes, families with pets, extended families, high school seniors, anyone who wants that classic, natural feel. 

Family of five with dog standing on a dock by a lake at sunset at independence oaks county park in clarkston mi
Mother holding a young boy by a lakeside, with calm water in the background at independence oaks county park in clarkston mi for family photoshoot

Downtown Clarkston / Depot Park

There's a reason downtown Clarkston continues to be a location choice among families. And it's a favorite among a TON of Clarkston High School rising seniors.

There is a ton of variety packed in a single place: small-town charm, fun architecture elements, access to Depot Park...  all within a five minute walk. 

If you have a connection to the town (and even if you don't), it's worth consideration.

Best for: families, families with pets, high school seniors

high school girl leaning on a tree outdoors, wearing a brown top and white cardigan during a family photo session in downtown clarkston mi
Family of five standing on a green bridge in Depot Park, with autumn trees in the background during photoshoot in clarkston, MI
husband and wife standing in front of a leafy wall, smiling outdoors in downtown clarkston mi for family photo session

The Garden of Healing

Ooh how I love this little hidden gem of Clarkston, MI.

It's a quiet beauty — full of brick paths, water features, park benches with flowers and greenery for days! 

The garden is meticulously maintained and a joy to photograph. Just have bug spray on hand in late summer : ) 

Best for: smaller families, sibling sessions, individual milestones, high school seniors

Teen boy standing outdoors near potted flowers and greenery on a paved patio at the Garden of Healing in Clarkston, MI
Family of four standing outdoors in front of greenery, smiling and posing together for family photos at the Garden of Healing in Clarkston MI

Downtown Pontiac / Graffiti Alley

Looking for color, texture, and something a little unexpected for your next session?

Consider pontiac's graffiti alley.

If you've tired of the park backdrop, this place photographs like nothing else on this list. With murals that change every 30 feet, we NEVER run out of photo opportunities. Add in iron staircases, empty parking lots and other urban flair, this is definitely a fun and different photoshoot consideration.

Best for: individual milestones, sibling sessions, high school seniors, families looking for something a little unexpected.

Tween boy leaning against a colorful mural wall in Graffiti Alley for photoshoot in Pontiac MI
Family of four walking down a narrow city street with brick buildings and colorful graffiti murals in Pontiac MI

Your Own Backyard

What if.... you don't need to go anywhere at all?

Consider: 

  • no last-minute racing out the door
  • just your actual life
  • the swing set
  • the porch steps

Kids are more relaxed in their own space. There's less performance and more of them just being them — which, if you've read anything else I've written, you know is at the heart of this photoshoot thing anyway : ) 

Best for: families who want zero logistics and maximum comfort. bonus points if your evening light is good : )

Couple stands beside a bright pink sports car in their private driveway for family photoshoot in Clarkston MI
Extended family posing in front of a family home on bricked paved driveway for annual family photoshoot in Clarkston MI

A Quick Note on Mini Session Locations 

If you've seen photos from flower fields, the creek splash, the Christmas tree farm... those are likely tied to mini sessions. Meaning, the location was reserved ahead of time and a group of clients signed up to attend that specific location on a specific date and time.

If you want one of those locations OUTSIDE its mini session window, let's definitely discuss. 

If available, locations will likely require an additional fee and approval to shoot. 

Two girls in white dresses playing in a purple flower field with trees in the background during photo session in clarkston MI
Young boy standing in a forest among evergreen trees at sunset for holiday mini session in clarkston mi
Blonde girl in a white top and yellow skirt sitting by a riverbank with her foot in the water for creek splash mini session in clarkston mi

So, Which One's Right for You? 

When you think about your family... your kids' personalities... this season of life... what type of location FEELS like you?

Is one of these spots calling your name? Stuck between a couple and want a second opinion? I'd love to help. 

Let's begin → 

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