Cranbrook Photography Sessions
Cranbrook House and Gardens in West Bloomfield, Michigan is a beautiful setting for portrait photography. Located on the grounds of Cranbrook Educational Community, this historic estate offers breathtaking scenery that’s perfect for portrait photography.

Senior Pictures at Cranbrook
For many high school seniors looking for a unique and special spot to take their senior pictures, Cranbrook is the perfect destination. This historic estate offers a breathtaking natural backdrop with its sprawling scenic gardens, iconic artwork, impressive architectural features. With a variety of gardens ranging from formal to natural, stunning architecture, and majestic views, you’re sure to have richly diverse backgrounds for your senior pictures.
The best part is you are no longer required to be a student at Cranbrook Schools to use the ground for a portrait session. Of course, they charge a fee to use the grounds, but anyone can schedule a Cranbrook photography session for portraits now! But, please keep in mind that the grounds are a National Historic Landmark. In addition, there are students and residents on campus, so portrait photography is only permitted in select areas with strict photography policies in place.

Cranbrook has a number of terms and conditions that must be met to hold portrait sessions on their grounds. Some of more notable items include:
- Session length must be limited to no more than 2 hours
- Use of props (e.g., candles, fireworks, sparklers, lanterns, fog machines, smoke bombs, balloons, rice, confetti, glitter, flower peddles, etc.) is not permitted
- Use of large props and decorations are not permitted
- Posing in roadways or other vehicle thoroughfares is prohibited
- Cranbrook reserves the right to relocate a session to another area on campus if necessary
- Maximum group size is limited to 12 people for photography sessions
- Grounds are only available June through October for photography sessions
- No indoor areas are available for photography sessions
- Cranbrook does not offer an area for outfit changes
NOTE: Cranbrook will often make special accommodations for current Cranbrook students and families.
If you would like to schedule a session for senior pictures at Cranbrook, we would love to work with you! Please feel free to contact us online or call 313-883-9500 to discuss availability and location ideas. We can’t wait to work with you!
Beyond Our Expectations
Simply thrilled! Thank you for the preview. We can’t wait to see them all! Wonderful service — above and beyond our expectations.

Absolutely Thrilled
We found Paul Manoian online and after viewing his website and reviews, booked a session with him. His genuine concern for my daughter’s vision of what she wanted in her photo session: environment for the session, type of backgrounds, type of photos (including a headshot for her college auditions), was remarkable. His suggestions during the session and his willingness to try different shots to capture her ideas proved to us his professionalism and talent as a photographer. We are both absolutely thrilled at the photos from her session, and have recommended Paul many times this year when asked about a photographer.
We can't wait to work with you!
Senior Pictures Information for Parents
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Senior Pictures with Style Guide - Senior Pictures Pricing Guide
Complete Guide to Senior Pictures Prices in 2025 - Senior Pictures Planning Guide
Parent's Guide to Senior Pictures 2025: From Planning to Prints
While you are here, check out our portfolios along with the Top 25 senior pictures ideas for your own session!