Photography is one of my favorite past times. I love capturing moments big and small in this beautiful community I call home, and spending an afternoon dressed up and doing a mini-photoshoot with friends can be so much fun. Here are five great backdrops for your next photoshoot, whether it be for professional headshots or a day of fun with your best friend. (And stay tuned for a part 2 & 3 of this blog post!)

1. The Greyscale Geometric Wall at Art in the Loft

Not only is this wall amazing, the lighting in the Loft is great because it’s unobscured by any other buildings around it. This wall has been a backdrop for many a photo after events at the Loft in past years, as well as for pre-Prom and pre-Homecoming/Winterfest photos. 

2. The Greenery Covered Wall behind Hair By Ellie 

I didn’t discover this wall until after I moved back home after college, but I’m kind of obsessed with it. You have to catch the light at the right time, but this tucked away little corner behind Hair by Ellie is an excellent place to snap a few photos for a new profile pic or headshot, maybe schedule a blowout to go with it? (photos courtesy of Ellie Siegert)

3. The newest Fresh Waves Mural at Salon 125

The new Fresh Waves Mural on Salon 125 wasn’t even complete yet and rising seniors were already stopping for photos in front of it! This new mural is a lovely spot to pose for photos because there’s plenty of room for wide shots as well as close-ups. If you’re looking for a backdrop with tons of color, this is one is for you!

4. The Historic Brickwork and faded Bicycle Hospital sign at Bella Rose Yoga Studio

This is one of my personal favorite spots. I’d recommend getting there early to catch that morning golden hour as it hits the side of the building. This spot is a great background for photos when you’re looking for vintage or retro vibes. I love the faint remnants of the bicycle hospital sign and the clean orange brick shining through beneath it. 

5. The shops along Chisholm or Second Avenue

If you don’t want to post against a flat wall, some dynamic, slightly urban shots with the streetscape and all of our cute and picturesque shops downtown in the background is another great way to go! This is what we did at the DDA for our headshots. Personally, I think this would be a super cute way to go for an engagement shoot. Pretend you’re the protagonists of a Hallmark Movie as you pose on the sidewalk and in front of the shops!

These are just five examples. I already have two other blog posts planned with other spots too! There are just so many photogenic spots downtown. If your favorite spot wasn’t included yet don’t worry, some of our favorite spots haven’t been included yet either. Stay tuned for the sequels to this blog post. 

Kingsli Kraft wrote this article for Blog Downtown Alpena. Kingsli is an Alpena native and a graduate of the University of Michigan. She now works at the Alpena Downtown Development Authority as the Marketing and Outreach Coordinator. She volunteers on Thunder Bay Theatre’s Board of Directors and is a dedicated advocate for the arts and environment. She enjoys reading, writing, yoga, hiking, caring for all of her plants and all things coffee. You can follow her on Instagram here.