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YPSILANTI & WASHTENAW COUNTY • HIGH SCHOOL & COLLEGE GRADUATES

Authentic, Cinematic Senior & Graduation Portraits in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

Celebrating Eastern Michigan University graduates, Ypsilanti Community High Grizzlies, and Washtenaw County seniors with relaxed direction, historic backdrops in Depot Town & Riverside Park, and magazine-quality portraits.

Eastern Michigan University Graduation Photography in Ypsilanti — Aperture Studios
EMU Graduates & High School Seniors • Ypsilanti, MI
THE APERTURE EXPERIENCE

Portraits Crafted Around Your Authentic Energy.

Senior portraits shouldn't feel like stiff yearbook pictures. We create a fun, high-energy environment where you look incredible, feel completely at ease, and walk away with portraits you love sharing.

Natural and relaxed senior portraits direction in Ypsilanti Michigan

Zero Awkward Posing

No stiff posture or forced smiles. We guide you through natural movements, real laughter, and easy prompts so every photo looks confident and relaxed.

Graduation regalia cap and gown portraits in Ypsilanti MI

Outfit & Regalia Freedom

easy transitions between formal cap & gown, honors cords, EMU green & white stoles, Grizzly varsity jackets, stylish streetwear, and formal dresses. Bring 2 to 3 looks that express your style.

Tailored senior graduate portrait outdoors in natural light

Scouted Ypsilanti Backdrops

From neoclassical stone pillars at Pease Auditorium and historic brick storefronts in Depot Town to the tranquil boardwalks at Riverside Park and Ford Lake, we match your vision.

Graduate holding diploma on campus pathway in Ypsilanti

48h Sneak Peeks & Full Rights

Get your preview highlights within 48 to 72 hours for instant social sharing. Full high-resolution cloud gallery with personal print rights included with every collection.

YPSILANTI & WASHTENAW COUNTY LOCATIONS

Iconic Local Backdrops for Every Senior Vibe.

Whether you want collegiate neoclassical columns, vintage Victorian brick streetscapes, Huron River boardwalks, or studio portraits, Ypsilanti offers timeless character.

✦ NEOCLASSICAL COLUMNS & CAMPUS

EMU Campus & Pease Auditorium

The collegiate heart of Ypsilanti. Majestic limestone columns at Pease Auditorium, Student Center lake with fountains and wooden bridges, historic Welch Hall, and green quad lawns.

📍 W Cross St & College Pl, Ypsilanti
✦ VICTORIAN BRICK & RAIL TRAILS

Historic Depot Town & Cross St

19th-century Victorian brick storefronts, vintage rail tracks, colorful murals, iron railings, and the lively urban street vibe along East Cross Street. Ideal for creative, modern portraits.

📍 E Cross St & River St, Depot Town
✦ HURON RIVER & WILLOW TREES

Riverside Park & River Boardwalk

A 16-acre park along the Huron River connecting Depot Town and Downtown. Scenic wooden pedestrian footbridges, weeping willows, and calm water reflections for warm golden hour light.

📍 2 E Cross St, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
✦ HISTORIC ARCHITECTURE

The Ypsilanti Water Tower

Constructed in 1890, this stone limestone landmark on Cross and Washtenaw is an iconic Ypsilanti symbol. Surrounded by manicured lawns and historic neighborhood architecture.

📍 Washtenaw Ave & Cross St, Ypsilanti
✦ LAKE VIEWS & ISLAND BRIDGES

North Bay Park (Ford Lake)

Extensive wooden boardwalks spanning across Ford Lake, observation lookouts, island footbridges, and dramatic sunset water vistas just minutes south of downtown Ypsilanti.

📍 1001 Huron St, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
✦ COMMERCIAL STUDIO SANCTUARY

Private Aperture Studio

Prefer a crisp, high-fashion editorial look? Our private Ann Arbor studio (just 10 minutes west of Ypsilanti) features commercial Profoto lighting, easy color backdrops, and dedicated cap & gown stations.

📍 Washtenaw County / Ann Arbor Studio
CUSTOMIZED TO YOUR PERSONALITY

Four Signature Senior Portrait Themes.

You don't have to stick to just one style. With our multi-outfit sessions, you can mix and match to celebrate every facet of your milestone year.

🎓

Cap, Gown & Honor Regalia

The essential milestone images. Highlighting your academic cap, gown, graduation tassels, honors cords, EMU stoles, and diploma holder that parents and grandparents cherish.

✨

Modern Editorial Fashion

Styled streetwear, tailored blazers, formal dresses, or clean casual looks against Depot Town brick and historic ironwork. Feels like a high-end editorial campaign.

🏆

Athletics, Band & Passions

Bring your varsity Grizzly jacket, soccer gear, musical instrument, dance shoes, or art portfolios. Portraits celebrating your high school and collegiate passions.

🌅

Golden Hour River Reflections

Dreamy, warm sun rays filtering through Riverside Park willows or across Ford Lake. Natural, organic, and effortlessly beautiful portraiture capturing sunset reflections.

HELPFUL PREP GUIDE

How to Prepare for Your Senior Photos.

Follow these 4 simple steps to arrive relaxed, confident, and camera-ready.

TIP 01

Book 4 to 8 Weeks Early

High school yearbook portrait deadlines typically fall between late October and November. For spring EMU graduates, booking in March or April guarantees announcement delivery.

TIP 02

Curate 2 to 3 Diverse Looks

We recommend 1 elevated casual look (jeans + stylish jacket), 1 dressy formal look, and your academic cap & gown or varsity jacket. Diversity makes for an incredible full gallery!

TIP 03

Steam Gowns & Iron Outfits

Graduation gowns often arrive tightly folded in plastic packaging. Hanging or gently steaming your gown ahead of time ensures crisp, clean lines on camera.

TIP 04

Bring a Hype Person!

Parents or best friends are always welcome! Having someone on set who makes you laugh and helps carry garment bags keeps the entire session fun and stress-free.

GRADUATE & PARENT EXPERIENCES

Loved Across Ypsilanti & Washtenaw County.

Read why high school seniors, EMU grads, and families choose Aperture Studios for their most meaningful milestone portraits.

★★★★★

"I graduated with my Master's from Eastern Michigan University and wanted portraits around Pease Auditorium and the Student Center lake. Damion knew all the best angles and natural lighting. Having two outfits and getting sneak peeks within 48 hours made ordering our graduation party invites a breeze!"

Maya J.
EMU Graduate • Ypsilanti, MI
★★★★★

"My son was nervous about having senior pictures taken, but Damion made the session around Depot Town and Riverside Park totally relaxed and fun. Within minutes they were laughing. The photos on the wooden bridge and with his Grizzly letterman jacket turned out incredible—yearbook staff loved it!"

Robert T.
Parent of Ypsilanti High Senior • Ypsilanti, MI
★★★★★

"We booked the Signature Senior session and split our time between Depot Town's historic brick alleys and the water views at North Bay Park. Damion brought amazing energy and the photos look like they belong in a fashion magazine. Having full print rights was a huge bonus!"

Aaliyah K.
WIHI Senior • Washtenaw County, MI
Damion Fivenson, Lead Portrait Artist & Founder of Aperture Studios
FOUNDER & LEAD PORTRAIT ARTIST

Meet Damion Fivenson.

As a former visual designer at Apple and Google, Damion approaches every portrait session with a refined design eye and commercial lighting precision. But behind the camera, his highest priority is making graduates feel confident, celebrated, and completely at ease. Every senior session is paced to feel like hanging out with a friend who happens to take magazine-worthy portraits.

★ 5.0 Star Rated on Google Former Apple & Google Designer Ypsilanti & EMU Campus Scouting Natural Light & Studio Lighting
TRANSPARENT INVESTMENT

Senior & Graduation Collections.

No hidden session fees, no compulsory print purchase minimums. Every collection includes full personal printing rights and high-resolution cloud gallery delivery.

ESSENTIAL MILESTONE

The Milestone Session

Designed for focused high school yearbook submissions and essential cap & gown portraits.

$175
Flat package rate • Ypsilanti & Washtenaw County
  • ✓ 60 Minutes dedicated on-location session
  • ✓ 1 Location (EMU Campus, Depot Town, or Riverside Park)
  • ✓ Cap & Gown + 1 Outfit Change
  • ✓ High-resolution private cloud gallery download
  • ✓ Full Personal Print Release included
  • ✓ 72-hour preview highlights for announcements
Book Milestone Session →
FRIENDS & CELEBRATION

The Group Celebration

Celebrate together! Covers up to 4 graduating friends with solo portraits and group pictures.

$450
Split with friends • Covers up to 4 graduates
  • ✓ Up to 2.5 Hours celebratory campus session
  • ✓ Up to 4 Graduates Included
  • ✓ Individual solo portraits for each graduate
  • ✓ Fun, dynamic group best friend portraits
  • ✓ Champagne pop or confetti set celebration
  • ✓ Individual private download galleries for each grad
  • ✓ Full personal print release for everyone
Book Group Session →

Custom Graduation Announcements & Archival Albums

Looking for custom graduation party invitations, foil-stamped announcement cards, or luxury linen heirloom albums for parents? Archival print products are easily added directly from your private online gallery.

Inquire About Keepsakes →
Proudly Serving Ypsilanti & Washtenaw County

Zero travel fees across all primary service areas in Eastern Washtenaw County:

Ypsilanti, MI (48197, 48198) Ann Arbor, MI (48104, 48108, 48105) Superior Township Pittsfield Township Belleville, MI (48111) Milan, MI (48160) Eastern Michigan University (EMU) Ypsilanti Community High School Arbor Prep High School Washtenaw International High (WIHI) Early College Alliance (ECA) Washtenaw Community College (WCC) Historic Depot Town Riverside Park Ann Arbor Studio
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Everything You Need to Know.

Have a question about locations, outfits, or yearbook deadlines? Find quick answers below.

What schools and colleges do you photograph senior portraits for in Ypsilanti? +

We work extensively with high school seniors from Ypsilanti Community High School (Grizzlies), Arbor Prep High School, Washtenaw International High School (WIHI), Early College Alliance (ECA at EMU), and Lincoln High School. We also photograph undergraduate and graduate students from Eastern Michigan University (EMU), Washtenaw Community College (WCC), and the University of Michigan.

When should I book my high school senior or EMU graduation session? +

For high school seniors, July through October is peak season to ensure beautiful weather, green parks, and timely yearbook submission before late autumn deadlines. For EMU and college graduates, spring sessions (March through May) and autumn graduation sessions (October through December) book quickly—we recommend reserving your date 4 to 8 weeks in advance.

Can I bring multiple outfits and my cap and gown? +

Yes, absolutely! We encourage you to bring your academic regalia (cap, gown, stoles, honors cords) plus 1 to 2 personal looks. Many seniors choose an elevated casual outfit (jeans with a stylish jacket or sweater), a dressier formal look, and their varsity athletic jersey or marching band uniform. Having multiple outfits creates a versatile, magazine-quality gallery.

What are the best senior portrait locations in and around Ypsilanti? +

Top locations include the historic stone columns at Pease Auditorium and Student Center lake on EMU campus, the vintage brick storefronts in Historic Depot Town, the scenic footbridges at Riverside Park along the Huron River, the Ypsilanti Water Tower, and the boardwalks across Ford Lake at North Bay Park. We can also shoot inside our private Ann Arbor studio just 10 minutes west.

Can we shoot at more than one location? +

Yes! Our Signature Senior collection includes time for up to two nearby locations. A very popular pairing in Ypsilanti is starting on EMU's campus for formal cap & gown portraits and finishing in Depot Town or Riverside Park for casual golden hour portraits.

What happens if it rains or Michigan weather turns bad? +

Michigan weather can be unpredictable! We monitor forecasts closely 24 to 48 hours prior to your session. If severe rain or high winds occur, we simply reschedule to an agreed-upon backup date at no additional cost. Your retainer moves smoothly with your new date.

Do you provide images formatted for yearbook submission? +

Yes. Once you select your favorite portrait for your high school yearbook, we will provide a custom-cropped, high-resolution file formatted to meet your specific school's dimension, DPI, color profile, and background guidelines (including Ypsilanti Community, Arbor Prep, WIHI, and Lincoln High guidelines).

How quickly do we receive our preview photos and full gallery? +

You will receive a curated set of preview highlights within 48 to 72 hours of your shoot so you can share on social media right away. Your complete, master-retouched digital gallery is delivered within 2 to 3 weeks via your private cloud storage link with full personal printing rights.

SECURE YOUR SENIOR DATE

Let’s Create Something Timeless.

Summer and autumn weekend sunset slots fill quickly. Drop us a note to check date availability and discuss your vision.

Check Senior Date Availability

Fill out the quick form below. We will respond within 24 hours with availability and customized planning details.

Direct Studio Concierge

Prefer to reach out directly? We are always available via call, text, or email.

STUDIO LOCATION & COVERAGE