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    • Creating a Fishwheel in Nikolai, Alaska for the National Park Service
    • Northern Summers in Michigan
    • Listening, Together in Ann Arbor for A2SO
    • Building Bridges Gala in Detroit for the Pope Francis Center
    • Recording New Breed in Ann Arbor for Ghostly International & Ford Motor Co.
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Charlotte Smith

photographer based in ann arbor
  • home
  • photo essays
    • Creating a Fishwheel in Nikolai, Alaska for the National Park Service
    • Northern Summers in Michigan
    • Listening, Together in Ann Arbor for A2SO
    • Building Bridges Gala in Detroit for the Pope Francis Center
    • Recording New Breed in Ann Arbor for Ghostly International & Ford Motor Co.
  • recent work
  • about
  • contact
  • 2026
    • Sep 15, 2026 Michigan Hispanic Collaborative Gran Fiesta | Detroit Event Photographer Sep 15, 2026
    • Sep 15, 2026 Artscapade at UMMA! Sep 15, 2026
    • Sep 15, 2026 Discover U at the University of Michigan | Ann Arbor Photographer Sep 15, 2026
    • Sep 1, 2026 Jamie Daniels Foundation Celebrity Roast of Chris Osgood | Detroit Nonprofit Event Photography Sep 1, 2026
    • Aug 21, 2026 Celebrating a University of Michigan Graduation: Kenny’s Ann Arbor Portrait Session Aug 21, 2026
    • Jul 22, 2026 Ford Supplier Summit & Awards | Detroit Corporate Event Photographer Jul 22, 2026
    • Jul 15, 2026 Celebrating One Year of Strength at 3N1 Fitness Revolution | Ann Arbor Fitness Photography Jul 15, 2026
    • Jun 10, 2026 Concert photography at The Magic Bag in Ferndale Jun 10, 2026
    • May 27, 2026 Graduation Portrait Photography at the University of Michigan | Ann Arbor Senior Photographer May 27, 2026
    • May 18, 2026 Brand & Marketing Photography for Woven by Toyota in Ann Arbor May 18, 2026
    • May 6, 2026 Documenting a University Commencement | Eastern Michigan University Graduation Photography May 6, 2026
    • Apr 9, 2026 University of Michigan Graduation Photos | Ann Arbor Graduation Photographer at the Law Quad Apr 9, 2026
    • Apr 8, 2026 Michigan photographer colorful photography Apr 8, 2026
    • Mar 23, 2026 Big Top Brawl - CLOWN Wrestling - Documentary Event Photography in Detroit Mar 23, 2026
    • Mar 10, 2026 Portrait Photography for the Big Top Brawl, Clown Wrestling in Ypsilanti, Michigan Mar 10, 2026
    • Feb 26, 2026 Documenting the Dragon: Community Art & Public Sculpture at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor Photographer Feb 26, 2026
    • Feb 18, 2026 Everyday scenes and homemade camera filters - Ann Arbor Michigan Photographer Feb 18, 2026
    • Feb 5, 2026 Photographing the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra: January MainStage at the Michigan Theater Feb 5, 2026
    • Jan 31, 2026 University of Michigan Museum of Art - Art at Home - Match Day! Jan 31, 2026
    • Jan 19, 2026 Studio Portraits in Ann Arbor Jan 19, 2026
  • 2025
    • Dec 31, 2025 Sounds of the Season: Photographing Measure for Measure’s Holiday Concert and 2025 Reflections Dec 31, 2025
    • Dec 17, 2025 Leadership, Legacy, and a Homecoming at Eastern Michigan University Dec 17, 2025
    • Dec 4, 2025 An Evening with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra & Clara-Jumi Kang Dec 4, 2025
    • Nov 21, 2025 Feeling Good at UMMA! Feel Good Friday - Halloween Edition! Nov 21, 2025
    • Nov 6, 2025 Zoe’s Senior Portraits with Her Cat Hazel | Ann Arbor Graduation Photography Nov 6, 2025
    • Oct 30, 2025 Color and Sound: Photographing the Ann Arbor Symphony with Jacob Collier & Chris Thile Oct 30, 2025
    • Oct 14, 2025 Documenting the 2025 Season Opener with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra! Oct 14, 2025
    • Sep 30, 2025 Neha and Jordan's Pastafarian wedding in Ann Arbor Sep 30, 2025
    • Sep 23, 2025 Celebrating Community and Creativity at JJ’s Homecoming Open Mic in Detroit Sep 23, 2025
    • Sep 19, 2025 A love letter to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan Sep 19, 2025
    • Sep 11, 2025 Gran Fiesta 2025: Honoring Scholars, Celebrating Futures Sep 11, 2025
    • Aug 15, 2025 OddAnimalSpecimens, Endless Curiosity, and possibly one of my Coolest Shoots Ever! Aug 15, 2025
    • Jul 24, 2025 Inside the Work: University Voices Driving Change Jul 24, 2025
    • Jul 9, 2025 Photography celebrating 100 Years of the Benzonia Library & Mills Community House! Jul 9, 2025
    • Jun 26, 2025 A Surprise Engagement at Nichols Arboretum Jun 26, 2025
    • Jun 11, 2025 Photographing with Heart at the Building Bridges Gala : My Approach to Nonprofit Events Jun 11, 2025
    • May 28, 2025 Behind the Lens at the A2SO Season Finale! May 28, 2025
    • May 2, 2025 Celebrating Emma's Graduation with a Special Portrait Session May 2, 2025
    • Apr 22, 2025 Capturing the Magic - Capturing Magic: April MainStage with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra Apr 22, 2025
    • Apr 1, 2025 Turning the Page on March: A Look Back at My Favorite Photohoots Apr 1, 2025
    • Mar 29, 2025 Ducks and Armenian Coffee Mar 29, 2025
    • Mar 20, 2025 Portraits with Dr. Hanan and Life Update! Mar 20, 2025
A projector screen that reads "Welcome Discover U" with a block M representing the University of Michigan with students sitting at tables in the foreground.

Discover U at the University of Michigan | Ann Arbor Photographer

September 15, 2026 in Event Photography, University and Education, Community and NonProfit

Earlier this summer, I had the privilege of documenting Discover U at the University of Michigan, a program through the Center for Educational Outreach that gives students the opportunity to experience college life through hands-on activities, exploring majors and careers, meeting new people, and discovering their own interests.

Two male high school students walk on grass with a suit case and duffle bags while a large bus with more students grabbing overnight bags in the background.
Three people, who work for the Center for Education Outreach at the University of Michigan look at one phone while standing.
A group of high school aged students walk around a room while holding papers and introduce themselves to one another.

I had so much fun spending time with the students throughout the program and seeing them step outside of their comfort zones, try new things, and imagine some of the possibilities that exist beyond high school.

A high school student wearing headphones talks to another student while smiling.
A group of high school students participating in the Discover U program at the University of Michigan walk at the Diag on campus.

One of my favorite parts of photographing experiences like this is getting to see them through the eyes of the people experiencing them. For many of these students, this was their first time spending meaningful time on the University of Michigan campus, and it was so fun to capture those moments of curiosity, excitement, connection, and discovery.

Hands pick up University of Michigan themed stickers while one is placed on a notebook.
High School students smile and talk with one another while sitting at a table with snacks scattered on top.
Two hands hold an M Card with a Block M in the center of the card.

As a photographer, I love documenting programs that bring people together and create meaningful experiences. Whether it's a university program, educational initiative, nonprofit event, or community gathering, I'm always looking for the candid moments that help tell the bigger story.

A portrait of a student inside of a building on the campus of the University of Michigan.

Thank you to CEO for giving me the opportunity to document this incredible program and the experience of the participants!

Tags: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor photographer, University photographer, Educational Photography, Umich Storytelling, Educational Outreach storytelling, Michigan Photographer
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email: charlottesmithphotoA2@gmail.com
phone: (734)881-3753