The Location You Choose Can Set The Whole Tone And Vibe Of Your Photos And The Session Itself.

Do You Want Mountains? Beaches? Urban Cityscapes? Water? Forest? Golden Fields With Tall Glowing Grasses? Expansive Landscapes With Rolling Hills As Far As The Eye Can See? Each One Will Create A Totally Different Feeling But A Good Photographer Can Create Beauty No Mater Where We Go.

The Main Limiting Factors To Locations And Why You Should Always Be Open To Photographer Input Are Light And Distractions (Crowds Of People). These Things Can Make Or Break Your Session So While We Are Always Open To Trying Out And Finding New Locations, There Are Some Things To Keep In Mind And Why We Tend To Have Certain Spots That We Return To Time And Time Again. Read On To Find Out About Some Of My Favorites Around The Harrisburg/Hershey/Lancaster Area…

Engagement Photo Session Lancaster County PA

Bullfrog Valley Pond and Trails -Hershey, PA

Couples Session at Bullfrog Valley Pond, Hershey PA

Yes, this spot is perfect for those fall foliage shots but it offers SO much more than that. It has these paved trails running through the woods and alongside a creek but also a large pond just overflowing with geese and ducks all year round. Right next to it there are also large fields of tall glowing grass. This one may not be the best for those glowy sunset pics but for sunrise or on a cloudy day you will have so many beautiful backdrops to choose from!

2. Founders Hall-Hershey PA

Maternity Couples Session Milton Hershey Founders Hall Hershey PA

Ooh wee! Golden sunsets bouncing off of boulder lined ponds. Fields of wheat glowing in the evening sun. Brick paths and wooden bridges. Its easy to see why this has become such a popular spot for local photographers and wedding/prom pictures. Its stunning. The ONLY downside is that you can find yourself dodging other photoshoots if there during peak time on weekends but if you aren’t shy about dancing and kissing in front of strangers, it’s sooo worth it!

3. Boyd Big Tree Preserve-Harrisburg PA

Engagement Session Boyd Big Tree Preserve, Harrisburg PA

I was hesitant to include this one on the list as I feel like its a hidden gem that not many know about and that’s part of its appeal. It’s never crowded and has so much to offer.

Think woods with trails covered in leaves. Both sunset and sunrise come through the trees in the most incredible way and the expansive fields giving way to rolling hills all surrounded by beautiful mountains are incredible.

Bonus: Because there is so much space and its tucked away from any main roads, its the perfect place to bring your pup!

4. Memorial Lake-Grantville PA

Engagement Session Memorial Lake Grantville PA

Huge Lake surrounded by woods and fields of goldenrod. There’s even a large bridge over a damn and a few boat docks for some interesting prompts and poses. Be warned. If we go here, I’ll probably make you get in the water in some way so bring a towel :)

5. Long’s Park and Pond-Lancaster PA

Maternity Couples Session Longs Park Lancaster PA

This spot is the quintessential photo backdrop. Between the pond complete with picturesque dock, fountain and weeping willows, The wooden and stone bridges and the gazebos, just a short walk around the water can give us tons to work with. The only downside? Because it’s so beautiful, it can get pretty crowded on busy weekends when the weather is nice. Sunrise is best for pictures here as we won’t have the crowds or many other photogs to contend with. There are also lots of ducks and geese that get fed by the parks guests. Just something to keep in mind if bringing your pup.

6. City Island and Riverfront Park-Harrisburg PA

Senior Portrait Session City Island Harrisburg PA

Between sunsets over the water, the view of the bridges, the wildflowers that bloom out of the concrete lined beach with the glowing city backdrop and the large iron walking bridge, this spot has an amazing mix of soft and industrial that works so well for those up for an adventure.

Some things to keep in mind… walking. This probably isn’t the best spot for lots of wardrobe changes or props that need to be drug around. To get the most variety from your session, we will be walking the island and over to the East shore of the river. Wear comfy shoes and bring a sweater if chilly.

Also… the skunks! They are super stinking’ cute and not at all afraid of people but come sun down, they take over the island so if you (or your furry friend) have an issue with that, best to steer clear!

7. Marietta Riverfront-Marietta PA (Lancaster County)

Engagement Session Marietta, Lancaster County PA

This one is a bit of a hidden gem in that it’s not yet overrun with photographers. While the area can get busy with hikers, bikers and people fishing and enjoying the riverfront, there is a lot of space to spread out and find some privacy. There are ivy covered ruins, waterfront woods and the most amazing sunsets. This is one of my personal favorites in the area and one I will never say no to.

8. Overlook Park-Lancaster PA

Couples Session Overlook Park Lancaster PA

Most people know this photo spot for the easily identifiable pine tree lined walking path but there is so much more to this location than most know. It changes with the seasons but there are tree lined paths, large fields and awesome sunsets. All within a short walk from parking so super easily accessed.

This spot can get CRAZY busy in peak season at sunset but it really is worth it and you just have to be creative working around the other photo sessions and park visitors.

9. Strites Orchard and Farm-Harrisburg, PA

Engagement Session Strites Orchard Harrisburg PA

So this spot is 100% one of my favorites in the area for anything spring, summer and fall.

You want flowering trees? March through fall you have your pick of orchards, from apricot and cherry trees to apple blossoms. They also have Christmas tree farms, a couple sunflower fields and rolling hills for the most impressive sunsets.

They do charge a photographer fee to take pictures on the grounds but for $30 a pop it’s more than worth it.

Oh and after our shoot? stop in at the farm store for fresh bakes pies, homegrown produce and apple cider slashes! This one gets 5 stars from me and is a spot I frequent for groceries and just to soak it all in when Im not working too!

10. Fort Hunter Mansion & Park-Harrisburg PA

Along the Riverfront in Harrisburg PA is the Fort Hunter Mansion and park. This is a popular spot for birthday parties, catching the sunset and of course, photoshoots!

With the beautiful river and mountain views, grassy fields and glaring sunsets over the water, It’s easy to see why everyone loves it here.

Just be warned, if going here on a weekend at sunset, there may be crowds, lots of onlookers and maybe some other photographers to contend with so I’d steer clear if you are shy and wanting a private place for photos. If up for an adventure, there are some other spots along the river just up the street that give the same views without so many people around :)