Last year, I found myself returning to a few photo session locations again and again. Here are some of my favorite locations in Central Iowa.
Strautman Tree Farm
This was by far my most popular session location in 2020, and for good reason. It has beautiful greenery all year round, lots of backdrop options and tons of space to play. I was even able to shoot in the snow back in December.
We’ve been going to this tree farm for our Christmas tree since 2016, and I dreamt of taking client photos there for years. I finally offered a couple of clients the option to meet there, and they happily took me up on the offer. It got to the point that Adam just assumed I was going out to the tree farm when I had a session. Well, it was a 50/50 split between this and the next session location.
Christiansen Forest Reserve
Christiansen Forest Reserve was a new spot to me in 2020. I was admiring other photographers’ sessions with grassy fields lined with trees and wondering if there was somewhere close to me that offered something similar (besides a park with manicured lawns and benches). After scouting a few locations for a client, she offered up this forest reserve as an option. When I saw it on Google earth, I knew this was the place I had been looking for. Large open field with native grasses surrounded by large trees. The sun sets behind a hill a little before full golden hour, and it is absolutely stunning.
Thanks Amy for giving introducing me to this location!
Tree Lined Drives in/around Huxley
I drove by this privately owned drive on my way to photograph a private event. I slowed down when I saw it and could visualize taking photos here. It was stunning especially in the fall. I reached out the owners about potentially photographing a family there, and they were so gracious. I ended up taking the Flathers and Nieces family photos there about a week apart.
These would also be an ideal location for senior portraits or I’d love to get a beautiful antique loveseat to center along the drives.
The second drive is close to my home and there are more evergreen trees here. This month, I did 2 sessions in the freezing cold temperatures with two lovely ladies – Jen’s headshots and Sarina indulged me in going out in the snow [check out the full post here].
Railroad Park
This little park in Huxley used to be my go to spot. It offered beautiful backdrops and an in town option especially for families with little ones. Last year, they recently did a lot of work in the park to add a paved walking trail instead of the pea-gravel so I didn’t do any sessions there. We will see how the grasses grow back along side the trail before I take people back there.
Brookside Park
Brookside Park is in Ames and offers so many options for photos. The park is large, has bridges and lots of lush green. There are playgrounds for the kids to run after the session. This park is near and dear to my heart because Adam and I had our engagement photos taken here with Seneca Epley, and most recently our family photos taken on the same bridge.
Areas I’d like to Shoot at:
These are a few locations that I have my eye on for session location options. What other locations should I add to my list?
- Berhow Park in Huxley
- State Forest Nursery Area in South Ames
- Trails in Huxley
- Any sunflower field
- Ledges State Park
