Where to start??


For my blogs over the next few weeks, I am working to cover topics that can cause clients to stress out to hopefully relieve some of that stress. Getting memorable and timeless photos should not be a stressful time that by the end of it you are wishing you never booked a session. I believe leading up to your session you should be excited to capture this precious chapter of your life whether that's your senior year, pictures with your best friend or four-legged friend, your children that grow way to fast, or your extended family. From the time you click the "book now" button, you will notice I try to be in touch with you throughout the whole process from start to finish.


In my blog last week, I covered outfit choices and how to create the perfect combinations for the perfect pictures. If you missed the blog, check it out below!

So now that we have covered outfit choices, I wanted to cover location choices! I am going to touch on locations in Springfield, IL because that is where I mainly shoot at, but there are so many other great choices outside of Springfield, and YES, I do travel outside of Springfield, IL! I might do another blog for those at some point!


Before you go any further, I want you to take a moment to think about how you would describe your family's or senior's perfect picture! Think about everything from the setting to the time of day, etc. This will help you decide the perfect match when looking through the locations I am going to cover.


Each of these locations offer unique and amazing setups. The variety of tall grass, flowers, bridges, cool buildings, and beautiful trees create limitless options for perfect pictures! Let's dive in!

Washington Park


Washington Park is located at 1501 South Grand Ave. W. Springfield, Illinois 62704 and is named after George Washington. This is also probably my most requested location in Springfield, IL, and it's easy o see why! There is everything from beautiful floral gardens, fountains, a pond, trees, and the coolest walkway surrounded by pillars. If you are looking for vibrant colors and a beautiful sophisticated look, this just might be your place. I love this place because it's like they had the photographers in mind when they planted all the flowers and put it all together!


When you first park, there is a cool fountain that creates the perfect backdrop for timeless photos. I even had a senior that got her pictures done there, and come to find out her mom even had her senior photos done at the same exact spot! How fun is that!


Then off to the left is a pathway to hydrangeas, stone walls, trees, and beautiful grassy areas. Off to the right is a garden set up that is perfect for anyone wanting vibrant colors to come through in their pictures. There are a variety of flowers in the garden and so many beautiful colors to incorporate! The garden is in a pathway setting and is a great setup for many different poses. I also can't forget to mention the famous Washington Park pillars (as I like to call them). This spot in Washington Park is seriously only of my favorites! Tall white pillars line at stone walkway surrounded by greenery, flowers, and pretty views!


Washington Park is a pretty good size park and offers more than what meets the original eye. I have also taken photos there at the other end of the park where there is a pond and a gazebo! This park has so much to offer!

Nature-inspired fashion photo featuring a white dress and boots on a garden path.
A woman in a white summer dress stands among wildflowers in a sunny garden setting.
A floral dress outfit paired with white boots creates a romantic look by a garden railing.
White cowboy boots complement a flowing dress in an elegant outdoor portrait.
A summery white dress ensemble photographed on classical stone steps in a garden setting.
A casual summer outfit by a fountain features jeans and an off-shoulder white top.

Lincoln Park


Lincoln Park, located at 1601 North 5th Street, Springfield, IL 62702, was named after Abraham Lincoln. I particularly love this location for senior pictures! The variety of options this park brings for pictures is amazing! I actually just shot a senior session here this past weekend, and I am so excited with how the pictures are turning out!


At Lincoln Park, you will also find lots of trees which provide the perfect depth of natural greenery in the background. You will also find a stone bridge that goes over the little pond and fountain. There are so many options for different poses and shots with the bridge, from sitting, walking, standing, and leaning poses. Also along the pathway, you will find stone walls, rock walls, and a trail to a covered area where you are surrounded by natural and trees.


Also at Lincoln Park, is a building made out of stone with black accents and beautiful architecture, which is definitely another great element and reason to choice Lincoln Park.


Lincoln Park tends to provide more of a rustic and natural timeless element to photo sessions and is definitely a great choice!


Young person in plaid shirt and white t-shirt standing on wooded path.
Person in casual plaid shirt sitting on concrete steps outdoors.
Casual portrait of person in plaid shirt standing on forest trail.
A person in a plaid shirt and jeans sits casually on concrete steps outdoors.
A casual portrait of someone wearing a plaid button-up shirt over a white t-shirt in a garden setting.
A relaxed outdoor portrait of someone sitting on natural rock formations surrounded by greenery.

Centennial Park


Now, let's jump to Centennial Park located at 5751 Bunker Hill Road, Springfield, IL 62711. There's a couple of great locations to satisfy many different people's interests! It was voted to be named after the Springfield Park District's 100th anniversary.


The Sangamon Valley Trail runs through Centennial Park and provides many great photo spots throughout the park. One location on the trail near the dog park is wildflowers the paint a background with a little pop of color and add great depth to pictures! Also, near the dog park is also a walkway between tall grass which is perfect for those looking for rustic, country and neutral background pictures! This location is definitely ideal for those that love nature and is a great spot to accommodate large groups and families!


If you are a senior that enjoys skating, this park also has a skate park with artwork throughout it. I always want clients to pick locations that suit their personality to help tell the story of who they are; so, if this sounds like you, I definitely would recommend Centennial Park!


I definitely also need to mention the beautiful pond found in the park. The pond creates a beautiful and peaceful setting to help put the focus on you, your family, and the love you share. The clear water helps create a classic setting to help you feel the love coming out of the pictures from that day!

A couple in white outfits holds their small gray dog during an outdoor photoshoot.
A person in white holding a small gray dog during an outdoor portrait session.
A happy portrait with a small gray dog against a natural outdoor background.
A romantic couple pose by a lake in coordinating white outfits.
A couple dancing together in coordinated outfits by a lakeside setting.
Happy couple embracing outdoors on a sunny day, wearing casual white attire on a tree-lined path.

Southwind Park


Let's move onto Southwind Park now! Southwind Park is located at 4965 S 2nd Street, Springfield, IL 62703, and it is a FULLY ACCESSIBLY PARK!! Definitely bonus points to note for that!


Southwind Park has a lot to offer that doesn't meet the eye, and there's a lot that meets the eye, if that says anything. When you first arrive there is a large lake that will immediately catch your eye. Also at the park you will find a gazebo, a treeless treehouse, arches, butterfly garden, and so much more! I think Southwind Park gets overlook more than it should because it really is a great location for pictures! You'll get a peaceful and relaxed vibe in your pictures here with beauty around!

Playful family portrait with child in polka dot dress held upside down outdoors.
Child in polka dot outfit swinging joyfully between two adults on path.
Candid moment of laughter while holding child in polka dot outfit at sunset.
Child in black outfit running towards two people with arms outstretched on tree-lined path.
Three people sharing laughs while sitting on park bench at golden hour.
Three people posing together at sunset by a lake wearing white and polka dot dresses.

THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR...


The MOST IMPORTANT tip when choosing a location is to think about what makes you who you are! If you are more relaxed and prefer a country setting, downtown Springfield typically would not be for you. If you are all about colors with pop and prefer the esthetic of buildings, then downtown Springfield might be the best location. It's all about who you are and the vibe you want to come through in your pictures, because we want them to tell your story! Being true to who you are is the most essential part of getting pictures done. Don't forget to incorporate those locations that are special to you, whether that's your church, school, or your family's farm. Above all, know that I am here to help you! When you book with me, we will work together to find the ideal spot for your session!


-Courtney