I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting this family in person before, but we’ve crossed paths through mutual friends and shared Facebook groups. It was such a joy to finally connect and spend a gorgeous fall day together at Yanahli Park in Columbia. Their senior session turned out beautifully, and it got me thinking about one of the most common questions I get from clients: Where should we do the photos?
Choosing the Right Location for Your Session:
When planning a portrait session, selecting the right location is key. I offer a variety of parks and outdoor areas to choose from, and I always encourage clients to browse my portfolio on my website to see examples of past sessions. If they’re not sure what they’re looking for, I’ll ask a few guiding questions:
- Do you prefer an urban backdrop with buildings, like Downtown Franklin or Columbia, or would you rather be surrounded by nature?
- How do you feel about crowds? Some locations, like Downtown Franklin, can be lively, while quieter spots might feel more comfortable.
For this session, nature was the clear winner. That’s why I suggested Yanahli Park. It has so many elements I love in a location: beautiful fields, textured trails, and even access to the river, which many clients enjoy as a serene feature in their portraits.
Why Yanahli Park Was a Perfect Fit:
What I look for most in a location is great lighting and texture. Yanahli Park offers warm, backlit areas with tall grasses and fields that create the perfect dreamy look at golden hour. Honestly, one of my favorite spots for portraits is simply a patch of tall weeds with the sun streaming through. Yanahli has plenty of those (as long as the fields haven’t been freshly mowed!).
For this senior, the natural setting was a perfect match.
Sessions like this remind me why I love what I do—capturing authentic moments in beautiful, meaningful places. If you’re considering a senior session or family portraits, let’s talk about what kind of location speaks to you. Whether it’s urban charm or rustic nature, we’ll find the perfect spot to tell your story.
