One of the first conversations we have when planning your portrait session is choosing the right location. Families often ask me where we should go, and my answer is always the same: the best location is the one that complements your family’s story. A beautiful backdrop matters, but what matters even more is finding a place where you can relax, connect, and simply enjoy being together.

Over the years photographing families, newborns, and expecting mothers around the Midlands, I’ve come back to a handful of spots again and again. Not because I’m short on ideas, but because these places genuinely photograph beautifully and hold up session after session. Here are the local locations I love most, and why each one works so well for the families I photograph.

Riverfront Park in Columbia

Riverfront Park offers a wonderful balance of natural scenery and historic character, making it one of my favorite locations for maternity and family sessions. The variety of backgrounds allows us to create a gallery that feels diverse while keeping the focus where it belongs, on your family’s connection.

This location works especially well for families who want a mix of settings in one session. You get the wooded trail, the open riverside path, and views back toward the Gervais Street Bridge and the downtown Columbia skyline, all within a short walk of each other.

What makes it a favorite for my clients:

• Shaded trail sections for hot Midlands afternoons
• Wide open grassy areas that give little ones room to move and play naturally
• A mix of historic and natural backdrops in one location

Saluda Shoals Park

Saluda Shoals Park is one of my go-to locations for families who want a more natural, unpolished feel to their session. Set along the Saluda River, it offers wooded trails, open fields, and river views that change beautifully depending on the season.

I especially love this park for sessions where I know a family will want to let their kids explore a little between shots. The peaceful surroundings make it easy for families to relax, interact naturally, and create the genuine moments that often become their favorite portraits.

Virginia Hylton Park in Lexington

Tucked right behind Lexington’s town hall, Virginia Hylton Park is a hidden gem that stays green and inviting nearly all year. The koi pond, walking bridges, and garden paths give this location a soft, storybook quality that photographs wonderfully in natural light.

Its peaceful gardens, charming bridges, and welcoming atmosphere make it especially well suited for families with young children who enjoy exploring together. Some of my favorite candid images have come from those last few relaxed minutes once the formal portraits are done.

Lexington County Museum

For families drawn to a more historic, heirloom feeling, the Lexington County Museum is one of my favorite recommendations. The property includes numerous historic buildings, gardens, and open grassy areas that reflect the character of the Lexington area’s past.

If you love timeless architecture and classic Southern charm, the Lexington County Museum offers a beautiful setting for portraits that feel elegant and enduring. It’s an excellent choice for families looking for a location that won’t feel tied to changing trends.

The University of South Carolina Horseshoe

The Horseshoe on USC’s campus is a beloved spot for Gamecock families, alumni, and anyone who loves the charm of historic brick buildings and mature oak trees. The mature oak trees, brick walkways, and historic architecture create a timeless backdrop that works beautifully for maternity and family portraits.

This location is a wonderful choice for families with ties to the university, whether that’s a proud alumni couple or a family celebrating a new addition while honoring where their story began.

Lake Murray

Lake Murray offers some of the most stunning natural light in the entire Midlands, especially in the hour or so before sunset. I often recommend this location for families who want a more elevated, golden hour feel to their gallery.

Because outdoor sessions are typically scheduled around the most beautiful light of the day, Lake Murray locations tend to work best in the early evening. I’ll always help you choose the right time based on the season when we plan your session together.

 

How I Help You Choose the Right Location

I never want location to feel like guesswork for the families I work with. During our planning appointment, we talk through your style, your family’s personality, and the feeling you want your images to carry. From there, I’ll recommend a location that fits naturally, whether that means a wooded trail, a historic park, or the comfort of your own home.

If you’d rather skip the outdoors altogether, I also offer in home sessions, which you can read more about on my families page. Wherever we shoot, my goal stays the same. I want your gallery to feel like an honest reflection of your family, not a location chosen because it looked good on someone else’s feed.

Curious which location is the best fit for your family? I’d love to help you choose a setting that reflects your personality and preserves this season of life beautifully. Explore my portfolio for inspiration, and when you’re ready, let’s start planning a session that’s uniquely yours.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you help decide which location is best for our session?

Yes. Location is always part of our planning appointment. I’ll ask about your family’s style and the feeling you want your images to have, then recommend a spot that fits naturally. You don’t need to arrive with a location already picked out.

Are these locations only good for certain types of sessions?

Not at all. Each location I’ve mentioned works well across newborn, maternity, and family sessions, though the way we use the space will look different depending on the type of session. For example, a maternity session at Lake Murray might lean into golden hour light, while a family session there might focus more on the open shoreline for kids to explore.

Do outdoor locations require a rental fee?

Some specialty locations do require a reservation or rental fee, and if your chosen spot requires one, it will be added to your session deposit so everything is secured ahead of time. Public parks like the ones listed here typically do not require a separate fee.

What time of day do you recommend for outdoor sessions?

Outdoor sessions are generally scheduled during the most flattering light of the day, which is usually about an hour and a half before sunset. I’ll help you choose the right time for your specific location and the season we’re shooting in.

Can we choose a location that isn’t on this list?

Absolutely. These are simply my personal favorites based on years of shooting around Columbia and Lexington. If you have a location in mind, whether it’s a family property, a specific park, or somewhere sentimental to you, I’m happy to talk through whether it will work well for your session.

How do I book a session at one of these locations?

You can reach out through my contact page to check availability and start the planning process. From there, we’ll talk through location, timing, and everything that goes into creating a relaxed, enjoyable session.