Right now you might be gearing up to find the perfect location, with the best lighting, and beautiful atmosphere in Columbia to take your family photos this year. It can seem like a daunting task, but believe it or not, we really have a beautiful city for photographing families!
As a local photographer, I am always looking for new creative locations to photograph my clients but there are many places I like to go over and over again. Mainly, because they are beautiful and I always manage to keep each session unique in every location. Lots of things are taken into account like time of day, available daylight, scenery, and more so here is a list to help with your next family photoshoot!
1. The South Carolina State House Grounds (Downtown Columbia)
If you have never walked the beautiful grounds and gardens of the State House in downtown Columbia, do yourself a favor and check it out. Packed full of beautiful established gardens, trees, pathways, park benches, and rich history, the scene is set for some lovely family photos. The historic architecture and lush landscape make a unique backdrop for any photo session! Just make sure there isn’t an event scheduled on the day you have picked to take your photos or you may be milling around with a few more people than desired.
2. Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park (Downtown Columbia)
The beautiful park has multiple entrances with beautiful trails, river views, lush vegetation, and some unique historic bridges and industrial elements (including infamous red doors) that serve as a great place to take a stroll with the family and snap some lovely photos. Wear comfortable shoes, a stroller, and be ready to do some walking to get the perfect shot!
3. The Peak Trestle (Peak, SC)
Nestled in the heart of the town of Peak and the Palmetto Trail is a beautiful trestle bridge overlooking the gorgeous river. The perfect picturesque nature location for photographs. It’s kind of a drive so make an afternoon of it! My favorite time of year to photograph there is fall but it is lovely all year long.
4. Irmo Community Park/Irmo Town Park (Irmo, SC)
Both of these parks are conveniently located off of Lake Murray Blvd and are great for taking photographs. Treat your kids to the playground after the photoshoot!
5. Virginia Hylton Park (Lexington, SC)
This beautiful park is tucked behind downtown Lexington and is one of my favorite places to shoot because it is green all year long. There are nothing but gorgeous spots to take photographs around this park and another great place to let the kids play on the playground afterward.
6. Your Backyard
Believe me when I say the location isn’t what makes the photograph, it’s YOUR FAMILY! The locations mentioned above are great places to take photographs but don’t forget that one of the best places to have photographs taken is your own backyard. Each family is unique and that will photograph beautifully anywhere.
I was looking to do a mother / daughter shoot, is that something you do?