Where to Shoot | My Top 5 Favorite Local Locations
So there is always questions that I love answering! The first being, what should I wear, which you sweethearts can find here, and seniors, I have a four part series for y’all that are in the works, but you can find the Spring What to Wear, and the Summer What To Wear at these links here.
But the second most asked question is Rebecca, where do we shoot at?
So, I figured I would do a blog post on My Top Five Local Locations that I love to use for portrait sessions. But keep in mind these are just popular spots that I shoot at, if you have a spot in mind that means a lot to you, then don’t be afraid to say ‘hey! let’s shoot here’! I would rather shoot at a place that holds meaning than a random place on a list.
Before I continue!
Please keep in mind that these are public places, however, if you run across a place that may be on someone’s land or a local business, please ask permission first. Even if there’s no sign or not, you ask anyways. It’s common courtesy to ask before you use, the worst thing that could happen is you’re told no and have to find another spot.
Spot #5 | Homeplace on Green River
Starting off the list strong is actually in Campbellsville! It’s the Homeplace on Green River!
Well, being noisy, I decided to go check the place out, and from that day back in 2012 and now, it has changed so much! This place is different depending on the time of the year you go! That's why I added so many different photos to the one above. I want you to see what it looks like during Summer, Spring, and Fall!
This is a pet friendly location so dogs, horses, etc are allowed!
If you like old barns, log cabins, even the old Tebb’s Bend Bridge, this rustic location would be perfect for you. But again, think about the time you want to go!
Spot #4 | Downtown Locations
The next spot on my list is actually includes a couple of different places. I'm actually combining downtown locations as a single post! Small towns have had some of the prettiest downtown spots I've ever seen. But let's not take away from the beauty that the bigger cities have (like Lexington, Bowling Green, and Lousiville).
To start, Bardstown does have some unique little spots that again I see people over look all the time. The have log cabins, old staircases, a ton of brick buildings that are always perfect for that urban look you’re searching for, and so much more!
Springfield, KY is another great downtown location! I In all of downtown Springfield, I love, love, LOVE the new courthouse! The columns may be my favorite part of that specific spot! The add the urban/upper end feeling that if you don’t like the rustic setting, then this would be for you. Not to mention we have access on the street of the Old Ceconni's restuarant, farmer's market, and even a little bridge!
Can't forget about Lebanon. I have shot on Main Street in Lebanon multiple times and I am always finding a new spot. With the recent addition of graffiti, Lebanon’s popularity with Urban downtown looks have hit a new high.
And to also throw a few more ideal places in, we can't forget about Campbellsville, Perryville/Danville! Just like the other towns, there’s always new little spots that can be found and used for urban locations.
Campbellsville has the CU univeristy which has a mixture of brick buidlings, floor length windows, and a clock tower. Where as Perryville/Danville give off the more rustic downtown vibes and has access to a creek, and log cabins.
Spot #3 | Lincoln Homestead Park | Grundy Home Rd
The Lincoln Homestead Park in Springfield, KY is one of my top favorite places to use for photo sessions. This is literally the best spot for Fall pictures! But be warned! It’s a very popular spot for ALL photographers and tourist! The covered bridge, the dock behind the course, a creek that we can walk through, the endless number of fields, and the best part of all, all the log cabins! I defintely have seen this location a lot more in the past months but again it’s a very popular spot; so keep that in mind.
It does differ throughout the year and there's a lot of fields that have a ton of options for flowers or just over grown weeds. So make sure to focus on what time of the year you'll be interested in.
Spot #2 | Shaker Village
Shaker village in Harrordsburg, KY is one of my new and favorite spots! It has so much to offer between trails, a stable (so definitely bring your pets!) old buildings, and a ton of fields that are normally covered in wildflowers!
This place is always popular and the look can change based on the season. There is a $25 photography fee that has to be covered when booking your session here so do keep that in mind before picking this location!
Honorable Mention before number 1 Spot!
I am a sucker for a good field and it's hilarious when I tell clients to trust me and just follow me to an open field that most has assumed to be awful for photos!
If you're wanting this kind of look we can defintely make this happen! The photo above is just a handful of fields off the side of the road that literally I knew would be beautiful! These are mostly in Lebanon and Springfield!
My all time favorite place to go is The Bradfordsville Creek! Now this creek stretches way, way out. It even goes all the way down to Gravel Switch, but my favorite spots are in Bradfordsville. There’s dry spots, there’s a clear creek bed for sitting shots, and of course there’s a couple of trees just laying there that give you the perfect spot for a creative image!
Like most creeks, the way they look all depends on the time of the year. Because it is so close to downtown Bradfordsville we can actually use both spots to create two different looks.
So that’s it! MyTop 5 Local Locations to use for portrait sessions!
As mentioned throughout the entire blog, please keep in mind that locations change base on the time of the year. If you’re wanting the leaves to be different reds, oranges, yellows, and cooler temperatures, then definitely plan with your photographer to shoot during September through November.
But! Plan ahead! Fall schedules for photographers are always busy, and if you live here in Kentucky then you know that our weather can change based on a flip of a coin.
Also, keep in mind that these are public places that people access on a day to day basis so be respectful. If you’re wanting to shoot on someone’s land, ask permission before trespassing. The worst thing is you will be told no and half to find a new spot.
If you like post like this, let me know in the comments below!!