Where are the best places to have your family photos taken?
They say in real estate the three most important things are: location, location, location. Now I wouldn’t say it is the most important in photography. I am more about the actual people and connection as utmost importance, but who doesn’t love a great landscape, pretty park, garden or field to take photos in?
Here is a list of great outdoor locations in Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding area for your maternity or family photo session with Monica conlin photography.
Thankfully, Atlanta and the surrounding areas are filled with beautiful spots for photoshoots. The sky is the limit and I am open to your ideas! But in case that is too overwhelming, here are some suggestions just for you:
Piedmont Park
This is the largest park in Atlanta and provides many places to take photos. Here is a map of the park that shows the various entrances and attractions. There is a dock that overlooks the lake, a large field with the skyline in the background, and many grassy areas perfect to throw a blanket down and take photos.
It can be crowded because of it’s popularity and beauty. So we may have to do a little dodging of others, but it can be well worth it!
Arabia Mountain
You have probably seen pictures from the top of this mountain. It has beautiful views and is the perfect place to do a sunset photo session. It is a 1/2 mile hike up to the top, so for those who are able, it is a family friendly distance!
Map to Arabia Mountain
Vaughter’s Farm (Barn)
This is part of the Arabia Mountain National heritage area and is a large open field with a white barn. It creates lovely backdrop to a family photo session, especially great for sunset sessions. There is a parking lot across the road as well, so there is easy access.
Map to Vaughter’s Farm
Atlanta Park near Ponce de Leon
This is a great one that is in Atlanta, but not too far from Decatur either. I have been from spring to fall with different flowering bushes and trees each time. This spot is great for sunset sessions.
A Local Garden in Decatur, GA
Beautiful, tucked away garden area in Decatur. It has great flower blooms throughout the year and walking paths that you can wander and explore. Nice nature spot in the city of Decatur with that has a large parking lot for easy parking and access.
Winn Park
This is a great park with a great location midtown Atlanta. It has two different sides of the park, both great for photo sessions. One end has large fields, a playground, stone steps, and bench swings. The other side of the park has a small pond with a quiet garden area.
Map to Winn Park
Avondale Lake
A small lake tucked away in the Avondale Estates neighborhood is a great spot to take some family photos. It has a walking path around the lake, a small wooden bridge, and several benches surrounding the lake as well. It is especially great in the fall when all the tree’s leaves are changing colors.
Legacy Park
Beautiful area in Decatur that feels miles away, even though it is not too far . Although most people use it for it’s walking trails, I have found a few great spots to do family photos. The background and foliage change with the seasons, of course, but we can always find the right light!
Dearborn Park
This local park is very green with a walking path through a wooded area. It has a wooden boardwalk surrounded by trees as well as a small creek area with rocks & sand. There is a playground as well. If you live in Decatur then this is a nearby option to have your family photo session.
Map to Dearborn Park
Prospect Farms
This is a beautiful farm out in Lawrenceville, GA that books to photographers for photo shoots. It has many different setting options such as the open fields, greenhouse (see photo below), an indoor whitewall studio, plus seasonal offerings (like wildflower field, sunflower field, holiday set-ups, etc). There are vintage tree swings and an old fence line. Ask me what is currently available and I will let you know!
Whittier Mill Park
This park is tucked away in a quiet spot in a northwest neighborhood in Atlanta. It has a big open field surrounded by trees that leaves change colors in the fall. It has two brick buildings that provide a great background in photos. There is a playground as well.
Cator Woolford Gardens
This is a beautiful garden area with flowers, trees, and a grassy field. It also has a large stairway, benches and a small stone bridge. It is a great place for maternity and family photos. I do have to make reservations, so not all times will be available.
Map to Cator Wooldford Gardens
Garrard Landing Park
This is a versatile park with a covered bridge, an open field, a small creek, and gravel paths lined with trees. There are some beautiful areas that get great lighting during sunset.
Want a more city vibe?
I have several spots in the city that can give you that fun, urban feel with colorful mural art or brick walls. Usually I like to encourage an ice cream or donut stop with these ones, because WHY NOT? It is a fun way to end a family photo session with kids.
Monica Conlin is a maternity, newborn, and family photographer that specializes in newborn photography, Fresh 48 photography, maternity photography, pregnancy photography, and family photography. Monica is based in Decatur, GA and services Decatur, Atlanta, and the surrounding areas (including, by not limited to: Kirkwood, East Lake, Edgewood, Lake Claire, Candler Park, Inman Park, Ormewood Park, Grant Park, Reynoldstown, East Atlanta, Cabbagetown, Old Fourth Ward, Virginia Highland, Avondale, Midtown, Downtown Atlanta, Ansley Park, Morningside-Lenox Park, Virginia Highlands, Druid Hills, North Decatur, Piedmont Heights, Poncey-Highland, Tucker, Chamblee, Smyrna, Vinings, Brookhaven, Buckhead, Stone Mountain, Scottdale, Pine Lake, Clarkston).
Please contact Monica Conlin Photography at hello@monconpix.com if you need a Newborn Lifestyle Photographer, Newborn at home Photographer, Lifestyle Family Photographer, newborn photographer, baby photographer, or maternity photographer.
