Looking for the perfect spot for your family photos? Look no further! I’ve collected my top five favorite spots. Sure, there are plenty of other places, but these are my top picks.

1. Baker Creek Preserve

   Yes, I love this place! Not only are there some great mountain biking trails and natural play areas, but it’s a GREAT spot for family photos. It has open fields, shrouded trails, forest, and low, brushy areas that give plenty of options depending on the time of day and amount of light available. Here’s my favorite photo that I’ve taken at Baker Creek. Note: you may want to arrive early to beat the mountain biking traffic!

   

2. Meads Quarry

   Meads is very similar to Baker Creek. There are mountain biking and hiking trails, forested paths, and a beautiful quarry lake. It also has that wonderful combo landscape of forest, field, and brush that makes it an optimal place to work nearly any time of day and with any lighting condition. Here’s one of my favorite images from Meads Quarry.

   

3. Forks of the River

   Note: Seasonal hunting occurs here, as this is TWRA managed land. Be sure to check their website before visiting. Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area is famous for its annual sunflowers. It’s a bit hit for so many different types of photography. And even when the sunflowers aren’t present, it offers a mix of lush, forested landscape, open fields, and ponds. Be prepared to walk short distances, as some of the best areas are down a gravel road.

   

4. Sequoyah Park

   I love, love, love this park. It’s gorgeous anytime of year, and it’s directly beside the river. There’s an abundance of open space along with some trees and brush to give you diversity. I particularly love this location in the fall. The golden autumn light dances across the water, instantly making every photo more magical. Bonus: there are usually lots of pups walking around with their people! 🙂

   

5. Your own house

   OK, this one is a trick. =) But it’s a real answer! Having a photo session in your own home is a great way to get the photos you want with zero travel time involved! Plus, you and your family will likely be more comfortable in your natural environment. Having photos of you interacting in your own home will be such a treasure when the children are adults and on their own. They will be able to look back and see their old toys and clothes, and you never know what small element will spark a treasured memory! Here’s an image I love from an in-house photo session. It’s not fancy, and there’s no pretense here; just love.

   

There you have it! These are my top five choices for family photos. If you have other ideas, I’d love to hear them.

If you have questions about family photos and my availability, please send me an email. Or take a look at my collection of family photography.