Country / Nature Locations
Click on images to enlarge. Keep in mind that some things may change between when I last visited them and when we go next. There is no guarantee that photos will be exactly the same as shown. Time of day, time of the year/season, weather conditions, traffic, crowds, outfits, comfort in posing, skin tone, etc can all play a factor in the outcome of the photo.
A Barn with Inn - https://www.barnwithinn.com/
About:
- Wellsburg, WV
- Bed and Breakfast that has many photo opportunities
- Working farm (sometimes animals like pigs and chickens are walking around during the session but usually aren't a problem)
Pros:
- Secluded
- Has small areas with flowers
- Pond
- Field
- Wooden fence
- barn
- benches
- dirt road
Cons:
- Need to pay a donation to the farm to use it
- They hold events so it can get busy/booked on weekends
Oglebay - https://oglebay.com/
About:
- Wheeling, WV
- Popular resort with many locations
Pros:
- Has areas with flowers and fountains
- Pond
- Field
- architecture (mansion)
- beautiful benches
- Trellis (walk-through) with flowers
- small waterfall
- iron/metal gates and stone walls
Cons:
- Weddings and events are held there so weekends can be booked
- Public can walk around there as well
Fellows Riverside Gardens - https://www.millcreekmetroparks.org/fellows-riverside-gardens/
About:
- Youngstown, OH
- Public gardens/park
Pros:
- Has MANY areas with flowers
- Fountain
- Gazebos
- Trellis
- brick paths
- Other parts of the park are a quick drive for a different look)
- benches
Cons:
- They hold weddings so it can get busy/booked on weekends
- Bit of a drive (but worth it!)
Robin Hill - http://www.moonparks.org/parks/robinhill.asp#
About:
- Moon Twp, PA
- Public Park
Pros:
- Has large area with tall flowers that you can walk through
- Small Fountain
- Gazebos
- Steps
- paved paths
- Ivy Wall
- Some architecture
- benches
Cons:
- The flower fields can be busy but it hasn't been an issue (yet)
Hartwood Acres - https://www.alleghenycounty.us/Parks-and-Events/Parks/Hartwood-Acres-Park
About:
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Public Park
Pros:
- Has large garden area with flowers
- paved paths / cobblestone road
- Mansion (stone) architecture
- benches
- iron gate
- feels like a "fairy tale setting"
Cons:
- Weddings are held here and some events - will need to call close to date to see if what events are happening
- This is a VERY popular spot for photographers and can be crowded. Best to go on Sundays or M-Th
Mellon Park Walled Garden - https://pittsburghparks.org/mellon-park-walled-garden/
About:
- Pittsburgh, PA (Shadyside)
- Public Park
Pros:
- Has large garden area with flowers
- paved paths / cobblestone road
- architecture
- benches
- iron gates
- Fountain
- feels like a "fairy tale setting"
Cons:
- Weddings are held here and some events - no number to call to check
- This is a VERY popular spot for photographers and can be crowded. Best to go on Sundays or M-Th
Sewickley Heights Borough Park - https://www.sewickleyheightsboro.com/borough-park
About:
- Sewickely, PA
- Public Park
Pros:
- Has area with flowers (usually yellow) or field depending on time of year
- trails
- Big open space
Cons:
- Pretty location but might not be enough for an entire session (but this could be one part of session)
Beaver Creek State Park - https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/beaver-creek-state-park
About:
- East Liverpool, OH
- Public Park
Pros:
- River with shallow parts for entry.
- pond
- trails
- Big open space
- wooded space
- barn/wooded structure
- metal bridge
- small wooden bridge
Cons:
- Might not have many flowers if that is your wish
Mingo Creek County Park - https://www.visitwashingtoncountypa.com/listing/mingo-creek-county-park/190/
About:
- Eighty Four, PA
- Public Park
Pros:
- River with shallow parts for entry.
- trails
- Big open spaces
- wooded space
- covered bridges
- small patch of flowers
- pavilions
Cons:
- Might not have many flowers if that is your wish
Autumn Ridge Farm - https://www.autumnridgefarmpa.com/home
About:
- Scottdale, PA
- Family Farm w/setups for photographers
Pros:
- flower fields (depending on time of year)
- greenhouse
- old truck
- egg/wicker chair
- props in flower fields
- Usually pretty empty (but could have other photographers there)
Cons:
- You will have to sign a waiver as required by the farm
Other Options:
- Settler's Ridge Park (Robinson Twp., PA)
- North Park (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Fern Hollow (Sewickley, PA)
- Allegheny Commons Park (Pittsburgh, PA)
- Brooke Hills Park
- Moraine Park
- Shady Elms Farm (need to book and pay a rental fee)
- Ohiopyle, PA