No matter what your vision is for your photography session, one major decision (along with what to wear) is where in the world are we going to DO these pictures at, so lets talk location. I’m all about choosing somewhere that is super special and meaningful to you but if you are drawing a blank or want to try something new I’ve begun a list of some areas in and around Athens, Nelsonville, Logan, Jackson and Lancaster Ohio.

There are so many many opportunities in southeast Ohio to find amazing places to photograph in our back yard. I will never forget my photography professor freshman year that said “If you can’t take an award winning picture in your backyard, then you’ll never take an award winning picture.” This was revolutionary for me. We don’t have to travel to the far ends of this country for amazing pictures, although that would be cool! We can certainly capture your story right here and right now with your family.

I’m going to go through some of my favorite hidden gems here in and around Athens, Nelsonville, Logan, Jackson and Lancaster Ohio.

Hocking Hills

The Ridges

The Ridges is an incredible gem of locations in Athens Ohio, it is owned by Ohio University and many Alumni enjoy visiting here to get some Athens Flair. It boast many natural settings as well as urban or decayed backdrops as well.

Your Home

I’m not going to lie, this is my absolute favorite location for your family shoot. What speaks better about your family than the very place you call home. The special thing about home is that it tells the ultimate story about who you are.

Lake Hope State Park

I think this park is a unique and untapped beauty so near to Hocking Hills. It has a beautiful lake with a beach, canoes, a lodge and some great fields and hiking trails.

Strouds Run State Park

Being so close to Athens, this is my favorite get away in Southeast Ohio and but gets some of the magic of Hocking Hills. Its great through every season and all types of weather. Dow Lake is just the perfect combination of hills, water trees and sky!

 

College Green- Ohio University

Always a win for an urban feel with bricks and columns. The beautiful thing about photographing on campus is that we can make it look like Ohio University or we don’t have to. So if you are an OU alumni who bleeds green, then lets relive your life here on campus. But we don’t have to make it look like Ohio University, if you just want an urban feel with some backdrops other than trees and grass then this is the most versatile location in Southeast Ohio.

Dairy Barn-Field

This is a great location for some versatility especially if you want to get a little “Athens Flare” and some great natural nature photographs. The Dairy Barn has some great spots with bricks and buildings and then in their back yard, or just around the corner down the street is some short trails and fields of beautiful grass so close to Ohio University.

Court Street- Uptown Athens

The uptown Athens Ohio street to know is definitely Court Street, this is the street to photograph on. There is so much to do and so many little nitches of great places to get pictures.