Some of My Favorite Springfield Locations For Photoshoots
I was born and raised in Springfield, IL and man do I love where I live. I can’t count how many times growing up I heard people talk about Springfield in such a negative way, saying that it’s boring and there is nothing to do, nothing to see. Granted, some people are cut out for city life and fast paced living, but this girl right here is a midwestern at heart. I live for these flat lands, harvest season, and recognizing someone at most cafes that I walk into. As my love for photography grew, so did my love for my hometown. Springfield has SO many great locations to shoot at, no matter the season. While every now and then I crave a couples season in Yosemite National Park (who wouldn’t), Springfield has some pretty great views. Here are a few of my favorites.
c e n t e n n i a l p a r k
This isn’t a huge secret in Springfield. It’s a go to for family and couples sessions for most photographers in town. In all seasons the sun bounces off of the wild flowers and tall grass in the prettiest way. You could choose to use the open field, or take a little hike to the back of the park by the tree line to get some wooded shots. You can find Centennial Park on the far west side of Springfield, right off of the Sangamon bike trail!
a p p l e o r c h a r d s
One mistake that people make is thinking that the only photo op at the Apple Barn in Chatham is at the photo booth the owners set up by the pumpkins! Another mistake they make is not ordering an apple cider donut or two- because wow. They are delicious. While the photo booth is great and pumpkins are fabulous, the real money is down the hill by the apple trees. In the mid afternoon the trees diffuse the sunlight in the most perfect way, making it a prime location to shoot cool couples like this one sneaking in a kiss or two.
p r i v a t e p r o p e r t y
That’s right. Some of my favorite sessions were made possible because I had to gather up my courage, knock on someone’s door and say, “Hi. You’re land has got it goin’ on. Can I use it?”. Or something like that. There is some prime real estate in Springfield, and so far all of the land owners I have talked to have been eager to share (and flattered). But definitely ask, you guys. There are some stingy farmers out there that aren’t to keen of trespassers.
u i s c o l l e g e c a m p u s
If I paid for anything in my time at the University of Illinois Springfield, it was the right to use these gorgeous pine trees in the winter. There is also a 1-2 two week time span where an entire block of oak tree’s are FLAWLESSLY colorful in the Fall, so I am always sure to drive by every week in October and make sure I didn’t miss my window.
s t a t e f a i r
I can’t even BEGIN to describe how much I love taking photos at the Illinois State Fair! So many different scenes to shoot in front of for fun photos, and yes, so many people. Don’t worry though, if they stare then they are just jealous. Keep doin’ yo thang. I have found 7 pm to be prime time for strolling around with my camera. While the actual fair only goes on for two weeks every August, the fair grounds it open all year long. It’s a great location to get some cool deserted vibey shots for any edgy couples out there!
p u b l i c g a r d e n s
The public gardens that I love best are Lincoln Memorial Garden and Washington Park Botanical Garden. These are my go to spots in the summer when the flowers are in full bloom and there is a warm breeze along the bank of Lake Springfield. Gardens are a great place to shoot portrait sessions, because the scenery adds just the right kind of pop that doesn’t draw attention away from your subject. Typically these locations involve a bit of a hike, but it is ALWAYS worth it.