Visitors to Northern Illinois think it’s a land of only cornfields and grazing cattle.And while those are beautiful backdrops for photos, there are also some really unique places I love to use for my photo sessions.
Oakdale Nature Preserve
This nature preserve is just south of Freeport, Illinois and is absolutely gorgeous. The 133 acres of rolling hills, forests (yes, we have trees in Illinois!), streams and prairies offer some of my favorite spots to take photos. Fall especially is a great time of year to schedule your session because the trees are bursting with color.
Krape Park
Krape Park in Freeport is also packed with great nature spots for photos. There is a lovely waterfall, an old bridge with some stunning architectural detail, a river, and an antique merry-go-round that all make for fun backdrops. There are also spots of prairie and woods along with beautiful avenues that are really nice as well.
My studio
Obviously I have to mention this one. My studio is in an old renovated store in Shannon, Illinois. Talk about gorgeous architectural detail. Some of the original elements like an old staircase and original ceilings just add to the ambiance. The big windows let in tons of natural light so even indoor sessions (and we have to do those in the dead of winter here in Northern Illinois!) can take advantage of natural light.
My house
I live on a beautiful farm near Shannon, complete with outbuildings and even an old (and really cute) truck, so if you’re looking for that down-on-the-farm feel, I open our place for sessions when that’s a good fit for my clients.
Lake Le-Aqua-Na
This location is a little farther away, about 30 minutes north of Shannon near Lena, Illinois. It’s totally worth the drive for me though because there’s a gorgeous lake, wooded areas, and paths that make great settings for your photos. It’s also really convenient for my clients who live in that area or even just north of the stateline in Southern Wisconsin.
Anywhere you love
And last but not least, sometimes my clients have fantastic ideas for photos – places I never would have thought of, so I’m open to your suggestions! I’ve done sessions in client homes, at the hospital for newborns, and even traveled out-of-state to take photos.Ready to book your Northern Illinois photo session? Get in touch!