I had one of my readers write in and ask me to do a top 10 list for new places she can shoot 5 years ago...and it's still one of the top hits on my blog. I thought I'd bring it back for the new families looking for family photography locations. Here's what I came up with:
- Stillwater - it's got great little antique shops, bed and breakfasts, the river runs through it and every picture is gorgeous! I could tell you about it or just cut and paste from the city website. Stillwater is a dynamic, growing community of approximately 18,000 residents nestled into the bluffs of the St. Croix River, one of America's protected Wild and Scenic Waterways. Located just 20 miles east of downtown St. Paul, our family-oriented community offers the advantages and conveniences of living near the Twin Cities metropolitan area plus the peacefulness and safety of small town Minnesota.
- Harriet Island - It's a great little nook...tucked away and perfect for a stroll through the park or for an engagement shoot!
- Stone Arch Bridge - I found tons of pictures that capture the beauty of the bridge...but, I love going there and reading the signs and walking and taking a shot or two in places people haven't found yet...let me know what you find!
- Any wild grass open field with character - Seriously, you don't need to go far to get great shots. I'm constantly finding new simple spots all around me. Stick a kid in the middle of a field and let them run...you'll get great shots!
- Sculpture Gardens - The Walker museum is gorgeous and walking through the gardens is so relaxing...you should do it without your camera first and then go back with a client.
- Arboretum - I have not been there enough! I think there's a gorgeous spot behind every corner. A million different plants and flowers...totally beautiful! I think I just read it's free for Chanhassen residents to go on August 7th...I LOVE FREE! too bad I live in Prior Lake.
- Centennial Lakes - I almost didn't use this one cause I've been there a ton and kinda like to try new places but, the truth is...it's beautiful and worth visiting! It's got stone, flowers, green, water, fountains...just to name a few!
- Downtown...just park and walk, have your camera ready. look for brick walls or alleys or bright colors or reflections...man, I want to hop in my car and go now!
- Anywhere in St.Paul (schools, parks, Grand Ave...too hard to narrow down) There's a beautiful park beside the library, the St. Paul hotel, and a Theater...I love shooting at all those locations.
- Any small town (Chaska is adorable!)
I hope this gets your creative juices going in the right direction!
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