The Location Guide


Where should we take your pictures?

Okay, let's talk locations.

Because I know one of the first questions that comes up when you're planning pictures is: “Where are we actually going to take these?”

And honestly? You have a LOT of options around Roanoke.

But choosing a location isn't just about finding the prettiest place. I will help you choose somewhere that fits your outfits, your personality, and the overall feeling you want your photos to have.

Do you want mountains? Flowers? Downtown? Something a little more adventurous?

I'm here for all of it.

Seasonal Favorites

Spring


  • Flowering trees
  • Gardens
  • Fresh green fields

Summer


  • Wildflower fields
  • Lakes
  • Open meadows

Fall


  • Colorful forests
  • Mountain overlooks
  • Rustic farms

Winter


  • Evergreen forests
  • Downtown streets
  • Snow-covered landscapes (weather permitting)
Young woman in sage green jumpsuit smiling under blooming cherry blossom trees on a lush green lawn.
Woman sitting on rocks in a serene forest creek surrounded by lush green trees and calm reflective water.
Family of four posing outdoors in autumn, surrounded by vibrant red and orange fall foliage during golden hour.
Couple dancing outdoors in a field during golden hour, woman in white dress being twirled by man in gray sweater.

Your location plays a huge role in the overall look and feel of your photos so,

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

  • Golden hour provides the softest, most flattering light.
  • Weekday evenings are often less crowded than weekends.
  • Some locations require permits or parking fees.
  • Pets are welcome at many locations, just let me know ahead of time!
  • If weather becomes an issue, we'll reschedule at no additional cost.


Location types and information

A man walks through a lush green meadow with golden grass under bright sunlight with rolling hills in the background.

Open Fields & Tall Grass

Best For:

  • Families
  • Couples
  • Seniors

Look & Feel:

Warm, timeless, natural, and romantic.

Best Time:

Golden hour (about 1–2 hours before sunset).

Works Best With:

  • Neutrals, earth tones, creams, light blues, and soft textures.
Couple sharing a romantic moment on a green hillside with scenic mountain views in the background.

Mountain Overlooks

Best For:

  • Engagements
  • Couples
  • Seniors
  • Adventure Sessions

Look & Feel:

Epic, adventurous, dramatic, and scenic.

Things to Consider:

  • Some locations require a short hike.
  • Comfortable shoes are recommended until we reach the photo location.
  • Wind is common.
Woman in red dress sitting gracefully on stone steps with gold railings outside a classic building.

Downtown

Best For:

  • Seniors
  • Branding
  • Couples

Look & Feel:

Modern, urban, classic, and stylish.

Works Best With:

Dressier outfits, solid colors, and clean lines.

Young woman with long curly blonde hair smiling in a colorful greenhouse surrounded by vibrant red, orange, and yellow flowers.

Gardens

Best For:

  • Families
  • Maternity
  • Couples
  • Seniors

Look & Feel:

Bright, colorful, elegant, and romantic.

Things to Consider:

Some gardens require an entrance fee or photography permit.

Young man standing in a lush green park with arms crossed, surrounded by tall trees on a sunny day.

Forest & Woodland

Best For:

  • Families
  • Couples
  • Seniors

Look & Feel:

Moody, peaceful, earthy, and intimate.

Best During:

Spring through early fall.

A couple poses by a lakeside, the man embracing a pregnant woman in a white dress during a maternity photoshoot.

Lakes & Rivers

Best For:

  • Couples
  • Seniors

Look & Feel:

Relaxed, natural, and adventurous.

Things to Consider:

  • Shoes may get wet.
  • Bring a towel if you'd like to get in the water.


Young blonde woman sitting cross-legged on a road at golden hour, smiling, wearing jeans and a lavender top.

The parkway

Best For:

  • Couples
  • Seniors
  • Long drives

Look & Feel:

Playful, scenic, and adventurous.

Best During:

Summer through late fall.

How Do We Choose?


When you're deciding on your location, ask yourself:

What do I want my pictures to feel like?

Dreamy + Soft?

Let's look at gardens, fields, and natural locations.

Adventurous + bold?

Let's find some mountains.

Modern + stylish?

Downtown might be your thing.

Relaxed + natural?

Let's find somewhere with trees, fields, or water.

Classic + timeless?

Look for beautiful architecture and simple backgrounds.


And if you have absolutely no idea...

That's okay!

You don't have to know the answer before you book.

You Can Also Mix Locations

One of my favorite things about sessions is that we don't necessarily have to stay in one spot.

Depending on your session and the locations we choose, we can create different looks throughout your gallery.

For example:

Natural location + Downtown

or

Garden + Mountain view

or even

Dressy outfit + field + casual outfit + downtown

This is one of the easiest ways to make your gallery feel like it has a lot of variety.

If you aren't sure which location fits your vision, tell me what you're hoping your photos feel like and I'll recommend the perfect spot for your session.

My favorite locations


Most locations are within a 35 minute drive of Roanoke.

Greenfield - Pine Mountain Overlook - Downtown Roanoke