Lancaster, PA is a hidden gem for Portrait Photographers
I'm a fairly new portrait photographer but I already have quite a few favorite locations in Lancaster, PA that I like to shoot at. Depending on your vibe and what type of shoot you are doing, you can find the perfect location in our little city. You just have to know what your vision is and where to look.
Here are my top 10 locations to shoot portrait photography in Lancaster, Pa.
in no particular order, just the favs.
1. Prince Street Parking Garage
Prince Street garage is probably the most used couples session location in the city. It's centrally located downtown, free to access and gives you great golden hour vibes. If you are going with an urban vibe, it's a great location for anything from senior photos to a fashion photoshoot and everything in between.
2. Lancaster Central Park
Central Park is so versatile. You have the river, the woods, walking paths, Historic Rockford, playgrounds, sport courts and a skate park. It's a great jack of all trades location for anything.
3. Fulton Opera House
What else says classic romance like the Fulton Opera House? The answer is, nothing. The old school charm of this building alone gives off the old Hollywood glamour. It's the perfect place to get dressed up in something swanky and create a mood with a loved one during the evening sunset. It's also a great place to take creative portrait fashion photos, if you are going for a art deco vibe.
4. The Courthouse Steps
The classic marble and stone courthouse steps are great for anything. They are shallow and wide so it makes it easy for seated poses with your friends, family or significant other. It's also a neutral pallet, so it'll fit with whatever look your going for.
5. Lancaster Central Market
The Lancaster Central Market is also a great place downtown. From the cute little benches outside to the loft view overlooking the bustling merchants. It's a rustic and historic way to capture those tender moments. This spot is perfect for a couples session celebrating their love and it's right around the corner from some of my favorite date night spots. And it's also free, which is a bonus!
6. Franklin and Marshall College
Franklin and Marshall College has some really amazing architecture. This American colonial style college is beautiful and stately almost all year round. Best part is, most of the college students are gone in the summer so you can walk the grounds freely without too many people walking into frame. The grounds have mature trees, lush flowers in spring and several cool art installments for some great backgrounds. This spot is my favorite for senior portraits and engagement photos.
7. Endo Cafe Parking lot
I know what your thinking, this is a random spot but honestly it's a great location downtown. It has the perfect amount of daytime coverage from the surrounding ivy covered walls that you can basically shoot here all day long. It's absolutely perfect for senior photos, creative Portraits or even fashion photography. Plus it's right next door to the coffee shop.
8. Square One Coffee courtyard
This one is the best spot for a cozy outdoor couples photoshoot. Enjoy a coffee together while at the little white bistro tables under the twinkling lights. It's capital C cute for couples looking for something a little less posey.
9. Windolph Landing Preserve
Not many people know of windolph Landing nature preserve. It's just south of downtown on the outskirts of a few neighborhoods. It's about a half mile walking path through twisty fallen trees and lush greens down to the Conestoga river. It's a great place for family photos looking for peaceful outdoor atmosphere. It's also the perfect place for a intimate couples shoot if you are looking for some privacy.
10. Buchanan Park
Buchanan Park has been a long time favorite for the versatility it beholds within it's bounds. It's a perfect place for family photos with it's large grassy fields, benches and balding rocks. It's also a great option for couples photos with it's rose gardens and weeping willows. Even better you can bring fido along and let them play in the dog park during your shoot.
There are so many other places in Lancaster City that make great back drops for photoshoots.
These are just a few of my fav places. What are your favorite locations in Lancaster to take photos?