Wedding & Portrait Photographer, Lancaster, PA | Gretchen Elaine Photography

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Best Locations For Family Sessions | Gretchen Elaine Photography Familie

The top most frequently asked question I get for family sessions are: What are some good locations to choose from?

Choosing a location in Lancaster County and surrounding areas is not as hard as some may think! Here is an updated list of places I have done sessions that are absolutely gorgeous!


  1. Historic Poole Forge

  1. Located in Narvon, PA, Historic Poole Forge is absolutley gorgeous year round for photos. They have a working covered bridge, beautiful seasonal flowers, stone walls, quaint houses, and the old forge itself!

    This has been the number one pick for my families, seniors, and children sessions for the last several years. There are so many different background options that can change with every season and time of day.

    *Dog Friendly*

    One thing to keep in mind, I do have to check to make sure we can go depending on the date, they do hold events and weddings at this location!

2. Lancaster County Central Park

  1. This park has become quite popular in recent years. I first found the location from photographing Schreiber Center for Pediatric Development’s Rubber Duckie Race.

    They have large grassy areas, the 5 senses walk ( which is great for letting young kids run around but keeping them corraled!), gorgeous cherry blossom trees ( at least thats what I think they are!, and beautiful architecture.

    Some of the images below are from our engagement session taken here by Blacklevel Photography!

    *Dog Friendly*

3. Musser Park

  1. Located in downtown Lancaster City, Musser Park is a gorgeous location especially in the fall with the leaves changing. I have done a senior portrait session here, but there was plenty of room for a small urban / city park family session.

4. Overlook Park

  1. Located over near Manheim Township in Lancaster, PA, this park is an absolute gorgeous location for almost any kind of session!

    There are a beautiful row of pine trees, grassy / wooded areas, in the fall there is a field of wild grass and it is stunning! There are also walking trails as well as seasonal flowers. Highly recommend this location!

    *Dog Friendly*

5. Gring’s Mill Recreation Area

  1. This parkis located in the Berks County Area and it is not only great for pictures, but hiking / walking, and other activities. There are large grassy areas, a small stream, bridges, woodsy trails.

    I know I haven’t explored even half of this park, but from what I have seen it is definetly a top favorite!

6. Wyomissing Park Trails

  1. I was introduced to another awesome location over in the Wyomissing Area, this park trail is awesome especially for fall / winter sessions. I did a small family session this past winter and the large pine trees were amazing! They also have wooden fencing and wild grass areas as well.

    *Dog Friendly*

7. Middle Creek Wildlife Reservation

  1. For the more outdoorsy families, Middle Creek is an awesome location featuring large grassy areas, wooded areas, and walking trails. This is another more simple location for family portraits and it versatile for all seasons! In fact, this is my most popular winter portrait location.

    *Dog Friendly*

8. Long’s Park

  1. Located in Lancaster, PA, Long’s Park is great for families of all sizes. They have woodsy areas, a large lake, wooden fencing, and seasonal flowers.

    *Dog Friendly*


My seasonal location list has gotten smaller over the last several years due to some of the wildflower fields that are no longer around. If you know of one locally, let me know! I am always looking for more season specific locations!

Seasonal Locations

  1. Please Wash Me Car Wash - Sunflower Field

    Located in Elverson, PA (near Historic Poole Forge), the Please Wash Me Car Wash has put on a Sunflower field for photos. Depending on the year, the flowers may come up sooner or later. Usually in bloom between July - September (depending on the years crop and weather)

    If interested in this location let me know, and I can keep any eye out for peak season of sunflowers!

  2. Verdant View Farm - Sunflower Field

    If you’d like to travel a little farther away, Verdant View Farm also has a Sunflower Field for photos. Located in Paradise, PA. There may be a cost to use the location as well.

    Depending on the year, the flowers may come up sooner or later. Usually in bloom between July - September (depending on the years crop and weather)

    If interested in this location let me know, and I can keep any eye out for peak season of sunflowers and when their event is open!