Location Ideas for a Winter Photo Session in Lancaster PA

A family of four relaxes together in a lush greenhouse in Lancaster, PA

If you’re trying to come up with some location ideas for a winter photo session in Lancaster, PA I’ve got some great options for you! For the purposes of this post, I consider the winter months to range from December to March here in south central PA.

Winter time might not be considered the ideal season for a photo session but I encourage you to think outside the box. Perhaps you have a milestone you’d like to commemorate in photos such as a birthday, newborn or maternity photo session that happens to fall during the winter months.

Below I will share some creative ways to capture your family in the winter months that don’t necessarily involve braving the cold as well as some favorite outdoor locations. As a Lancaster family photographer and mom of three, I am committed to giving you a stress-free photo session experience. I am happy to provide guidance on location, wardrobe and timeframe for your photo session.

And without further adieu, here are some of my favorite winter photo shoot location ideas in Lancaster, PA starting with outdoors.

A family of three in the evergreens at Herr Disc Golf Park in winter time in Lancaster, PA

Outdoor Winter Photo Shoot Location Ideas

There are some beautiful outdoor winter locations here in Lancaster that include evergreen forests, fields and water and I will share some of the best outdoor winter spots below. A reminder that if you choose to do a photo session outdoors in winter time, layering and warm clothing is key! I offer 30 minute mini sessions in winter time for the purpose of keeping it short (and trying to avoid red noses and cheeks). Also something to consider is the start time for your session with ideal golden hour light being between 3:30-5 p.m. A morning session is also an option if you have young kids with late afternoon nap times but the drawback is that winter mornings tend to be colder than afternoons.

1. Overlook Park

Overlook Park has an evergreen forest that is beautiful and quiet during the winter months. It is especially beautiful after a snowfall. In addition there are plenty of fields of long dried grasses during winter that can make for lovely backdrops.

A father carries his son on his shoulders during a snowy winter photo session at Overlook Park in Lancaster, PA

A family walks through a field of dried grasses in wintertime at Overlook Park in Lancaster, PA

2. The Susquehanna River

In my opinion, anywhere along the Susquehanna River can make for a stunning backdrop during the winter months. You have the option of a dramatic overlook (Pinnacle Point Overlook and Breezy View Overlook are very accessible) as well as boat launch locations that allow you to get right next to the river. Depending on your location, the river is typically about a 20-30 minute drive from downtown Lancaster. My personal favorite is the Columbia River Park which has views of The Wrightsville Bridge. When the river is frozen and covered in ice chunks it is quite beautiful.

A couple walks along the icy Susquehanna River during winter time.

3. Herr Disc Golf Park

This park is a lesser known location for photo sessions and one of my favorite winter photo shoot locations because of the huge evergreen forest. Golden hour light hits just right in this park. One thing to note is you will have an 8-10 minute walk from the closest parking lot over to the evergreen trees. It has a paved walking path which is ideal for families with strollers.

A couple and their dog take a walk at Herr Disc Golf Park in Lancaster, PA in wintertime for their maternity photo session.

4. Lancaster County Park

Lancaster County Park has a couple lovely field spots that get nice golden hour light in winter time. All are very accessible and you might even see some deer!

A family of four sits in a field surrounded by evergreen trees at golden hour in Lancaster, PA for a photo session.

5. Roland Park

Roland Park in Akron (20 minutes north of Lancaster) has a vast evergreen forest with the ground covered in bright green English ivy. There is a paved walking path through the middle. In my opinion the morning light is really beautiful here and the two photos below were taken in the morning.

A family of three pose for family photos in the evergreen forest at Roland Park in Akron, PA

Photo of a young woman in an emerald green gown in the snow at Roland Park in Akron, PA

6. Noel Dorwart Park

Noel Dorwart Park is small but has a small cluster of evergreen trees right off the parking lot and if you follow the path around to the left of the playground you’ll find some tall tufted dried grasses and a wooden walking bridge that make for some great photos. And if it’s not too cold out, your kids can enjoy the large wooden playground after your session (brand new as of 2026!)

A pregnant mama holds her growing belly in a field of tall dried grasses at Noel Dorwart Park in Lancaster, PA

A family of four plays together during their winter family photo session at Noel Dorwart Park in Lancaster, PA

7. Downtown Lancaster City

Last but not least, you will find that our little city of Lancaster has a lot of incredible spots for photo sessions in the winter time; from colorful murals to parking garage rooftops to hidden brick courtyards and alleyways to beautiful architecture around Central Market and the square, this spot is great for anyone looking for an urban backdrop for a winter photo session outdoors. And on the plus side, you’re never more than a block or two away from one of our amazing local coffee shops where you can warm up afterwards! My personal favorites are Square One Coffee, Cafe One Eight, New Holland Coffee Co., Denim Coffee Co., and Neighbors Cafe.

A family of four walks in front of Shot and Bottle in downtown Lancaster City during winter time.

A young couple walks around downtown Lancaster City in winter time.

Indoor Photo Session Locations

If you are not too keen on doing outdoor photos in the winter time, don’t fret! There are plenty of options for unique indoor locations in and around Lancaster: from greenhouses to local coffee shops and book stores to studio spaces. Perhaps you have a connection to a favorite local business that would allow you to take photos, or know of a beautiful Airbnb that could be rented for a short photo session. I am here to help brainstorm ideas to help find a space that works best for you.

1. In Home Photo Session

I am a big fan of in home photo sessions for many reasons. It is the place you spend most of your time and where your family is most comfortable. Winter is a time to naturally slow down and make indoor memories; whether you are welcoming a new baby or want to do an intimate maternity session in your home, I am confident that I can document your love and all the little nuances of family life with a beautiful documentary style photo session in your home. Let’s read books together, snuggle up on the couch, sip hot coca, play a favorite board game, have a pillow fight or perhaps a dance party. I’m here for it all!

Kids create art on a craft table at home while their parents sit and chat for an in home family lifestyle photo session in Lancaster, PA

A new family of five snuggles together on their bed for an in home family photo session.

A family of seven enjoys a slow morning making pancakes and having living room dance parties at their home in Lancaster, PA

2. Greenhouses

If you love plants and you want some lush greenery in your winter time photo session, I highly recommend this private heated greenhouse in Lancaster, PA. They do charge a fee for photo sessions but it is well worth it! There are several seating options from hanging wicker chairs to a couch to benches and lots of hanging twinkle lights and ferns.

Additional greenhouses that I have photographed in are Frey’s Greenhouse just outside Lancaster City and Hueter’s Greenhouse in York (also charges a fee for photos sessions)

A family of four pictured inside a lush greenhouse in Lancaster, PA

3. A Local Bookstore

If you love books, how about a photo session in a cozy book store? Two of my favorites here in Lancaster are Pocket Books and Nooks. A reminder to get permission from the owners in advance to take photos and try to go during slow times.

A couple snuggles up and reads together at Pocket Books in Lancaster, PA

4. A Studio Space

While I do not currently have my own studio space, there are several studio spaces available for rent in Lancaster, PA. The ones I am most familiar with are The White Room (pictured below), Leaf and Loft, and The Studio Collective.

Mother and son studio photo session at The White Room in Lancaster, PA

A couple hangs out in the urban lounge area of The White Room photo studio in Lancaster, PA

5. Amtrak Train Station

If you’re looking for unique architecture and nice light, the Amtrak Train Station in Lancaster is a great spot for a photo session. There are plants, large arched windows, wooden benches and mid-century style lighting. A couple things to note: you must ask permission to take photos. I always check in at the ticket booth when I arrive and the staff have always been friendly. I also check the train schedule to be sure to go during a non-busy time of day. You are not allowed to take photos down on the platform where the trains are boarding. I do not recommend this location for large or extended families.

A couple reads a newspaper at the Lancaster Amtrak train station for a photo session pregnancy announcement.

A couple reads the newspaper outside the Lancaster Amtrak Train Station announcing their pregnancy for a photo shoot.

6. The Hall at Safe Harbor

This beautiful indoor space in Conestoga is nice because it is large and offers two very different types of spaces. One is a cozy, dark and moody wood paneled room with a green velvet couch, leather chairs and fireplace and the other is a bright white hall with wood floors and big arched windows. Mondays are free for 1 hour photo sessions and there is a fee to photograph there on other days. View more information about The Hall at Safe Harbor here.

A portrait photo session The Hall at Safe Harbor in Lancaster County, PA

Mother and daughter play on an emerald green couch inside the Hall at Safe Harbor

And that’s it for my list of recommendations for your winter photo session in Lancaster, PA! I hope you’ll reach out soon if you’d like to work together.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

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Winter Maternity Photo Session Location Feature: Herr Park in Lancaster, PA

If you are a pregnant mama who is expecting a baby in early spring, it means that the best timeframe for having your maternity photos taken is during winter time. As a Lancaster maternity photographer, I recommend scheduling maternity photos when you are between 28-32 weeks pregnant. Here in Lancaster, PA the colder months are typically November through February. Herr Park is one of my favorite Lancaster locations for winter photo sessions and I recommend checking it out!

While you may prefer a studio or indoor option such as a greenhouse or your own home, there are also some really lovely outdoor winter photo shoot locations if you’re up for braving the cold and are up for the adventure. Herr Park is one of my favorite winter photo session locations in Lancaster because of the abundance of evergreen trees. In addition it overlooks some fields and farmlands and gets lovely afternoon sunlight.

My tips for planning an outdoor winter maternity photo session are:

1. wear layers (and hats, gloves, scarves, boots if it’s snowy!)

2. take breaks to warm up if needed (hop in the car or put on coats)

3. keep moving

4. plan for late afternoon vs early morning when temperatures are a bit higher

5. bring a blanket to sit on or wrap around one another

6. choose a location that is a short distance from the parking lot

This beautiful winter maternity photo session took place in early December and we lucked out with an unusually warm day. The couple brought their dog along and I was happy to incorporate him into photos. I love the textures of the evergreens combined with their neutral colored clothing as well as the dried grasses and carpet of rust colored pine needles.

One thing to note: the parking lot for Herr Park is next to a school and it’s about an 8 minute walk to the large evergreen forest from there. There is a paved walking path that is a loop that will take you to the forest. There is also a disc golf course at the park so you have to be aware of that if you’re taking photos inside the large pine tree forest.

If you’d like to see some of my other favorite Lancaster photo shoot locations throughout the seasons, you can check out my list here.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

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A Late Summer Maternity Session at Wildflower Lookout in Lancaster, PA

I have been meaning to blog a session from Wildflower Lookout for a least a year now and I’m finally getting around to it! This photo location has really blown up since it opened about 3 years ago and every summer people from all over Lancaster County and beyond flock here for the beautiful photo opportunities. This session was taken in late August when the sunflowers were in bloom. We also spent a lot of time in a field of long grasses that were beautifully illuminated by the sun at golden hour.

Lea and Daniel are expecting their first baby this fall and they were so at ease in front of the camera despite the hot, humid, muggy August weather. At Wildflower Lookout you can rent a private field in advance for an additional fee or just pay a general admission fee to photograph in a variety of fields. I prefer to wander to the different fields and do the general admission fee but renting a private field is great, especially for mini sessions. Another fun aspect of Wildflower Lookout is that they often have props such as a wagon or a wicker chair in the field to use for photo ops. They have picnic tables as well if you’d like to take a picnic and enjoy the views!

If you think you might want to use Wildflower Lookout as a location for your session, you can check their website and social media for field bloom updates starting as early as late May. I have found that it is key to get there about an hour before sunset. Any earlier than that and the sun is too high in the sky and this creates stark shadows. There is a sweet spot shortly before sunset when the golden backlight hits just right and that is my favorite time to shoot.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

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A Fall Lancaster Maternity Session at the James Buchanan's Wheatland Home

The James Buchanan’s Wheatland home is just minutes from my house on the outskirts of Lancaster City and somehow I never thought to do a photo session here before. My family has enjoyed picnics here in the spring and my kids love the secret hidden fish pond. It turned out to be the perfect fall location for a maternity photo session in Lancaster, PA.

I made sure to get in touch with someone at Lancaster History (the non-profit that manages and maintains the property as well as runs tours) to request permission first of course. The property is beautiful in all seasons however the variety of trees on the on the grounds, which are a part of the Louise Tanger Arboretum, makes for an absolutely stunning fall backdrop. This Lancaster maternity session was timed perfectly at peak fall (which happened to be the end of October/early November in 2022).

I honestly would have a hard time choosing a favorite from this fall maternity session, but if I would have to choose, I would say probably the shot taken with my Lens Baby Sol 45 art lens amongst the orange and auburn red leaves. If you scroll down about midway through the photos, it’s a vertical image where the couple is standing together in the center of the frame and facing opposite directions. The lens creates a bit of a blur around the edges of the photo that makes it appear so dreamy. The Lens Baby Sol 45 is manual focus only and has the ability to tilt so that you can change what area of the image is in focus. It is hands down a favorite for portraits and maternity sessions and as a bonus it is very small and lightweight. I can’t say it always works great with active children, but I do bring it out for my family sessions from time to time.

Cecilia wore a flowy sage green maternity gown and is nothing short of glowing and radiant. It was one of those photo sessions where I had a hard time putting the camera down because it was just that good! And even though that golden sun only peeked through for a few shots, the overcast sky and wet leaves made the colors even more briliant. It was a pleasure to photograph these two (who were absolute naturals in front of the camera) and I was honored to document this new chapter in their lives.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

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A Summer Maternity Session at Pinnacle Point Overlook

I am excited to share these photos from my first ever maternity session at the famed Pinnacle Point Overlook in Holtwood, Pa. If you’re looking for a dramatic backdrop for a photo session, Pinnacle Point Overlook is a great location that is easy to get to. As a Lancaster maternity photographer, I am always looking for unique an picturesque outdoor locations for photo sessions that are accessible for expectant mamas.

Kiley and Josh are expecting their first baby in July and it was so good to get to know them a bit as we wandered around taking photos. I have only been to this location once before on a hike with my family and when we went we explored the trail in the opposite direction so I had never been out on the rocky overlook before. My only words of advice are to wear comfortable shoes and watch your step. This would not be a good photo location for a family with young kids, FYI.

We also discovered a beautiful forested area covered in ferns that made for some woodsy portraits. Because this was a summer maternity session, sunset didn’t come until nearly 8:30 that day so we waited until the sun was lower in the sky to take photos at the overlook. We lucked out with blue sunny skies after a day of clouds and rain. I love the way the light filters through Kiley’s long flowy dress in these photos. If you are looking for a stunning and dramatic location for your maternity photos in Lancaster, PA, I highly recommend Pinnacle Point Overlook.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

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A Narnia Inspired Winter One Year Session with Luna in the Evergreens

I know that winter is not necessarily the ideal time for family photos but I had been wanting to photograph a session at this location full of tall evergreen trees for a while and was looking for an excuse. I believe that there is beauty to be found in all seasons, even the cold and barren ones. This winter family photo session turned out beautifully and we lucked out with a warmish December day and beautiful golden light.

I convinced my dear friend Drea and her husband Dani to model for a family session and it also worked out as one-year session since their daughter Luna turned one in December. And wouldn’t you be surprised to know that it also turned out to be a pregnancy announcement because Drea is expecting a baby in June! So of course it was an opportune time to announce that Luna is going to be a big sister in 2022!

I am slowly growing a client closet of mostly dresses for women, children and babies and so I was motivated to photograph Drea in this beautiful blue velvet gown that I had just purchased from Baltic Born. I also found a coordinating velvet flapper style dress with fringes for Luna that I love (thanks to Etsy!). And last of all I recently added a faux fur coat from Joyfolie to my client closet which I think will be fabulous for winter maternity sessions. I made a winter flower crown for Drea using mostly plants and herbs (rosemary!) that I found growing around our yard. The fur coat definitely gives this session a Narnia vibe and if only we had some snow covering the ground it would have been perfect!

If you are considering a winter photo session I’m happy to recommend some magical locations and figure out ways to be creative and keep the littles warm.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

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A Spring Maternity Session in the Weeping Cherry Trees at Lancaster County Park

This was my first official spring maternity session of 2021 and I have to say it is a hard one to beat. My dear friend Magdiel is absolutely stunning and when she asked me to take her maternity photos for her fourth and final baby I was immediately on board.

For her maternity session, I had her model a unique vintage bohemian lace dress that I have in my client closet by Cora and Violet. The golden hour light was perfect and the way the sun came through the weeping pink cherry tree at Lancaster County Park was heavenly. As I type this, the family is now at home adjusting to life with their newborn baby girl who joined the family in May. I will let the images below speak for themselves because honestly I could gush about them forever. If you are an expectant mama looking to do a maternity photo session in Lancaster, PA, I hope you’ll reach out!

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

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A Spring Milk Bath Maternity Session at Renew On Walnut Airbnb in Lancaster City

I don’t often get the opportunity to do milk bath maternity sessions for my clients, but they are beautiful to photograph and I’m always excited when I get requests for one of these unique maternity sessions. Lila had a specific color palette in mind for this shoot and the flowers she chose were perfect for this creamy soft romantic spring milk bath session.

I can’t say enough about how important the tub and lighting is for these shoots and Renew on Walnut has the perfect space for these. This Airbnb in Lancaster City has been beautifully renovated and furnished and along with the amazing claw foot tub, there is a beautiful attic bedroom where we took the photos of Lila in the red dress.

To create a milk bath, you just need a bit of powdered milk, but don’t make the mistake I did and add the milk as the tub is filling because it will cause foaming and bubbles. You must fill the tub first, then add the milk little by little, mixing it around until you have the desired cloudiness for your bath. Also, be sure to use real flowers and not fake ones because fake ones may not float.

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

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Lancaster Maternity Photography: A Fall Maternity Session at Muddy Run Park with Drea and Dani

One of my besties is having a baby! Drea and Dani are taking on a some huge life changing milestones in 2020: getting married and having a baby. They got married on 3.14.2020 (pi day) just in the knick of time before our world shut down due to the Covid19 pandemic. About a month later they found out they were expecting a wee ‘quarantini’ baby.

I have known Drea since we became roommates the year I graduated from college and moved to Lancaster for my first real adult professional job. I only knew a couple people in Lancaster at the time so she became one of my first Lancaster friends. We eventually started our own jewelry making business and traveled to Morocco together and for the past 8+ years we have lived just a few blocks apart in the Cabbage Hill neighborhood of Lancaster City. My kids call her “Tia” (auntie in Spanish) and we adore her (and Dani too of course).

Because she is so dear to me, of course she and Dani’s maternity photos had to be epic so we went to Muddy Run where the fall foliage was in it’s full glory in mid-October. I can not wait to meet their little baby boy or girl Rodriguez in December!

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait, family and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, York and Harrisburg PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

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Lancaster Maternity Photography: A Fall Maternity Session at Chickies Rock

This fall maternity photo session at Chickies Rock almost did not happen because it had been raining for most of the day. We decided to still go for it since the rain was slowing down to a drizzle and I am so glad we did. It has been a while since I’ve done a photo session at Chickies Rock and I forgot about the variety of beautiful locations and backdrops it offers.

We did not hike the popular lookout trail; instead we started at the Chickies Rock Day Use Area which has a barn and stone walls as backdrops. Kayla and her husband Andrew were real troopers since it was still raining when we began the shoot. If you look closely at the photos in front of the barn you can see the rain drops falling.

If you venture over to the Furnace Road Day Use area, you will discover a parking lot with access to the Susquehanna River. Before venturing down to the river however, there are some amazing concrete ruins with ivy growing all over them and I think these turned out to be some of my most favorite photos from this session. It also runs along the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail which borders a beautiful field where we took some photos as well.

I will let the images speak for themselves. I think this is one of my favorite fall maternity sessions to date and I can’t wait to photograph their newborn baby girl when she arrives this December!

Melissa Engle Photography offers portrait and lifestyle photography in Lancaster, PA. Please contact me if you would like to make some photo magic together!

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