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. 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 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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Lancaster Family Photography: A Snowy Winter Family Photo Session at Overlook Park

It was my birthday weekend mid-March and we got one last beautiful winter snow. This was probably the only time I have ever seen Overlook Park so empty. There was not a soul in sight. The snow was still untouched and the pine forest was covered in white and was so serene.

In my lifetime thus far I have had 3 birthday blizzards. I’ll always remember the one we had when I was in 5th grade because I was supposed to have a slumber party with all my friends but due to the oncoming snow, no one was allowed to stay overnight. This wasn’t quite a blizzard, but it was very gusty so even with minimal snow there was some drifting.

I could hardly wait to get out and take pictures in the winter wonderland and when Andrea asked if I would do a 6 month session for her son Griffin in the snow I was thrilled! He was so adorable wearing the bright red gnome hat and his big brother Bailey got a kick out of pulling him around in the sled. I am SO very thankful that the timing worked out perfectly for this snowy family winter photo session.

At the end of this session, I was able to grab some silhouette images of the boys and then I photographed some of the snow covered evergreen trees around the park. Later in Photoshop I overlaid the portraits of the boys with some of the tree images to create some unique black and white double exposure silhouettes. I am always happy to get creative with double exposures if time allows (and if the client has interest).

I realize that winter and snowy photo sessions certainly aren’t top priority for most families; however, winter photo sessions CAN be possible, even with little kids. Here are a few tips on how to prepare and make a snowy winter session successful:

1. Bundle Up: Yes, it’s obvious, but make sure everyone wears layers and has coats, hats, boots, scarves and mittens if necessary. Bring blankets! They can be used as fun props too and you can snuggle together. You can always take coats off briefly for shots and then put them back on if you want to get photos in special sweaters or outfits.

2. Make It Short & Quick: Because winter is typically my slower season and because it’s cold out, I will only do mini sessions for winter time. We keep it brief, 30 minutes or less so you don’t freeze your butts off (though you may have cherry red noses by the time you’re done).

3. Make It Playful: We will keep moving; wrap in blankets, pull someone in a sled, hold hands and run through the snow, play ring-around-the-rosie, etc. Snowy photo sessions have got to be fun!

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!

Lancaster Family Photography: A Winter Session in the Evergreens at Roland Park with the Smith Family

It’s crazy to realize that I’ve been living in Lancaster for fifteen years now and started my photography business ten years ago! Over the years I have become accustomed to my favorite locations for taking photos and I dare say a little too comfortable with my go-to spots. The forest of pine trees at Roland Park in Akron never really came across my radar as a potential location until now. It has a similar look to the pine forest at Overlook Park but is much more dense and way less popular for photographers (fingers crossed it stays that way!)

I’m so glad I ventured out to this beautiful evergreen forest earlier this summer for a maternity session because it really is a lovely spot. In the summer time you have to watch out for poison ivy, but in the winter there is a nice ground cover of English ivy that brings a lush fairytale vibe to this location. I actually worked in Akron for four years and had been to this park numerous times but never really explored the pine forest.

I have been photographing Bill and Rhianna since they got engaged a handful of years ago and now they have 3 beautiful, active children that are always a delight to photograph. I can not get over how adorable their little girl is, and how much her older brothers adore and care for her. The light was just perfect on this November morning as we walked through the forest.

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 Family Photography: A Sun Soaked Winter Family Session at Overlook Park

After many days of gray dreary weather, the sun decided to show its face for this winter family photo session in Overlook Park. This winter has been one of the wettest and warmest that we have had in a long time. I will be honest, I’m not a huge fan of snow but there is something beautiful about the quiet stillness of a winter wonderland versus a blah winter wetland. But I will not complain about a warm winter, especially if it means that spring is not too far away.

Diem contacted me about doing family photos in February when her eldest and youngest both celebrate their birthdays. I don’t do many outdoor sessions during the winter, but it turned out to be a fairly warm day. Overlook Park is one of my go to locations because it has a unique pine forest (which has become increasingly popular for photo shoots over the last few years). But aside from the pine forest, there are some beautiful open fields that change in beauty throughout the seasons.

I love the candid nature of these photos. I met little Lilly in the yellow dress for the first time at this photo session and we became instant friends. She told me all about her favorite things to do and how her favorite color is purple (notice her purple sparkly boots). Getting to know families and playing with kids during photo shoots is one of the things I love most about my job as a photographer. In my experience I have found that playing games like tag and chase, discovering nature, and being active rather than sitting and staring at the camera, are what bring about the best photos and genuine expressions, especially from the little ones.

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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