This guide is meant to help you choose the perfect setting for your photo session. Because outdoor locations can vary in flora and fauna throughout the year, I’ve organized the examples below based on the seasons. In many cases you can click the link below the photo to view more photos on the blog from any particular session.

SPRING

If you are looking for the classic pink and white spring blossoms as a backdrop for your photos, April is the best time to find them. My favorite go-to spots for spring flowering trees are Lancaster County Park, Long’s Park, Buchmiller Park and Kauffman’s Orchards. You can view examples below from my favorite spring blossom locations.

Buchmiller Park

Lancaster County Park

Kauffman’s Orchard

SUMMER

Summer is the best time for wildflower fields, sunflowers and water sessions. Below you will see various locations organized by these categories. Some locations, as noted below, require a fee and advanced reservation to secure a spot. There are some gorgeous locations along the Susquehanna River that make for beautiful vistas and summer sunsets. Creek stomping sessions are also popular for the little ones and I always LOVE any opportunity to photograph pregnant mamas in the water.

Wildflower Field at Lancaster County Park

This field blooms in June/July

Wildflower Field at Buchmiller Park

This field blooms June/July

**View more photos here** from a Buchmiller Park Wildflower Session

Wildflower Lookout in Ronks, PA

This field charges an entry fee per person, or you can rent a private field. It blooms June-September. Sunflowers arrive in August. See their website for more information.

Greenfield Business Park and Wildflower Field

This location offers various ponds surrounded by willow trees and also has a small creek for wading. Just across the road there is a wildflower field that blooms in June/July.

**View more photos** from this session at Greenfield Park and wildflower field

Conestoga House and Gardens

This is a beautiful venue located just west of Lancaster City full of colorful exotic plants and flowers along with a mansion, pool, ponds and a rose garden as well as an indoor conservatory. There is a fee and advance reservation required for private photo sessions. You can view rates, hours and information here on their website.

View more photos from this maternity session at the Conestoga House and Gardens

Creek Stomping Locations

My recommended locations for creek stomping sessions are Manor Township Park, Lancaster County Park, Silver Mine Park, and Drumore Park. All of these locations have easy access to streams for wading. Usually I will take images at the location first and end with photos wading in the creek. I recommend wearing water shoes in the water and wearing insect repellant because the mosquitos can be brutal.