session locations
Location, Location, Location
The look and feel of your photos have so much to do with when and where we take them. That’s why it’s so important to put some real thought into choosing a location that will most bring out the look and feel you’re after.
By considering everything from the time of year to what kind of clothing you love to wear and even practical things like parking or allergies, we’ll decide on the perfect spot for you!
I know of many different outdoor locations around the Valley, and you may have your favorites, too. What vibe would you love your photos to have? Is there a specific spot that’s meaningful for you? These are great things to ponder at this stage of the process. Another is what you’d like to wear, since ideally your clothing and environment will complement each other.
Below is a series of photos in some of my favorite locations. As you scroll through, pay attention and be inspired by things like the season, the quality of light, and what people are wearing. Notice what catches your eye!
A few more things to keep in mind:
In the summer, we won’t go into the woods (too dark, shady, and buggy!)
Precipitation and drought affect the landscape from year to year
If we’re somewhere with a view, the view is still not guaranteed to appear in your photos. This is a technical issue, trust me!
ITALY
Why not?!!! Have you always dreamed of visiting Italy? Winters are milder, spring and fall seasons are longer.. And of course, there is gelato. I usually travel to Italy at least twice a year – we could meet up during one of those times, or let me know if you’re going. Let’s chat about it!
Description
Urban, sophisticated, elegant, casual, historical, modern, and natural.
Best season(s)
Spring, summer, fall, winter.
Advantages
You are in Italy!!!
Things to Consider
Depending on the location some seasons might be better than others. Summer is very crowded almost everywhere in Italy.
MORE PHOTOS
Renaissance Center Fields
Amherst, MA
Description
Woods, open fields, wide walking paths, tall grass and wildflowers in the summer, views.
Best season(s)
Spring, summer, fall, winter.
Advantages
Ideal for families, HS seniors, individual portraits.
Things to Consider
Not ideal for those with limited mobility.
more photos
Atkins Reservoir
Amherst, MA
Description
Woods, water, open areas, causeway, walking paths.
Best season(s)
Spring, summer, fall, winter.
Advantages
Ideal for families, HS seniors, individual portraits.
Things to Consider
Not ideal for those with limited mobility.
more photos
Umass Campus
Amherst, MA
Description
Urban, concrete, bricks, architecture, stairs, limited green areas, open areas.
Best season(s)
Spring, summer, fall, winter.
Advantages
Ideal for HS seniors, individual portraits. Lots of places to sit.
Things to Consider
Good accessibility. Street parking.
more photos
Yiddish Book Center
Amherst, MA
Description
Woods, open areas, small apple orchards, small Japanese garden, stone walls, walking paths.
Best season(s)
Spring, summer, fall, winter.
Advantages
Ideal for families, HS seniors, individual portraits.
Things to Consider
Some walking required, a short distance from the car.
More photos
Eastworks
Easthampton, MA
Description
Urban, concrete, bricks, architecture, stairs, limited green areas, open areas.
Best season(s)
Spring, summer, fall, winter.
Advantages
Ideal for HS seniors, individual portraits and families.
Things to Consider
Good accessibility. Street parking.
more photos
Ashley Reservoir
Holyoke, MA
Description
Woods, water, open areas, long causeways, walking paths.
Best season(s)
Spring, summer, fall, winter.
Advantages
Ideal for families, HS seniors, individual portraits.
Things to Consider
No dogs allowed. Parking area is 10 minutes from the water. Not ideal for those with limited mobility.
more photos
Mt Pollux
Amherst, MA
Description
Woods, open fields, wide walking paths, wild grass and flowers, views.
Best season(s)
Fall, winter, early spring - NO summer (too crowded).
Advantages
Ideal for families, HS seniors, individual portraits.
Things to Consider
Not ideal for those with limited mobility. Parking can be tricky. There is a tiny parking lot and some street parking.
more photos
Puffers Pond
Amherst, MA
Description
Woods, water, small beach, walking paths.
Best season(s)
Fall, winter, early spring - NO summer (too crowded).
Advantages
Ideal for families, HS seniors, individual portraits.
Things to Consider
Not ideal for those with limited mobility. Street parking.
More photos
Bring your own chair
Anywhere-ish
Description
Everywhere you can fit your chair!
Best season(s)
Spring, summer, fall, winter.
Advantages
This is a wonderful idea to make any location more fun and to add your personal touch!
Things to Consider
You will have to be able to transport, carry and move your chair on your own :)
more photos
Your art
Description
Your creative space and/or just your art as backdrop.
Best season(s)
Spring, summer, fall, winter.
Advantages
This session can be outdoor or indoor and almost anywhere.
Things to Consider
You will have to be able to transport, carry and move your art on your own :)
more photos
in studio
Description
In a beautiful and spacious studio full of light.
Best season(s)
Spring, summer, fall, winter.
Advantages
Ideal location during the winter months and if you are looking for a simple and neutral backdrop.
Things to Consider
To take advantage of the beautiful light, studio sessions are scheduled in the mornings only.
more photos
walls etc…
Description
Any interesting, fun, meaningful, colorful (or not) wall you love!
Best season(s)
Spring, summer, fall, winter.
Advantages
So interesting!
Things to Consider
The time of the day will be critical for the light. We will assess what the best hour would be for the session.
more photos
Orchard Arboretum
Amherst, MA
Description
Woods, grass, benches, walking paths, flat.
Best season(s)
Spring, summer, fall, winter.
Advantages
Ideal for families, HS seniors, individual portraits.
Things to Consider
Highly accessible. Parking lot is very close.
more photos
your home
Description
Your home!
Best season(s)
Spring, summer, late fall, winter.
Advantages
Cozy and comfortable!
Things to Consider
If we work outdoors we will meet in the afternoon. For indoor sessions the best time is the morning.
more photos
Quonquont Farm
Whately, MA
Description
Woods, grass, flowers, walking paths, orchards, stone walls, barn, some slopes.
Best season(s)
Spring, summer, late fall, winter.
Advantages
Ideal for families, HS seniors, individual portraits.
Things to Consider
This is a busy location for weddings, especially in the fall. We’ll need to check availability before going (in any season).