One of the first questions families ask after booking fall photos is, “Where should we go?”
And honestly, location matters, but maybe not for the reason you think.
You don’t need the most elaborate backdrop or the most Instagram-famous spot in the suburbs. You need a location that photographs beautifully, works well with your family, and gives us enough variety to create a gallery that doesn’t look like we stood in one spot for 30 minutes.
As a family photographer serving Plainfield, Naperville, Lockport, Joliet and Chicago’s southwest suburbs, I help families choose locations based on the season, the ages of their children, the look they love and where they live.
For fall family photos, these are three of my favorite options.
Dellwood Park in Lockport
Best for: Nature, warm fall color and lots of variety
Dellwood Park is one of my favorite locations for fall family photos near Lockport and Plainfield because there is so much variety without needing to travel between locations.
We can create images with a natural, wooded feel, take advantage of open areas for movement and playful family photos, and use the changing leaves to give your gallery that unmistakable fall look.
It’s especially great for families with younger children because we don’t have to make kids stand perfectly still and smile at the camera the entire time. There’s room to walk, explore, cuddle, play and let kids be kids.
If you want your fall photos to feel relaxed and outdoorsy with plenty of seasonal color, Dellwood Park is a beautiful choice.
Downtown Lockport
Best for: An urban look with texture, architecture and personality
Not every fall family session needs a field and a row of orange trees.
Downtown Lockport is one of my favorite alternatives for families who want something a little different. The historic buildings, sidewalks, brick, interesting architecture and urban textures give us plenty of variety while keeping the session relaxed and family-focused.
It’s also a great option if you love a more neutral backdrop. Instead of relying entirely on fall foliage, your photos have architectural elements that work beautifully with warm fall wardrobes.
Downtown sessions are especially fun with older kids who may be less excited about frolicking through a field. 😂 We can walk, move around and use different little pockets throughout downtown so the gallery feels varied without looking overly posed.
If you want family photos that feel a little more modern while still having plenty of warmth and connection, Downtown Lockport is worth considering.
Naperville Riverwalk
Best for: Classic Naperville family photos with tons of variety
There’s a reason the Naperville Riverwalk continues to be such a popular location for family photos.
Within one session, we can incorporate greenery, pathways, bridges, the river and beautiful architectural elements. That variety gives your final gallery several different looks without requiring you to drive from place to place.
The Riverwalk works particularly well for families who want something polished and classic but still relaxed. We can get those everyone-looking-at-the-camera photos Grandma wants and then move right into walking, playing and interacting.
It’s also incredibly convenient for families in Naperville and the surrounding western and southwest suburbs.
One thing to keep in mind is that the Riverwalk can get busy, particularly on beautiful fall evenings and weekends. Session timing matters, and I plan around the location so we can make the most of our time together.
