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Lately, I find myself picking out potential photography locations everywhere I go. Light, textures, patterns and colors catch my eye and cause me to add another spot to my growing list of locations to explore! By now, I’ve now got a spreadsheet filled with possibilities and all the details on each one. For those locations I use frequently, I have online galleries to show off features and give my clients a feel for the spot and how we might use it for their session.

As a professional photographer, I think it’s important to have this info handy for my families and high school seniors. Helping them with find the perfect location for their professional portraits is part of the service I provide. Each family and individual has different taste and style so the same look isn’t going to work for everyone. My families and teens love having so many options to choose from. It makes decisions easy for them, and on the rare occasion that nothing on my list fits, it can be fun to find a unique spot just for them or explore a location they personally request.

So if you’re looking for a beautiful photography location, let me get you started with 5 great local spots. Each one offers a nice variety of photo-worthy backdrops within walking distance, which makes for a lovely photo gallery!

The Pennsylvania State Capitol, Harrisburg

Our very own State Capitol has fantastic features for your next photo occasion. Especially if you want to get dressed up! The fountain, columns, granite surfaces, ornate metal-work and curving staircases all lend themselves to fabulous formal photos. As an added bonus, State Street and the river front are nearby. Both provide further photo-friendly spots within walking distance of the Capitol itself.

Midtown, Harrisburg

Midtown is packed with all kinds of urban treasures to give your photos that gritty appeal you might be after. You’ll find intriguing alleyways, rusting metal and peeling paint. Just walking around this area, taking in the architecture always gets my creative juices flowing. 

Do you want to include local artwork into your photos? You’ll find numerous art murals and graffitied walls.

Are you a bookworm? Check out the 6-story Midtown Scholar Book Store, one of America’s largest academic used bookstores. 

Fort Hunter Mansion and Park, Harrisburg

Built on a bluff overlooking the Susquehanna River, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular photography location. You’ll find lovely spots on either side of North Front Street. On the river side lies the mansion with its wide, early 19th-century front porch and brick pathways. Its front yard is full of trees that show off some gorgeous foliage in the fall.

On the barn side, you’ll find several matching stone and wood outbuildings, fence-lined paths, and a small garden. The imposing Gothic Revival-style Centennial Barn provides a nice back drop for casual family or senior pictures. The covered bridge is quite the hot-spot for photographers, and you may have to wait your turn to use it.

Lebanon Valley College, Annville

Located in Annville, PA this college 370 acre campus has a beautiful mix of tree-lined lawns and modern styled buildings. You’ll find numerous picture-perfect photography locations here.

My absolute favorite spot is the peace garden. It has the sweetest landscaping with a spring-house, low stone walls, and a wooden bridge over a tiny little pond. It’s nothing short of picturesque.

Founder’s Hall, Hershey

This location is part of The Milton Hershey School Campus. The landscaping is beautifully maintained with eye-catching and tree-lined brick pathways, gazebos, vine-covered arches, bridges, and a pond. Photo spots abound over an extensive area. Spring, Summer and Fall are absolutely beautiful here.

Be aware of homecoming and prom dates. You’ll have to fight for a clear spot to take photos during those weekends. Most other days are great!

Each of these places are great for photography locations, but sometimes my clients want something unique. I love working with each family or senior to find the perfect location to achieve the look they’re after. Let’s capture your photos in a place that’s meaningful to you.

I’d love to meet you and talk about the photo session you have in mind. Give me a call or reach out via my contact form so we can talk about your photo session. Or you can find more info about me and Lisa Hahn Photography over here.