Outside the Box Photo Shoot Locations in the Capital Region

If nature is not your thing and you can’t bear to look at another family photo with a tree or foliage-filled backdrop, worry not. There are plenty of outdoor locations that provide a variety of different backdrops – and there’s hardly a leaf to be seen in any of them. As your go-to Rensselaer photographer, I’ve got you covered! 

As a Rensselaer photographer, I’ve photographed hundreds of families in and around the Capital region. While the great outdoors is indeed great in our area, it doesn’t mean your photos have to have it on full display. In fact, it’s you and your family that are the real stars. And if nature isn’t your thing, I’ve got you covered.

Here are my favorite out-of-the-box outdoor locations for family photographs in and around Albany:

Rensselaer Waterfront

If you live in this area like me, you may know that just a few years ago, the City of Rensselaer debuted a waterfront esplanade that gives visitors sweeping views of the Hudson River and the city of Albany. Better still, the sun sets just behind the Albany skyline so both the views AND the light are hard to beat. There are even areas of grass and greenery if you’d like to incorporate just a little bit of nature. Truly, the Rensselaer waterfront offers ALL the things for families looking for something a little different for their family photos.

 

Empire State Plaza 

The Empire State Plaza in downtown Albany is arguably the cultural – and architectural – highlight of the Capital region. With so much to see and do, and so many gorgeous buildings – like The Egg Center for Performing Arts – the possibilities for interesting backdrops are endless. This location is such a special option for families that crave a sophisticated location with lots of variety. 

 

Downtown Saratoga

Saratoga Springs may be best known for horse racing, but its downtown area is charm personified – and it’s giving all kinds of goodness when it comes to photo shoot backdrops. Walking along Broadway, stopping at the newly revitalized Lincoln Baths or posing in front of any of the historic buildings in town all make for beautiful photos – especially with your family in the shot. 

A Location That’s Meaningful to You

It could be the spot where your partner proposed, or the venue where you got married. It could be the sweet park where you took your babies to the park for their first swing, or the college campus where you met. Any of these places – and others – would be amazing location options for your family portrait session. There’s something so special about visiting a place that holds importance and meaning in your family’s story and it’s even more special to capture the visit with photographs you’ll always treasure. I wrote more about this here. 

Getting to know my clients is a huge part of my process as a Rensselaer photographer. Fall foliage backdrops may be the most popular, but they’re not for everyone. Not only is that okay, but trust that I can help you find the location that speaks to who you and your family are. The locations above are just a start, but maybe there’s one you don’t see here that you love. Please share it with me, and we’ll work on making magic happen at your next photo session. I’d love to hear from you.