The Trees. Seriously.
I’m always on the lookout for new locations.
Not just places that are pretty, but places that make me stop and think, “Ohhhh, this is GOOD.”
And I recently found one of those spots in McHenry County. I’m keeping the exact location to myself for now because, well… some photographer secrets are worth keeping. 😉 But I will tell you that it has some of the most gorgeous, towering trees I’ve come across for a family session.
Rows and rows of towering pines create this incredible natural backdrop, with soft light filtering through the branches and the trees stretching seemingly forever into the distance. There’s something about photographing families surrounded by trees like these that makes the images feel both grand and intimate at the same time.
And the best part?
The trees don't overpower the family. They create a beautiful frame around them.
That’s exactly what I’m looking for when I scout a location.
A Location That Gives Us Options
One of my favorite things about this particular spot is that it isn't just one pretty little area.
There are wooded paths, open spaces, tall grasses, gorgeous pockets of light, and plenty of room to move around. That means we can create a full gallery without every image looking like it was taken in the exact same place.
For family sessions, I love having that variety.
We can start with those classic family portraits, then let everyone relax and walk, talk, laugh and interact. Those in-between moments are often the images that end up being everyone's favorites.
Because yes, we want the beautiful smiling-at-the-camera photos.
But I also want the real stuff.
The laughing. The kids being silly. Mom and Dad looking at each other. Siblings walking hand-in-hand. The little moments that actually feel like your family.
And This Family Was Perfect for It
This session was such a good reminder of why I love what I do.
This family came ready to have fun, and we were able to take full advantage of everything this location had to offer. Between the towering trees and the gorgeous evening light, it was basically a dream setup.
And can we talk about their outfits?
The earthy greens, warm browns, cream and denim fit this location so perfectly. Everything felt natural against the greens and warm tones of the woods without competing with the scenery.
This is exactly why I love helping families plan their outfits before their session. The little details really do make a difference.
Is This My New Favorite McHenry County Location?
I’m always going to keep exploring and looking for new places because I never want my sessions to feel cookie-cutter. I want every family to have a location that feels special to them and gives us opportunities to create something beautiful and unique. So, no, I’m not giving away this little McHenry County gem just yet.
But if you're looking for a McHenry County family photographer and you're dreaming of a session surrounded by towering trees, beautiful natural light and a location that feels a little more off-the-beaten-path…
I might just know a place.
And I'm pretty sure you're going to love it.
