Summer is here!! And it’s probably here to stay for quite a while since this is Georgia’s longest and never ending season. This also means the kids are out of school, maybe some vacation time or weekends are free to spend time with each other exploring the city. If you’re thinking about getting some couples, engagement, maternity, or family photos done in the area – you’re in luck. There’s lots of places right here in the Columbus Georgia and Phenix City area to document those precious moments.
Our Top 6 favorite places to take photos in and around Columbus, Georgia
- The Chattahoochee River Walk
With 15 miles of paved trail there are so many photo opportunities. It’s the perfect location for a cute picnic or just good old fashioned photos near the water. The section closest to uptown and Bib City has some old mill buildings that also make for a unique background for photos. Our only advice is to be mindful of where you park if you do use the River walk and don’t leave valuable items in your car.
I’m forever gushing over these couple portraits of some of our favorite clients taken at the River Walk
2. Lakewood Park
A local gem with tons of options for backgrounds. Lakewood park is located right behind Lakewood Golf Course in Phenix City, just on the other side of the Chattahoochee river. There’s a big grass area with open woods, 2 small ponds, and the famous waterfalls. The big grassy area is very mobility friendly so if you have someone in a wheelchair or needs accommodations for mobility, the grass is flat and you can drive right up to it. The waterfalls are a very popular destination for photographers to use and for locals to visit to cool off so sometimes it can be a bit crowded. Because there’s lots of shade, it does make for a great spot in the morning and late afternoon if you want to beat all of us golden hour enthusiasts. Do keep in mind that this is also nature, so you may encounter snakes, birds, and other wildlife around the water.
This engagement session I shot there last summer was a DREAMMMM!
3. Providence Canyon State Park
If you’re up for a bit of a drive – this place is definitely worth checking out. It’s about 45 – 50 minutes from Columbus. Make sure to bring $5 in cash to pay for parking and plenty of water. I also highly recommend hiking down in different shoes and ones you wouldn’t mind getting a little muddy as most of the time the floor of the canyon can have some standing water in places. Lastly, it is a canyon with that traditional Georgia clay so it may be helpful to bring your outfit to change into once you’re down there, especially if you are shooting with little ones who may trip on the way down.
This engagement shoot at Providence Canyon is probably one of my absolute favorite to date!
4. FDR State Park
This is one of my most frequented locations as a photographer and let me just tell you that view never gets old. This one is also a bit of a drive from Columbus, about 50 minutes. The drive is quite pleasant and gives you a nice scenic view of some good ole down home country towns. There are lots of areas of FDR to shoot in, my personal favorite is Dowells Knob. It is probably the best and most clear view of the Chattahoochee valley. This is also a state park so make sure to bring $5 with you for parking as this is how the park funds maintenance and upkeep so we can keep enjoying it. This is also a great location for a family picnic with plenty of picnic tables and a playground for the kids.
Check out this couples session I did featuring their new puppy Hudson! I’m obsessed!
5. Uptown Columbus
This is a great location if you want a fun and urban feel. There’s a lot of opportunities for unique pictures with lots of different building facades, parking garages, murals, and quirky shops. Most places down there don’t have a problem with photos being taken as long as you ask and are being courteous of their other customers. It’s also conveniently located to all the ice cream and sweets your heart could desire to cool down after a shoot – who doesn’t love that!?
This spicy parking garage shoot is to die for!!
6. Flat Rock Park
Last but certainly not least is Flat Rock. This is one heck of a park nestled right in the city. It’s a massive park with a lot of potential opportunities for photos. You can pick from waterfall / stream areas, open woods, more closed hiking trails, large rocks, and a lake. This park is quite busy, but it’s large enough that you can have tons of space without people in the background. This is another area to be on the lookout for snakes and other critters during late springing summer.
Check out these engagement photos taken at Flat Rock Park
This is just a short list of places we frequent often as photographers. Whether you’re booking with a photographer or putting your phone on a tripod – you’re bound to get some good photos at these locations. All of the photos I’ve included are from couples and engagements because that is what we photograph the most, but as I mentioned all of these spots are very family friendly as well and make great locations for all types of portraits.
We have some limited availability left as well so if you want to inquire about photos >>>CLICK HERE
Another week kept secret is the small park behind the Columbus museum .. a little bridge and when the Azaleas are in bloom it’s magical !
Also the new park in Waverly Hall and the circular black wrought iron stairwell downtown in the opening ally near the loft .
I have had great shots under the railroad bridge next to the trad center pools .