Some might call me crazy, but one of my favorite times of the year for photo sessions is Winter! The public areas are less crowded, and there is always a chance that we might catch some snow before or after a session!
If you’re in the Pittsburgh area and are looking for a great place to have a Winter photo session – fear not! I’ve compiled a few of my favorite places in the Pittsburgh area for photo sessions that I am so excited to share with you! Most of these locations will “work” for a session without snow, but all look SO much more magical with it! First up…
1. A Christmas Tree Farm
What could be more wintery than a Christmas tree farm?! A Christmas tree farm is a great choice of location because it thrives year ‘round, even (and especially) in the cold, which means that, instead of seeing dead, barren branches (like you might in a park studded with seasonal trees), you’ll have a green backdrop! Christmas tree farms also look gorgeous dusted in snow, so if you can swing your session right after a snow storm… it might be worth it!
My favorite Christmas tree farm for any type of photo session is Lake Forest Gardens in Fombell, PA (about 45 minutes north of downtown Pittsburgh). They do require advance notice for photo sessions, along with a $25 payment – but it’s so worth it for access to such a gorgeous backdrop!
2. McConnell’s Mill
A favorite spot of mine North of Pittsburgh for winter shoots is McConnell’s Mill – but mostly only if there is snow on the ground.
McConnell’s Mill has some areas that can be utilized that look great with or without snow (the wood mill, covered bridge, rows of pine trees, large rocks, the river/creek area), but there are still lots of seasonal trees that lose their leaves each winter season.
Like with any location you’ll find on this list, if you are able to schedule your session after a snow storm… you could get some gorgeous and unique images with snow and icicles!
3. Mellon Park
Mellon Park is one of my favorite spots for winter sessions closer to the downtown area. Mellon Park boasts some beautiful architecture (black iron fences, grey stone archways, brick walls, a large decorative fountain, steps & benches) that look stunning any time of year. But, again, add in some snow and you’ll get a different, whimsical look!
4. Hartwood Acres Mansion
Chances are, if you research “photo session locations in Pittsburgh” long enough, Hartwood Acres Mansion is bound to pop up as a favorite… and for good reason! The mansion itself provides so many different backdrops, from doorways, to stairs, to arches, to walls – there are so many great spots for photos there! This location is my all time favorite in the winter because it truly looks beautiful – with or without snow! There are also a couple of rows of pine trees in the back and front of the building that can be used when other seasonal trees have lost their leaves!
5. North Shore
The city with its beautiful buildings and bright yellow bridges will always look photo ready… no matter the season! The North Shore is another favorite of mine in the winter. It boasts multiple bright yellow bridges (the Roberto Clemente and Andy Warhol are my favorites to use!), along with a great city view, all along the walkway. I once had a session there in the snow, and it looked even BETTER!
6. Historic Harmony
Another all-time favorite location of mine is Historic Harmony, just about 30 minutes north of Pittsburgh! Harmony is a small, historic, German town with lots of historic brightly colored buildings. Everywhere you turn, there’s another unique spot to use for photos! This location looks beautiful with or without snow, and is another great spot that you can use regardless of if there is snow on the ground or not! There are also some nature trails nearby that can be used that look gorgeous with a light dusting!
Overall, any good winter location for a photo session will have at least one of the following three: some sort of architecture, evergreen trees, or snow! Finding backdrop elements that provide visual interest, even in the dead of winter, are oh so helpful for creating beautiful, wintery images!
