WNY Spring Portrait Locations
I have been meaning to type up this post for years now. I am constantly being asked if I have recommendations for portrait locations - whether it’s for family portraits, engagement, senior or wedding days! And the answer is always an outstanding YES! I have a thousand places I can recommend. The problem is, I actually have too many locations to recommend! So narrowing it down to type, or season, or even a general radius you want to stick to is always helpful! I previously blogged about some of the amazing winter portrait locations our area has to offer, but here are some of my favorite spring locations in the greater Buffalo/WNY area! Keep in mind, early spring (like March and early April) have very few leaves on the trees, so some of my locations are picked precisely to avoid the dead tree, muddy everything, look.
Early Spring
(March-Early April)
Knox Farms
Let’s be real - this farm makes my list at almost any time of the year. I really just love the fields. They look good long in the fall, short in the spring, or even snow covered in the winter. There are barns (big and red if you like that, or a little more classical neutral if red barns aren’t your thing) to provide some backdrop that isn’t just field, and even a few good evergreen trees to break up the monotony of dead-leafed deciduous trees.
Delaware Park
Because this park has so much more to it than just the trees and grass, it can be awesome during spring for portraits! It is a more manicured park look, with plenty of paved areas, so if you are looking to stay clean or wear some high heels - this is a great option. As a bonus, it has some cherry trees in later spring (although the majority of those are across the road at the History Museum).
Downtown Buffalo
This is obviously a top pick when nature doesn’t look her best… No need to worry! Use the awesome architecture of the historic buildings, take a tour of Buffalo’s greatest murals, get a high up viewpoint from a parking garage, or embrace the city at her finest and stick right to the streets - you can’t go wrong with a little downtown nickel city love.
Your Home!
(Ok, or an airbnb if you don’t want to use your home)
Indoor, at home, cozy fun portraits are some of my favorites for engagements! And I absolutely love capturing families snuggled up in mom and dads bed together, in their real environment. Indoor portraits seem to be something most people sway away from, but they can be so much more intimate and have so much more connection just because its your space… What other place would tell your story quite as well as your own home?
Late Spring
(April-May)
This is really when the WNY world blooms, the grass is green, the leaves are growing, and everything is a bright, vibrant blanket of life. While all of the above portraits are still highly recommended during this time, I add a couple more options to the list:
Buffalo History Museum/Japanese Gardens
I can’t possibly suggest portrait locations in spring without this one on the list. The cherry blossoms at the Buffalo History Museum Japanese Gardens are so gorgeous, but they happen quick (usually the last week or so of April) and it is generally crowded, so prepare to arrive near sunrise, or do some waiting around if this is your choice. They are worth it though - and if you are willing to do a sunrise session, you’ll probably luck out with the whole area to yourself.
Amherst State Park
I really love this park most of the year… But it wins my heart in spring with it’s apple trees, open fields, evergreens, bridge, creek and it’s path. Never underestimate a good path for portraits! While I highly suggest waiting until an hour before sunset for all locations - this one it’s almost a must. While it does have some shade at any point, it really turns int a perfect location at sunset.
This is also a highly recommended option anytime of year for the indoor area, although additional fees apply… but during late spring, the outside of the botanical gardens (and what is known as South Park) really gets beautiful!
