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Fall is a wonderful time to capture your memories in photographs. The vibrant colors of the leaves, the crisp air, and the cozy sweaters create a perfect backdrop for your portraits. Whether you want to celebrate a milestone, update your family album, or just have some fun, there are many places in the Niagara region that offer stunning scenery and natural beauty. In this blog post, I will share some of my favorite spots for autumn portrait sessions and why I love them so much. I hope you will find some inspiration and ideas for your next photo shoot.
MORNINGSTAR MILL
Morningstar Mill and Decew Falls are two of the most beautiful spots in the Niagara region. They offer a glimpse into the past, with their rustic features such as the barn, the houses, the fence and the bridge. The pond is a serene place to relax and enjoy the sound of the waterfall. The trails are perfect for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the area. The field behind the housing is a great spot for picnics and games.
If you are looking for a photo session location, Morningstar Mill and Decew Falls have something for everyone. Whether you want to capture your children's smiles, your pregnancy glow or your family bond, you can find a suitable backdrop here. Some of the pros of this location are:
- It has a variety of settings to choose from, such as the historic buildings, the water features, the greenery and the open space.
- It has a lot of natural light and colors, which can enhance your photos.
- It has a charming and cozy vibe, which can create a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Some of the cons of this location are:
- It can be crowded during peak seasons or weekends, which can make it hard to find a quiet spot or avoid photobombs.
- It can be challenging to access some parts of the trails or the waterfall, especially if you have mobility issues or young children.
- It can be affected by weather conditions, such as rain, snow or wind, which can limit your options or ruin your plans
Whatever you choose, you will not regret visiting Morningstar Mill and Decew Falls. They are truly magical places that will make your photos unforgettable.
FIREMANS PARK
Firemans Park is a stunning location for fall photo sessions, with its lush fields, colorful trees, and different levels, each with its own charm and features. The top level has more open space and fields, perfect for capturing the golden light and the sweeping landscape. The second level has a serene pond, where you can see the trees reflecting in the water, creating a magical effect. This is a great place to create stunning portraits with the colorful foliage and the calm surface of the pond. The base is less known and has lots of fields, ideal for a more intimate and secluded setting.
Whether you are looking for a children's, maternity, or family photo session, Firemans Park has something to offer. However, there are also some cons to consider.
Some of the locations pros are:
-Lots of space to run around and have fun, variety of backgrounds and scenery, natural light.
-Beautiful setting to celebrate motherhood, romantic and serene atmosphere, flattering angles and lighting.
-Pet friendly for doggos to be included
-diverse and scenic views, cozy and warm vibe.
Some of the locations cons are:
-May be tiring or uncomfortable to walk around.
-Some levels may be crowded or noisy.
- Distractions such as dog park or play ground
MCFARLAND HOUSE
Mcfarland house in Niagara on the Lake is gorgeous! This historic house has many rustic features that make it a charming backdrop for your pictures. You can walk along the tree-lined path that leads to the house, where you can admire its brick walls and tiny herb garden. The bridge over the creek is a fan favorite, as it offers a scenic view of the water and the colorful foliage. Here are some pros and cons of choosing this location:
Pros:
- It has a lot of natural beauty and history
- It is easy to access and has parking nearby
- It is not too crowded and you can have some privacy
Cons:
- It may be cold and windy in the fall
- It may not have all the amenities you need, such as restrooms or electricity
- It may have some restrictions on photography, such as permits or fees
The Mcfarland House in the Niagara region is a historical treasure that offers a glimpse into the past. Built in 1800 by John Mcfarland, a loyalist who fought in the American Revolution, the house served as a hospital and headquarters for British and Canadian forces during the War of 1812. The house survived the burning of Niagara by American troops in 1813 and was restored to its original appearance in the 1950s. Today, visitors can enjoy guided tours, tea service, and special events at the house, which features period furniture, artifacts, and paintings. The Mcfarland House is a must-see for anyone interested in the history and culture of the Niagara region.
CHIPPAWA BATTLEFIELD PARK
Nestled along the parkway, Chippawa Battlefield park is a beautiful location for autumn portraits. It has a rustic feel that adds charm and character to your photos. The fields of fall colour wild flowers create a stunning backdrop, with pops of purple and yellow that contrast with the tall green and brown grass. The forest that lines the field also provides a variety of fall colours, from red to orange to brown. The permitter is lined with a rustic wood fence. You can capture the natural beauty of the season in every shot.
Some pros and cons of this place for different types of sessions are:
- Family: Pro: It is spacious and scenic, with plenty of room for group poses and candid moments. Con: It may be windy or chilly, so bring warm clothes and accessories.
- Children: Pro: It is fun and playful, with opportunities for exploring and running around. Con: It may be muddy or buggy, so wear appropriate shoes and bring insect repellent.
- Maternity: Pro: It is serene and romantic, with a soft and cozy atmosphere. Con: It may be hard to access or walk around, so check the terrain and paths beforehand.
Chippawa Battlefield Park is a historic site that commemorates the Battle of Chippawa, which took place on July 5th, 1814, during the War of 1812. It was the first major battle of the Niagara campaign, and one of the few times that American and British regulars fought in open fields. The Americans, led by General Jacob Brown, defeated the British, Canadian and aboriginal forces, led by General Phineas Riall. The battle was a significant boost for the American morale and reputation, as they proved that they could match the British infantry in skill and discipline. The park preserves 300 acres of the original battlefield, where about 200 soldiers from both sides lost their lives. Visitors can learn about the history of the battle and the war through interpretive panels, monuments and self-guided tours. The park also hosts an annual memorial service on July 5th to honour the fallen and celebrate the peace between Canada and the United States .
Chippawa Battlefield Park is located on the Niagara Parkway, near the mouth of the Welland River (formerly known as Chippawa Creek). The area was first settled by United Empire Loyalists in the late 18th century, and was named after the Chippewa tribe of Native Americans who lived nearby. The park is part of the Niagara Parks Commission, which also owns and operates other historic sites along the Niagara River, such as Fort Erie and Queenston Heights .
WOODEND
If you are looking for a beautiful location for your fall/autumn portrait sessions, look no further than Woodend in the Niagara region. Woodend is a stunning place to capture the natural beauty of the season, with its fields, grasses, trails, and stone wall structures. You can enjoy the scenic views and the rustic charm of this historic site, while creating memories with your loved ones.
Fall/autumn photos have their pros and cons, depending on what you are looking for. Here are some of them:
- Pros:
- The colours: Fall/autumn is a great time to showcase the vibrant colours of nature, from reds and oranges to yellows and browns. The contrast between the foliage and the sky can create stunning backgrounds for your photos.
- The cozy vibe: Fall/autumn is a cozy season, where you can wear layers, scarves, hats, and boots. You can also incorporate props like blankets, mugs, pumpkins, or apples to add some warmth and fun to your photos.
- The versatility: Fall/autumn photos can suit any occasion, whether you are celebrating a family milestone, a pregnancy, or a child's birthday. You can also choose from different styles, such as casual, formal, or whimsical.
- Cons:
- The mud: Fall/autumn can be a messy season, especially after rain or snow. You might have to deal with mud, puddles, or wet leaves on the ground. This can make your photos look dirty or ruin your outfits and shoes.
- The busy weekends: Fall/autumn is a popular time for portrait sessions, so you might have to compete with other people for the best spots and times. You might also have to deal with crowds, noise, or traffic in some locations.
- The quiet weekdays: If you want to avoid the busy weekends, you might have to opt for weekdays instead. However, this can also pose some challenges, such as finding a time that works for everyone's schedule, or missing out on some activities or events that happen on weekends.
These are my top five locations for fall portrait sessions. Each one has its own charm and beauty, and I love how they capture the colors and mood of the season. Whether it's a park, a lake, a farm, a bridge, or a city street, these places have something special to offer. Of course, they are not the only spots where you can take amazing photos, just my personal favorites.
HONORABLE MENTIONS:
-Shorthills
-Balls Falls
-Botanical gardens
Glennside Quarry