Wondering what the best photography locations in the Baton Rouge area are?
I hear this question a lot!
“Where should we take our pictures??”
Lucky for you, I’ve photographed a lot of sessions – in a lot of different locations! But the best location for you will be dependent on the look you want, and your budget. Some locations charge photography fees, and some are free to the public.
The advantage to a paid location:
More often than not, these locations are less likely to have huge crowds – so you won’t be contending with a lot of people in the background of your photographs. If you’re trying to pick a location to do bridal photographs, a paid location is more likely to have restrooms or private rooms in which you can change. You can also store your belongings securely while we are busy photographing.
Here, I’m listing each of my favorite photography locations in Baton Rouge, Ascension Parish, and St. Francisville, along with example photographs from sessions I’ve performed there. I’ll list any applicable fees alongside the images, plus any applicable pros and cons, so you can make the most informed decision!
Of course, I am always open to photograph new places – so if we’re working together soon, feel free to throw out any ideas you may have!
Downtown Baton Rouge (FREE)
Downtown is a great option if you want a mix of both urban and garden scenery. The Baton Rouge city skyline makes for a great backdrop, and the gardens of Capitol Park and the Armory grounds often provide beautiful greenery and blooms!
CON: No easily accessible place for changing or storing belongings. However, I do provide a changing tent that is often very convenient for my clients!
PRO: Lots of different “looks” are available within a relatively short walking distance.
Hilltop Arboretum (Venue Fee: $35, paid in advance)
Bursting with beautiful plants native to Louisiana, and sporting some cool bamboo as well as a small lake, the LSU Hilltop Arboretum is a great option. Bathrooms are provided for changing, and there is also a covered area to provide an emergency plan for those surprise rain showers that tend to pop up in south Louisiana.
Race + Religious (Venue fee $200, appointment required)
Nothing says “Iconic New Orleans” like this venue! Located in the heart of NOLA, it’s a beautiful backdrop for photos everywhere you look. If you’re looking for an old-school-cool, Big-Easy-to-the-max location with no need to worry about the weather, this is it. With both indoor and outdoor options, there’s no need to stress about weather throwing a wrench in your plans. We’ll get fantastic photos here, no matter what! CLICK HERE to view a full bridal session at Race + Religious.
Houma House (Venue Fee: $400, pay in advance, appointment required)
Houma house is a beautiful, sprawling venue with lots of options for great images. A private room is available for changing, and valuables can be left with staff for safekeeping during business hours. There are covered areas available to run to in the event of rain!
Highland Road Park (FREE)
Highland Road Park is a great free option, although not the best option if walking may be an issue. My favorite spots include a beautiful, sprawling tree, and a hidden nook where the sunsets make for beautiful images! Most photography spots require a moderate amount of walking over some small hills, and the terrain can be a bit muddy if there has been recent rain. There are restrooms on the grounds, but as sporting events are often going on at this location, they may not be the best option for changing easily and privately.
Rosedown Plantation (Venue Fee: $7 per person in your party)
Rosedown may be a little bit of a drive from Baton Rouge, but it’s beautiful and may be well worth it for you. The gardens, especially when in bloom, are stunning! A rock wall on the grounds is a unique and beautiful spot to take photographs, and there is a covered porch on the home itself which can serve as a place to seek cover in a rain shower – as well as service as a great spot for some covered images. There is also a restroom near the check-in area which provides a convenient space for changing.
Greenwood Plantation (Fee: $150, appointment required)
Also located in St. Francisville, Greenwood Plantation is a gorgeous location which provides the opportunity to photograph both indoors and outside (although separate fees apply to each). The oaks at the front of the property drip with Spanish moss, and the home itself sports a beautiful staircase, stunning windows, and antique furniture to die for.
Afton Villa Gardens (Fee: $100 during business hours, $150 after-hours)
Afton Villa is one of them most unique (and gorgeous!) places to take photographs in the Baton Rouge area. Built around the ruins of an old southern home, the gardens explode with color and rustic details all year long. The sunsets here are to die for!
To book a session at Afton Villa Gardens, appointments are required in advance, but fees can be paid at the gate.
Burden Gardens, Windrush Gardens, and LSU Rural Life Museum (Fee: $75 each)
This complex of LSU properties provides a lot of different looks, and beautiful scenery. Burden Gardens features a beautiful rose garden, Windrush is bursting with blooms almost all year long, and the Rural Life Museum features many rustic wooden buildings, quaint gravel paths lined by greenery, and a quaint little church. Bathrooms are available for changing, and with enough notice to reserve a time, a special room is provided at Rural Life and Windrush for brides to change in privately.
LSU Campus (FREE)
Few sights beat those of the stately oaks at LSU! This location is dog-and-pet-friendly, with plenty of gorgeous spots to snag beautiful photos. Just make sure to check the game schedule before choosing your date!
The Greenery in Amite (Fee applies, contact venue for details)
The Greenery is located a short(ish) drive away from the Meto Baton Rouge area, in Amite. This is a PERFECT location for surviving the summer months, while still getting incredible photos! You still get the outdoor “look” inside their greenhouse, utilizing all of those gorgeous plants and exposed brick walls of theirs–WITHOUT having to wilt outside in the heat. When you reserve a photo time with them, you also get access to their beautiful outdoor areas as well, though. Best of both worlds!
Wedding Venues (FREE when you book your wedding/reception there)
If you’re looking for a location for bridals or engagements, you may need to look no further than your own wedding venue! Most venues provide a free session slot when you book your event with them. White Oak Estate and Gardens, Ashley Manor, and The Carriage House are some of my favorite places to photograph – both for weddings and the sessions leading up to it!
Wherever is important to you!
Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer for where to photograph your sessions. I’ve photographed on family land, at favorite restaurants, bars, and sometimes just at random roadside stops! When I work with my clients, I always try to make sure we find a location that fits who they are. I’m up for photographing anywhere! So, if there is some place particularly important to you – let’s chat! Brainstorming is a fun way to get to know one another if any of the above options aren’t a fit for you!
I’d love to work with you, so CLICK HERE and let’s chat!
comments +