One of the first questions I usually get after someone books a session is:
“Where should we take the photos?”
And honestly, I get it! The location can completely change the feel of your photos.
Luckily, Northwest Arkansas has SO many good options. Whether you want an open field and lots of greenery, water and wooded trails, classic architecture, or more of a downtown feel, there's probably a location around NWA that fits what you have in mind.
I actually created an entire Northwest Arkansas Location Guide for my clients because there are so many options to choose from, but I wanted to share a few of my favorites here too!
Bentonville Photo Locations
Bentonville has such a good mix of natural scenery, modern spaces, and downtown charm. You can get two completely different looks without having to travel very far.
Lake Bentonville Park
If you want something relaxed and natural, Lake Bentonville Park is one of my favorites.
There are open fields, greenery, wooded areas, and beautiful evening light, which gives us plenty of variety without having to walk all over the place.
It's a great option for couples, families, maternity sessions, and seniors, and I especially love photographing here around golden hour.
Crystal Bridges
If you like the idea of mixing nature with something a little more modern, Crystal Bridges is such a pretty option.
Between the trails, greenery, water features, and unique architecture, there are plenty of different backgrounds to work with throughout your session.
Compton Gardens
For something a little more romantic and garden-inspired, Compton Gardens has lush greenery, wooded paths, and beautiful landscaping.
This one is especially pretty if you love that softer, nature-filled look.
Osage Park
Osage Park is another really good outdoor option, but it has a slightly different feel than your typical field or park.
You've got open spaces, native landscaping, water, and a mix of natural and modern backgrounds. It's perfect if you want something outdoorsy without your entire gallery feeling super rustic.
Bogle Park
Bogle Park is a simple, laid-back option with open green space and natural scenery.
If you don't need a ton going on in the background and just want somewhere relaxed where the focus can stay on you, this is a great choice.
Downtown Bentonville
If fields and greenery aren't really your thing, we can go completely different with a downtown session.
Bentonville Square gives us historic details, storefronts, and charming downtown streets, while 8th Street Market has murals, industrial architecture, and more modern urban details.
Both are great options if you want your session to feel a little less traditional.
Rogers Photo Locations
Rogers has everything from lakeside views and wooded scenery to historic downtown streets, so there are plenty of options depending on the vibe you're going for.
Lake Atalanta
Lake Atalanta is probably one of the most versatile outdoor locations in Rogers.
There are water views, wooded trails, boardwalks, greenery, and plenty of natural scenery all within the same area.
It's beautiful for couples, families, maternity sessions, and seniors, especially around golden hour.
There is a little more walking here than some of my other favorite locations, but the variety makes it worth it!
Hobbs State Park
If you want something a little more adventurous and outdoorsy, Hobbs State Park is another beautiful option.
The wooded trails, natural Ozark scenery, and areas overlooking Beaver Lake really lean into that Northwest Arkansas feel.
Downtown Rogers
Downtown Rogers is perfect if you want to skip the park altogether.
Historic storefronts, brick, murals, and downtown streets give us plenty to work with while keeping your photos casual and fun.
Railyard Park
Railyard Park gives us a more contemporary downtown look with modern architecture, colorful public art, and industrial details.
It's a fun option if you want your photos to feel a little different from a traditional outdoor session.
Want Something Indoors?
Outdoor sessions aren't your only option!
I also have access to studio options in the Rogers area for clients who want something clean, cozy, and a little more intimate.
Studio sessions are especially great because we don't have to worry about the weather, and we can still keep your photos natural and relaxed.
They're a great fit for maternity sessions, couples, families, milestone sessions, branding, and portraits.
Fayetteville Photo Locations
Fayetteville has a little bit of everything when it comes to photo locations. You can go from open fields and wooded scenery to classic architecture and downtown streets depending on the look you're going for.
Lake Fayetteville Park
Lake Fayetteville is one of my go-to locations when you want that relaxed, natural feel.
There are open fields, greenery, wooded areas, and beautiful evening light, which makes it really versatile without feeling overly complicated.
It works really well for couples, families, maternity sessions, and seniors.
It's also pet friendly, so if your dog needs to be included in the family photos, this is definitely one to consider!
Mount Sequoyah
Mount Sequoyah has beautiful overlooks, mature trees, and scenic views, so you can get a little more variety while still keeping that natural Northwest Arkansas feel.
Wilson Park
Wilson Park is another classic Fayetteville option with mature trees, gardens, greenery, and several different backgrounds within a relatively small area.
That's especially nice when you want some variety without spending half your session walking from one spot to another.
University of Arkansas Campus
The University of Arkansas campus gives us a completely different look.
Classic architecture, brick walkways, mature trees, and recognizable Fayetteville scenery make this an especially good option for seniors and graduation sessions.
But you definitely don't have to be graduating to use it. It can also be really pretty for couples who want something more classic and architectural rather than an open field.
Lake Sequoyah
If you want something quieter and more outdoorsy, Lake Sequoyah has water, trails, trees, and plenty of natural scenery.
Downtown Fayetteville
And then, of course, there's downtown!
Fayetteville Square has historic buildings, storefronts, sidewalks, and tons of texture.
I love downtown sessions for anyone who wants something a little less traditional than a park or field. Instead of standing in one place and posing the whole time, we can walk around and make it feel more like we're just hanging out.
A Few More Northwest Arkansas Favorites
Bentonville, Rogers, and Fayetteville aren't your only options!
There are some really pretty locations throughout the rest of Northwest Arkansas too.
Prairie Grove Battlefield Park
Prairie Grove Battlefield Park is one of my favorite options around Prairie Grove and has that classic open, natural feel that photographs beautifully.
It's a great choice if you're on the western side of NWA and don't necessarily want to drive into Fayetteville or Bentonville for your session.
Bella Vista
Bella Vista has some beautiful outdoor options if you really want to lean into the natural Northwest Arkansas look.
Tanyard Creek gives you wooded scenery and water, while Blowing Springs Park is another great option for greenery and an outdoorsy feel.
There's also Loch Lomond Dam if you're looking for something a little different.
Springdale
For Springdale sessions, Downtown Springdale is a fun option if you want something more urban.
If you prefer greenery and an outdoor setting, Walter Turnbow Park and J.B. Hunt Park are also worth considering.
Pea Ridge
And if you're farther north, Pea Ridge National Military Park is another location to consider for that open, scenic Northwest Arkansas feel.
Nature or Downtown: Which One Should You Choose?
If you're drawn to warm, relaxed photos with lots of movement, greenery, fields, water, and trees, one of the nature and scenic locations will probably be a good fit.
If you like brick, architecture, sidewalks, storefronts, and photos that feel a little more modern or casual, you may love one of the downtown and urban locations instead.
Your outfits can also help us decide! Some locations work better with certain colors or styles, so if you're not sure what to wear, check out my What to Wear for Your Photography Session guide for a few ideas.
Still Not Sure Where to Take Your Photos?
You don't have to figure it out by yourself!
Once you book a session with me, you'll receive my full Northwest Arkansas Location Guide with photos and additional information about my favorite locations, including what each location is best for, how much walking to expect, and the best time of day to photograph there.
And if you look through the guide and still can't decide, just tell me what you're looking for and I'll help you choose.
There are SO many beautiful places right here at home, and part of planning your session is finding the one that feels the most like you.
Looking for a Northwest Arkansas Photographer?
If you're planning family photos, couples photos, maternity photos, senior portraits, branding photos, or just finally updating the photos hanging on your walls, I'd love to help you plan a session that actually feels like you.
I photograph sessions throughout Northwest Arkansas, including Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, Bella Vista, Prairie Grove, Springdale, Pea Ridge, and surrounding areas.
Ready to start planning yours?
