Summertime in Erie, PA, is unlike any other location. Few cities can brag about their beaches, waterfront parks, lakes, and shore-lined vineyards like Erie can. Do you want sandy and playful state parks? Look no further than Erie. Wishing for tall trees with abundant shade from the summer sun? Erie can provide. Were you hoping for creeks and gardens along a park path? You can find that in Erie too. Consider our little city a piece of summertime fun and natural beauty. The only thing left to do is to explore it!
At Matt Mead Photography, we’re always on the lookout for exceptional portrait locations that enhance the beauty of our couples, families or high school seniors. Not much does that better than the great outdoors. What can we say about bare feet in grass and hair stroked by the wind? Everything looks and feels better out in nature. We’ve compiled some of our favorite summer locations for portraits that are both stunning and add depth and dimension to your photo.
Presque Isle State Park
We’re big fans of Presque Isle State Park. With 3,200 acres of coast-lined beauty, Presque Isle is an excellent place for water enthusiasts. The peninsula juts into Lake Erie and provides a true seashore experience in Northwestern Pennsylvania. There are opportunities for portraits among historical landmarks, off-road adventuring in nature, and stunning beachy views, making it a one-stop destination for many clients. Because of the natural diversity, it’s easy for engagement or family photoshoots, senior portraits, or individual shots to feel comfortable in this outdoor environment. Don’t let the weather detour you from choosing this portrait location! Some of the images our clients are happiest with are those from windy, cloudy, or rainy days. You’d be surprised how great “moody” photos look! Let’s bring out your inner nature lover at Presque Isle State Park and see how the beauty of the outdoors just enhances yours.
Frontier Park
For a smaller, more intimate venue, Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier Park (LEAF) might suit your needs for a quieter portrait location. A goal of LEAF is to generate awareness about the importance of trees in our lives so that you will find an abundance of tall and towering trees, over 1,000 trees of varying kinds, on the property. The hardest part might be finding your favorite one to include in your portraits! If you envision strolling streamside, then Cascade Creek might be the location for you. Perhaps a picture under the Virtual Tree Gazebo and Willow Sculpture will pique your interest if you love natural architecture. A walk and meditation along the Labyrinth could display a more thoughtful image set for a more introspective photo session. Known as the “Central Park of Erie,” the LEAF at Frontier Park might be the perfect place for more contemplative and intentional portraits.
Asbury Woods
If gorgeous nature preserves interest you, you should go to Asbury Woods. Asbury Woods is an old-growth forest, resplendent with gardens, nature trails, and over 200 acres and five miles of walking courses. With greenery as far as the eye can see, Asbury Woods consists of forest, wetland, fields, and streams. There are many natural beauty locations and opportunities – a perfect backdrop for your portrait hopes and dreams. Asbury Woods is an excellent location for family photos as you traverse trails or admire the botany off-trail. Maybe Asbury Woods exceeds your expectations for romantic and dreamy couples’ portraits. Or perhaps you feel like celebrating, and Asbury Woods is the perfect place to show yourself off through senior photos. Whatever your portrait goals, Asbury Woods is sure to deliver!
Summertime Portraits
If the beauty of the great outdoors and green for as long as the eye can see sound appealing. Suppose you love the feel of being kissed by rays of sunlight and having your hair moved by a breeze? If you love your bare toes on grass and lazy picnic lunches, then summertime portraits might be calling your name! Whether you want to celebrate your engagement, cheer on your graduation milestone, update photos for your business, or capture sweet moments with your family or friends, we’d love to show you some of our favorite summertime spots in Erie. Let us know how we can help!