Is it that time of year again? Time for family photos? Time to find a photographer, a location, and the time when all fifteen members of your family are free? I get it, it can be a hassle to plan these things, especially when it feels like the kids are more interested in complaining than smiling.
Don't worry, because I've compiled a list of my top ten favorite spots for photos in the Champaign-Urbana area. Whether you're a family scheduling your once-a-decade family photos, a couple celebrating a new milestone, or a senior stepping into a new chapter of life, this list is perfect for finding that spot that's sure to bring out the best of all worlds.
Now, don't get me wrong, you are the key part of the photo. After all, I'm not a landscape photographer – at least not here in Champaign, IL. I'm here to capture you, and while you make a good photo, the background and location play a huge part in making a good photo great. I've seen amazing models with borderline perfect poses, facials, and outfits, but the background just doesn't deliver, and it spoils what could be an amazing photo. That being said, I've created this list based on my personal experience with these locations. I've included both natural and urban scenery, and please note that this is not in any particular order or rank. Let's get started!
1. Allerton Park & Retreat Center
Allerton Park is definitely one of my favorites on this list. Located just south-west of Monticello, its 1,500 acres of woodland and prairie areas host a great variety of scenery, perfect for your next shoot. Not only is it massive, giving you endless options for your photos, but it also has a mansion with a beautiful lake behind it, a 10-acre meadow, multiple trails, and even a café for those post-shoot cravings. On top of all that, it's also one of the quietest on this list, allowing for a relaxing and peaceful session all about you. This location is perfect for just about everything, including weddings, which is why it sits at number one on my list.
2. Meadowbrook Park
As a kid, I always loved the Meadowbrook Playground, and if you've ever been there, you know just how beautiful the park is. With 16 acres of prairies, green trails, and rustic sculptures and buildings, this location offers plenty for your shoot. The beautiful trees and trails allow for excellent depth throughout all of your photos.
3. Lake of the Woods
Occupying 873 acres of beautiful forest preserve, Lake of the Woods is a popular spot among many photographers in the CU area. Similar to Allerton, this park contains countless spots for amazing pictures. Popular spots include the covered bridge, the Mabery Gelvin Botanical Garden, and several trails that offer peaceful and comfortable experiences.
4. River Bend Forest Preserve
If you're tired of the same old trees in your background, River Bend Forest Preserve is a great option. With its 275 acres, it offers everything from wide, open water shots to secluded trail portraits. River Bend has plenty of opportunities to get your feet wet. It is home to Champaign County's largest lake, Sunset Lake, along with the Sangamon River flowing through, offering unique shots that are sure to do well on your Senior Sunday. I've found that the docks on the lake, multiple trails, and the beautiful green trees allow for some perfect couples photos.
5. Busey Woods
Located in the heart of Champaign, Busey Woods is an excellent choice for those wanting a quick and easy session. If you're not looking to travel too far for a session, Busey Woods offers beautiful trails that open doors to amazing photos. Off-trail, there are plenty of spots for photos in the forest and a little creek that's perfect for some stunning portraits. As Busey Woods is on the smaller side for this list, I wouldn't necessarily recommend it for family or couple photos. However, this area is perfect for senior photos as it offers plenty of variety in your shots.
6. Homer Lake
Similar to Forest Bend, Homer Lake has plenty to offer when it comes to photo spots. With its 10 miles of trails, huge lake, and blooming flowers, this place is a must for anyone east of Champaign. If you're in that St. Joe, Tolono, Villa Grove area, I would highly recommend keeping this beautiful location in the back of your mind for your future photoshoots. Scattered rocks and weathered logs make Homer Lake perfect for creative, candid portraits you won’t get anywhere else.
7. West Side Park
Right around the corner from downtown Champaign, West Side Park offers a beautiful green area, perfect for couples and family photos. The trees are bright red and orange in the autumn season, and a beautiful natural green in the spring. While it's not as big as some of the others on this list, it does provide a great background and works great for mini sessions.
Couples Shoot at West Side Park
8. Mattis Park
Mattis Park is a great location for some casual photoshoots. Its decent size and unique architecture allow for some great photos. I would definitely not rate this location top of my list, just because it lacks some of the depth and natural beauty that some of these other locations have. Don't get me wrong, it's still a beautiful area, but there's just not as much you can work with compared to some of the other locations on this list. The rocks around the area, along with the iconic bridge and lake, set you up for some great pictures for a homecoming or prom, so if you're searching for something like that, Mattis Park is just what you're looking for. In fact, I actually went here for photos for my very own homecoming.
9. Downtown Champaign
If you're looking for an urban style shoot, but don't want to go all the way to Chicago, downtown Champaign is an amazing option. With a great array of older buildings and modern architecture, you're sure to find anything that matches your style. Some of my favorite specific locations are The Lodge on Hill, behind Dandy Hound, the Orpheum Theater, the Fox Theater, and so many more. The downtown area is also covered in trees and natural beauty. Even walking down Neil Street still provides such a beautiful composition that is sure to get some attention. Needless to say, downtown Champaign is my go-to for urban style shoots. It delivers just what I need every time, without fail.
10. University of Illinois Campus
The University of Illinois campus is huge, and there are so many beautiful areas that are perfect for taking graduation photos, senior photos, or maybe even some couples photos. Unlike many of the other places on this list, you are likely going to be surrounded by many people, but if that's not an issue for you, then I would highly recommend the UIUC campus. It provides plenty of urban locations within the campus thanks to its deep history and ever-changing architecture. With places like the Main Quad, Memorial Stadium, Illini Grove, and the Krannert Center, anyone can find exactly what they're looking for just within the UIUC campus. Whether you want an urban setting or a natural setting, the UIUC campus has you covered.
The Champaign-Urbana area is home to some amazing photo spots. Whether you're wanting a modern creative portrait shoot, or some family photos, so you have a nice gift ready for Grandma, there are so many places you can do that. I've only listed ten of my favorites since, let's face it, who's really going to read "Top 50 Photo Spots in Champaign, IL"? I know I'm not, and I certainly don't have time to write all that.
Now that you’ve got a list of the best photo spots in Champaign-Urbana, it’s time to put them to the test. If you’re ready to book a session, I’d love to connect with you. Head to my website and let’s capture those memories!
