There are so many great options in the Philadelphia area for your family portraits; we have everything from English gardens to murals to open fields. Out of all of the locations, I really love Valley Forge Park for Philadelphia family photography sessions. Continue reading to see why!
5 reasons why Valley Forge Park is the perfect spot for your Philadelphia family photography session
Table of Contents
1. There is so much variety in Valley Forge Park
Okay, so if you’ve driven past Valley Forge Park, you might think that it’s just fields. Unmowed, empty fields. And while I’m a huge fan of ’em, I think that it’s really nice that there is so much variety in the park for your Philadelphia family photography session.
For example, there’s a spot that has beautiful white columns, steps to sit on, and more manicured paths and plantings. A great idea if you’re looking for a more formal look! If you’re into something a bit more wooded, there are plenty of trails – and even some that lead by the water. Speaking of water…want a spot that has a wide flat entrance for children to wade? Yup, it has that too!
2. Pets are permitted in the park for your Philadelphia family photography session
If you’re someone who wants to include your dog (or cat, lizard, bird…who am I to judge) in your Philadelphia family photography session, your location spots might be a bit limited. Some locations don’t allow dogs, leashed or not. Valley Forge Park is a great spot if you want to include your pet. It’s big enough that if your dog needs to be away from other dogs or is reactive, you can choose a spot that is secluded and private.
3. Valley Forge Park gives middle of nowhere vibes but with all the amenities
It’s hard to find anything prettier than golden hour on a wide open field of tall grasses blowing in the breeze. However, if the thought of trekking miles through the middle of nowhere to get to such a spot makes you cringe, Valley Forge Park is a great idea for your Philadelphia family photography session. There are many spots within the park that have parking lots close by, and several even have bathrooms (real bathrooms! not port-a-potties!) and even water fountains. There are also paved paths that make it easy to push a stroller as you go. As you can see from Annette’s session at the park, it’s very easy to get around with a baby and toddler!
4. It’s easy access to the highway and in a central location
Tied to my last point – but if you want those middle of nowhere open field vibes, but don’t want to drive to rural Pennsylvania to make it happen, Valley Forge Park is a great option for your Philadelphia family photography session. Located right off of 76, 276, 422, and 202, it’s a super quick drive from Philadelphia and right off of the highway.
5. Valley Forge Park is beautiful any time of year
Pennsylvania is absolutely beautiful throughout the entire year (maybe I’m biased as a native Pennsylvanian) but friends it can be rough in the winter. Cold, muddy, windy, you name it – Pennsylvania will throw it at you. However, Valley Forge Park is beautiful year round, even in the depths of February. You’ll still find rolling hills and tall grasses, and there are enough architectural features to add interest even when there’s no leaves on the trees.
Enjoy this post? I’m so glad! Feel free to contact me to chat about your newborn session. You might also like following posts:
17 Great Winter Activities for Kids Near Philadelphia
How to choose the best family photographer in Philadelphia for *your* family!
Beach Family Photos Outfits for the Whole Family: 3 Easy Steps and Examples
Awarded “Best Main Line Maternity Photographer” & “Best Main Line Newborn Photographer” by Main Line Parent
Veronika Paluch is an award-winning and highly sought after maternity, newborn, baby, and family photographer offering luxury, organic fine art portraits and an impeccable client experience. She specializes in documenting authentic connections and simple moments of children & families and the quiet beauty of motherhood. Stripping away all of the extras – the costumes, the props, the rigid posing – leaves room for her to capture classic, timeless images that showcase love & family connection.
Veronika serves clients in her beautiful natural light studio, as well as on location throughout the Greater Philadelphia area including the Main Line, Wayne, Plymouth Meeting, King of Prussia, Devon, Malvern, Paoli, Exton, West Chester, Swarthmore, Media, South Jersey, and Northern Delaware.
+ COMMENTS
add a comment