Erica Dobson- DeKalb Photographer, Il Photography
in studio | on location
Favorite photoshoot locations dekalb
DeKalb has a lot of beautiful locations that I love to use for all types of photography! From the historical Ellwood House to two of my favorite forest preserves, DeKalb does not disappoint for local photography. I use all of these locations frequently as they are local to me and a good portion of my clients. However, if you are located in DeKalb and know of a hidden gem I don’t, I am always up for an adventure!
Here are my top 3 Dekalb locations to take pictures at but by all means, this is not a complete list and is not in any specific order.
Up first is the beautiful and historical Ellwood House! This location is fascinating and filled with variety from beautiful buildings, to gardens, to tall grasses and wooded areas. The buildings themselves make a lovely, urban looking backdrop boasting a large veranda and elegant columns. The garden is filled with a large variety of flowers that bloom throughout the spring, summer, and fall. This location is great for all types of photography, and I always suggest it for families with littles as there is much to explore!
Merritt Prairie Forest Preserve
Merritt Prairie is a hidden gem for sure, bustling with natural beauty including multiple bridges, a creek, open prairies, tall grasses, and paths. The golden hour here is gorgeous! Kids love adventuring through the prairie and it’s also a peaceful location for an intimate maternity session. This location is great for anyone looking for a simple and natural backdrop for their photos.
Afton Forest Preserve is another beautiful and remote location just outside of DeKalb. There is a lot of ground to cover at this location but I usually just stick to the front areas. Regardless, be prepared to walk a ways so we can capture all the variety this preserve has to offer. There are multiple bridges, tall grasses, lots of trees, and a lovely pond that can’t be seen from the parking lot. This is another great place for kids because there is so much space to run around and endless possibilities of exploration!
