Best Photo Spots in Dekalb County, IL
stuck on your next photo shoot location?
This blog will show you some of my favorite locations in DeKalb County! We are so lucky to live somewhere that provides lots of options depending on what you’re looking for in your next photo session. These locations are great no matter what type of vibe you’re looking to get from your session.
russell woods forest preserve - genoa, il
Russell Woods is a quiet spot tucked away in Genoa that has some sweet spots for any type of photo session. There’s a gorgeous wooden bridge that overlooks the Kishwaukee River in the back as well as a ton of shaded spots beneath the trees. A popular spot is the long gravel road that takes you to the back of the forest preserve. Additionally, there is an old house in the front of the forest preserve if you’re up for a 5-10 minute walk. This area gives you more of an open space to get some great shots of the sky. This is definitely a great spot to consider if you’re looking to have a photo shoot based on nature.
carroll memorial park - genoa, il
This is another great option if you’re looking for a location with nature and greenery. This park doubles as a frisbee golf course, which tends to stay busy. It’s also a popular spot for kayaking and floating. You are able to get up close and personal with the river. This would be a beautiful spot if you were looking for a fun shoot where you can splash and play in the water. It’s a small walk to the bridge and river but perfect for a pretty, intimate session.
blumen gardens - sycamore, il
This is one of my FAVORITE locations to shoot. The property is absolutely gorgeous! This is a wedding venue/garden center, so you get the mix of plants and greenery with exposed brick with a rustic vibe. This property offers so many nooks and corners that work perfectly for photos. Blumen Gardens charges a $25 fee to use their space after hours that is the responsibility of the client, which I believe is 1000% worth it! These are dreamy photos that you’re guaranteed to love!
dekalb county history center - sycamore, il
This is an underrated option that is small but mighty! If you’re local to Sycamore, you probably drive past this and don’t even realize it. This location has a pretty red barn that will give you the rustic vibe you’re looking for, but there’s also a white fence that gives a different feel, along with large mature trees. This is a great option if you’re looking for a location with minimal walking around. It will provide lots of options in a small space!
sycamore forest preserve - sycamore, il
Sycamore Forest Preserve provides you with different options if you’re open to some walking! There is a large pond in the middle of the forest preserve with lots of greenery and prairie surrounding. It has lots of open sky as well as gravel pathways. Taking a walk through the preserve will lead you to a couple of bridges and other secret spots that you’ll love.
sycamore lakes rotary park - sycamore, il
This is a hidden GEM! This is a small park that is hidden away in Sycamore that provides water views, a covered path, a pretty bridge and more! I’ve done plenty of sessions here and each turns out better than the last! You may have the occasional bicyclist or fisher pass by, but it’s a great option that I don’t think is public knowledge to most!
ellwood house - dekalb, il
This is probably one of the more obvious choices in Dekalb County. Ellwood House is one of the most popular photo locations due to the gorgeous historic mansion on the property featuring multiple grand staircases. There is also a pretty garden in the front that gives you some greenery as well as a walking path that gives you more of a nature vibe. This is a very busy place come homecoming and prom! It provides a great backdrop.
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