10 Beautiful Photography locations around Columbia, South Carolina!
Hi Friends!
I put together a list of great locations around Columbia, SC that work so well when photographing. These are some of my local favorites. Google is always one of the first places I go to search for great locations! Are there many blogs and websites that list many of the same places? Yes! But I still love to see it!
Other than when I do lifestyle photo sessions (which is commonly in the home!), I typically shoot outdoors. I love love natural light photography. This means that I utilize the sun to give me the light I need to photograph. So all of these locations are outdoor and are geared toward natural light photography!
1) Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
Columbia, sc
This is a very common location for pictures! I actually took my engagement pictures here and absolutely loved how they turned out.
It has a bridge, an old, historic mill and water plant, an amphitheater, and a long trail that runs along the river. During the warmer months, the beautiful trees that follow along the trail are what makes it beautiful. Many photography styles can be achieved here because of the historic buildings for a more dark and moody look, to the openness of the trail and trees, to give a more light and airy feel.
2) RiverWalk Park
West Columbia, SC
This is one of my top favorite locations!
It is a Riverwalk that follows along the Congaree River and goes under the Gervais Bridge. You can see the skyline of downtown Columbia which is gorgeous. The Riverwalk also goes into many trees which allows for more shaded coverage. It also has an open, grassy area that I like to shoot at often because of how versatile the space can be!
3) University of South Carolina Campus
Columbia, SC
We are Carolina fans in my family. A mix of alumni and current students!
This is one of the locations I took my first maternity photos! I loved every bit of the location because depending on where you are on the campus, the scenery is completely different. One of my favorite spots on campus is the fountain near the library!
4) Gibson Pond Park
Lexington, sc
This beautiful park is one of my go-to places because it's local to me, and right by a huge pond. It has a dock, picnic shelters, a bridge that overlooks the pond, and a nice walking trail. The parking lot also has a big grassy field that works great for children who need to get their energy out! The park has a mix of shaded areas, and open areas which I love, and the sun sets just behind the trees and pond which makes for dreamy, glowy sunlit photos!
5) Lace House and Gardens
Columbia, SC
This is a popular location for engagement and bridal portraits, but is also great for family or maternity! The Lace House is a venue that needs to be rented, but the Gardens are available to the public between 9am-5pm during the weekdays! The greenery from the plants and trees, and the beautiful colors from the flower gardens add so much vibrancy to portraits.
6) South Carolina State House
Columbia, SC
The South Carolina State House is absolutely gorgeous. The grounds has open grassy areas and beautiful trees that provide shade and soft filters of light. Pictures can also be taken on the steps and at the top of the State House steps with huge, neutral colored pillars. Because of the size of the grounds, morning and late afternoon are both options to have beautiful portraits!
7) Riverbanks Botanical Garden
COlumbia, SC
The Botanical Garden at Riverbanks Zoo is home to multiple themed gardens with an array of different plants and flowers. The various colors and greenery would give so much variety to portraits! Many weddings, bridal, and engagement portraits are done here.
8) The Horseshoe at USC
Columbia, SC
Also downtown on the University of South Carolina campus, the Horseshoe is great for portraits because of the shaded walkways and open grassy green areas. Because of the tall trees, the sunlight is very even in the late afternoon and glows through the trees! Such a great option for all seasons in the year. When spring begins, the gardens bloom the most beautiful colored flowers!
9) Irmo TOwn Park
Irmo, SC
Irmo Town Park is great if you're local to Irmo, SC! It is small but has so many cute aspects to it. It has a precious gazebo, amphitheater, bridge going over a beautiful small pond, and sitting areas with benches and bench swings. Just like the horseshoe, there are many trees that provide lots of shade coverage throughout the park which is helpful for those really hot months.
10) Irmo Community Park
Irmo, SC
Not to be confused with the town park, the Irmo Community Park is an actual park with multiple playgrounds for the kids! The walking trails are cemented and goes around the entire park and through it. It has an amphitheater, picnic tables, and a tiny little house for kids to explore. This park is great because not only do the trees offer great shaded areas, it also has an open field of grass which I love!
