These locations are mainly for engagement, surprise proposals, family and high school senior portraits. Small wedding events and elopements are allowed with permission at some of these locations, please check before booking with us.
• If you have a waterfall, private location or something else you don't see here, we are willing to try as long as you have permission!
• Please check locations if pets are allowed or not, or leash requirement. Pets on a leash is best for all photo sessions no matter the location. Bring treats and someone to help pet sit during the session.
• Some locations require either a pass, permit, donation, membership, payment or permission. I am not responsible for your pass, permit or permission. Once a date and time is set it is your responsibility to inquire what is needed or if you are allowed on the premises. This is because I am unsure if you already have a membership, etc. Places will kick us out if you don't have permission or authorities have been called on us for being at a location without permission. We hold no more power than you, if anything, I have less say.
• I try to note below on each location requirements but always check the websites just in case as they are always changing status or under construction. Also, please be responsible at these locations as many are provided by donation only. How wonderful it is to have such places at hand? So please be respectful of this!
Airbnb Rentals
Airbnb's make a great backdrop location! This amazing one shown is in Jefferson, NY next to Clapper Hollow State Forest. It has a variety to offer: multiple ponds, trails, fields, a bridge and many flower gardens.
Book your vacation and photo location on Airbnb
Clapper Hollow Lodge


Mine Kill Falls in North Blenheim, NY


Mine Kill Falls - Mine Kill State Park State park in Schoharie County, NY
Free entry, easy hike, pets on leash allowed.
Mine Kill State Park is a 500-acre state park located in Schoharie County, New York. The park is in the southeast part of the Town of Blenheim. Website
161 Mine Kill State Park, North Blenheim, New York
Blenheim Covered Bridge
A historic gem hiding in plain sight out in Schoharie County, the Blenheim Covered Bridge has long been considered to be the world's largest single-span wooden covered bridge at Is 210 Feet Long.
Just off State Route 30 at the north end of North Blenheim
Free entry. Pets on Leash allowed.
Rebuilt in 2019. Website
Link to other covered bridges in the area.
Blenheim Covered Bridge


Delphi Falls in Cazenovia, NY


Delphi Falls in Cazenovia, NY 13035
Free entry, very easy flat walkway to the waterfall. Falls can be seen from parking area. Pets on leash.
Delphi Falls County Park, opened to the public in August 2018, contains two waterfalls, a house, a barn and surrounding woodland. Currently, the falls are accessible for viewing from the bottom via a newly created stone dust path. There is parking just inside the gate, with three ADA accessible spots up by the barn.
Mann Brothers Mill Site and Fuller District Schoolhouse in Jefferson, NY
Free entry. Leashed pets.
We walked these ground and it would be an amazing rustic backdrop. The stonework is really cool. The schoolhouse makes for a neat bright red country feel. A lot of variety and paths. Easy walk and hike. All seasons.
Combine this location with Mine Kill Waterfall and it's a nice combo!
Facebook Page to the The Jefferson NY Historical Society


Blenheim-Gilboa Visitors Center (NY Power Authority) Website
No pets allowed. Free entry. I spoke to an employee of 20 years and she said we have permission to take photos here. It would be great for family, engagement or senior portraits in all seasons.
Housed in a 19th-century dairy barn Blenheim-Gilboa features exhibits describing the unique engineering of a pumped-storage power facility. On the grounds stands Lansing Manor, a 19th century home preserved for modern visitors. Hiking, boating and fishing are very popular.


Gilboa Visitors Center
Kaaterskill Falls in Hunter, NY


Kaaterskill Falls in Hunter, NY
Waterfall located in the eastern Catskill Mountains of New York. Website
Free entry. Two waterfalls, one at entry and one a moderate hike/steps up to the tallest waterfall. Pets on leash.
This iconic 260-ft-tall tiered waterfall on Spruce Creek features a lookout & a foot trail.
WARNING! Difficult parking. The closest parking lot is closed due to erosion and the other one is about a half mile down the road from the entry of the waterfall hike. The only good option is to walk on the main road with cliff rock wall blind spots and busy speeding traffic.
Middleburgh Winery


Middleburgh Winery
Located just outside of the village of Middleburgh on State Route 145. Website
Call ahead to notify and inquire for more details. They are willing to work with us on scheduling your photo session! Plus they have really good wine. :)
Free entry but it's courteous to patronize this business. Unsure of pets allowed or not, call and ask. Open to Family, Engagement, Surprise Proposals and Wedding Events.
2636 State Highway 145 Middleburgh, NY 12122 - Phone: (607) 643-1225
Off season hours (December through April)
Friday - Sunday: 12PM - 5PM
Monday - Thursday: By Appointment
Seasonal Hours: (May through November)
Sunday & Monday: 12PM - 6PM
Tuesday-Thursday: By Appointment
Friday & Saturday: 12PM - 6PM
New York State Capitol Building, Plaza and area
Free outside to walk around the buildings. Leashed pets outside on sidewalks. Inside requires a tour fee and I don't think much is allowed to be taken as far as photo and session time. If you get permission, let us know. Check their requirements. Website
Sometimes there are barricades and fencing or construction. Count on walking around the Capital area for a cityscape look.


Buttermilk Falls at Shelven Rock in Fort Ann, NY




Knapp Estates / Shelven Rock / Buttermilk Falls, Fort Ann, NY
Free entry, drive and stop session, moderate hike to waterfall. It's a campground during main season, great for Fall foliage, can bring pets unleashed but I recommend leashed for during the session.
Saratoga National Historical Park, 648 Route 32, Stillwater, NY is open April 1 to the end of the first weekend of December, weather permitting. During this season the road opens at 9:00 am daily; closing times vary with the season, call the Information Desk for details, 518-670-2985. Website
Currently Free Entry. Leashed pets only. In the past a donation pass was required all seasons and all times, one-way drive and stop. Make sure you have a full tank of gas before entering.
The peace, tranquility and natural beauty is breathtaking. The wildlife is abundant. You never know what you will see. Always an adventure. If you go during the week it can often feel like you have the entire park to yourself. Very inspiring on many levels.



Lake George Battlefield Park




Lake George Battlefield Park (Free entry, leashed pets only)
Battlefield Park is located on Beach Road just off Route 9 just east of Lake George Village. The park today is used for recreational activities, from jogging to kite flying, picnicking and more. It has offers gorgeous vistas of Lake George as well as terrific landscaping and mountain views.
Saratoga Congress Park




Saratoga Congress Park, Saratoga Springs, NY is located along Broadway, Circular and Spring Streets (Free entry, leashed pets only) Website
Spit and Spat fountain, health, history, and horses come together at Congress Park. This beautiful park offers fun, relaxation... and a fountain or two. Congress Park invites you to picnic, stroll and explore. Picnic in the park! Green grass, lush gardens and countless springs make Congress Park the perfect setting for a scenic photo.
Saratoga Apple
Apples, donuts, cider and their new hard cider - YUM! During the Pick Your Own / harvest season, the orchard is reserved strictly for U-Pick customers. Buy a couple Pick Your Own bags and we can do a photo session on the grounds. Makes a lovely backdrop and who can resist some good ole apple pickin'?!
(Check Saratoga Apple Facebook page for current updates)
1174 RT 29 Schuylerville, NY 12871
Hours: 9AM - 6PM Daily
Email: saratogaapple@gmail.com
Call 1.518.695.3131
Saratoga Apple Orchard


The Crossings of Colonie, NY
Free Entry. Pathways and pavilion rentals. Website
"Whether you are a town resident looking for an extraordinary setting in which to walk, bike, fly a kite or enjoy a relaxing picnic with friends or family, or a local company seeking a tranquil, yet convenient location to hold an important business meeting, The Crossings of Colonie has it all. Situated in the heart of Colonie just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Wolf Road, the 130 acre passive park features a pond, acres of meadows, marshy wetlands and extensive wooded and wildflower areas - all of which are connected by 6.5 miles of multiuse trails for walking, running, biking and in-line skating that wind across the natural landscape."
The Crossings of Colonie


Washington Park in Albany


Saratoga Springs Spa State Park & SPAC


UPDATE as of Spring 2021: No walk-in photos allowed. Now requires paid permit approval months in advance for photography of any kind, amateur or pro.
Saratoga Springs Spa State Park & SPAC, 19 Roosevelt Dr., Saratoga Springs, NY (Fee during main seasons vehicles) 8:15 am - 4:30pm, closes at dusk, walk-in's free, gates closed off season but can walk in, leashed pets only) Website
Distinguished by its classical architecture and listed as a National Historic Landmark, is noted for its diverse cultural, aesthetic and recreational resources. In addition to the nationally-known Saratoga Performing Arts Center, the Spa Little Theater, the National Museum of Dance, the Saratoga Automobile Museum, the Gideon Putnam Resort and Roosevelt Baths and Spa, the park offers a multitude of traditional recreation opportunities.
SHEPARD PARK 26 Old Post Road Lake George, NY
Located in the center of the Village it becomes the showcase for many events including regular concerts, firemen's family days, craft shows, and other similar events. Website
Glens Falls Country Golf Club
Membership required or membership by someone you know, no pets. Website








The Sagamore




The Sagamore, Bolton Landing, NY
Free entry, no pets allowed and better if you have a booking. Website
The Sagamore is the Northeast's only premier-island meeting facility, with more than 50,000 square feet of spectacular indoor and outdoor event space. From conferences and corporate retreats to family reunions and romantic Adirondack weddings, you will find the perfect setting at this historic Lake George resort. Experience the timeless allure of The Sagamore and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.
The Inn at Erlowest, Lake George, NY (Free entry limited to owners discretion, call ahead, no pets) Website
Saratoga Race Track
Free or fee depending on season and hours. No pets.
I did a family session here early morning with no issues. For a wedding or other planned event, you'll want to check with them and book ahead of time.
Website


holly@ootophoto.com
(518) 307-2747
Wedding Photographer in the Saratoga Springs, Albany, Lake George, NY and Vermont areas. Photography in the Adirondacks, Catskills, Green Mountains, Berkshires, Capital District and the Eastern United States.

