One of the most commonly asked questions I get is where do you recommend we go for our portrait session. To which I always ask, what are you hoping for in your photos? Do you want a more nature-inspired background or would you rather have a more urban downtown feel? Most importantly, do you have any special places that you love? I will always choose locations with meaning to you over anything else. If however, you are stuck, here are a few of my favorite nearby spots where I always love to shoot.
1118 E Main St, Cary, IL 60013
Key Features:
- Free parking lot
- Rustic white barns
- Wide open fields/meadows
- Dog friendly
- Looks great in every season
I was recently introduced to this location last fall when one of my family sessions requested portraits here and it quickly became one of my FAVORITES!! Sands E. Main Street Prairie is a quiet, serene location near the heart of downtown Cary that offers a gorgeous rustic meadow backdrop with chippy white barns, tall grasses, and wide open spaces. Make it a date night! Being so close to downtown, you'll have the perfect excuse to head into town after our session and grab a burger at Tracks.
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/516520962/a661ce833128ad09c411fe79d8986d49-94bed2f3.jpg)
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/797420962/fb10f9c981a4fb6c2502f03b2d6d7768-42796166.jpg)
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/408420962/d58191bea7a508f59935e4fe4ffdfa5b-a5adbf50.jpg)
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/789260962/13b16e47f2ca1f8690a82f83bee0a64a-bb36607c.jpg)
1510 S River Rd, McHenry, IL 60051
Key Features:
- Free parking lots
- Multiple options for different backgrounds
- Lake views
- Dog friendly
- Looks great in every season
- Outdoor bathrooms to change in
- Playgrounds to burn off extra energy in your littles
Moraine Hills will ALWAYS hold a special place in my heart. I have been walking the trails there since I was a little girl!! I love the variety of locations Moraine Hills Offers. From trails to fields, and even lake views, Moraine Hills has it all!
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/300920962/8c6c05dcd45c6047cdcdf98e74002d3a-8e7c7a27.jpg)
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/983460962/fa88b1ccdcf9d828070a93feaf59ede8-11cb5ece.jpg)
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/693460962/92c06dc4e441520888f28607b9668ea8-54c1841b.jpg)
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/642560962/a61f91954aa74beffbe52b5e81821bfe-e38f9d6b.jpg)
1520 Crystal Lake Rd, Cary, IL 60013
Key Features:
- Free parking lots
- Options for different backgrounds
- River views with a bridge
- Dog friendly
- Looks great in every season
- Outdoor bathrooms to change in
I love the variety Fel-Pro RRR, (or "Triple R" as the locals call it) has to offer. There are two sections to Triple R - one a disk golf course, the other walking paths and open fields. It truly has a little something for everyone!
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/733730962/93931c42093d79c9e52537df6aa8dfd8-0534faf3.jpg)
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/454730962/740a90839622496bd81f806bcc97e34d-aa7e3c87.jpg)
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/164730962/Practice_in_Fel-Pro_RRR-7-65f3abe0.jpg)
I hope this post has been helpful to you. We have such beautiful locations here in McHenry County that I would love to explore with you. If there are others that are favorites of yours let me know!!
![](http://images-pw.pixieset.com/elementfield/472990962/C_Logo_2-be0055b8.jpg)