By Francisco Vilton ·
The right location does half the work in a photo session. It sets the mood, gives you a background that means something, and decides what the light will look like. These are the places we keep coming back to for sessions in Dover and Kent County, and what each one is best for.
1. The Green, downtown Dover
Dover's historic town square is lined with brick buildings and old trees, which makes it ideal for classic portraits, engagement sessions and anyone who wants a timeless, "Delaware" feel. Weekday mornings are quieter; late afternoon gives warm light on the brick.
2. Legislative Hall and Legislative Mall
The red-brick Legislative Hall and the open lawns around it work well for professional headshots with an outdoor background, graduation photos, and couples who like symmetry and architecture. Remember it is a working government building, so stay on public areas and keep sessions out of the way of visitors.
3. Silver Lake Park
Water, open grass and paths make Silver Lake Park one of the easiest places in Dover for family photos. There is room for kids to move around, and shooting towards the water near sunset gives soft, glowing backgrounds.
4. Schutte Park
Wide fields and tree lines make Schutte Park a good choice for big families, extended family groups and sports-themed sessions, where you need space more than scenery.
5. Brecknock Park, Camden
Just south of Dover, Brecknock Park has wooded trails and a natural, rustic feel. It is a favourite for maternity sessions and fall family photos when the leaves turn.
6. Delaware State University campus
For graduates, nothing beats photos on the campus where you earned the degree. Plan around commencement week, when the campus is busiest, and wherever possible pick a date a week or two before the ceremony.
7. Killens Pond State Park and Bombay Hook
If you are willing to drive 20 to 30 minutes, Killens Pond State Park near Felton and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge near Smyrna offer water, marsh and wide skies that are hard to find in town. State parks and refuges can charge entry fees and have their own rules for photography, so we check those before booking a session there.
When to schedule an outdoor session
The best light outdoors is usually the hour after sunrise and the hour or two before sunset, often called golden hour. Midday sun is harsh and makes people squint. In Delaware, spring and fall give the most comfortable weather and the best colour, but summer evenings and even snowy winter days can be beautiful.
- Book outdoor sessions for late afternoon whenever you can.
- Have a backup date in case of rain.
- Pick a location that fits the session: open space for families, architecture for headshots, nature for maternity.
- Ask your photographer whether the location needs a permit.
Not sure where to go?
Tell us what kind of session you want and we will suggest a location that fits. You can see our family sessions, graduation photos and maternity sessions, or book an outdoor session directly.
