My Favorite Outdoor Places to Shoot in Athens
Athens, Georgia has a way of showing up differently every time I step outside with a camera. It’s a college town, a creative town, and a place where history and personality live side by side. Over the years, I’ve photographed food, products, portraits, and weddings all over Athens, and there are a few outdoor locations I keep coming back to, not because they’re trendy, but because they consistently give me room to create.
Here are three of my favorite outdoor places to shoot in Athens, GA, and why they always work.
Downtown Athens
Downtown Athens is hands down one of my favorite places to shoot, because it’s never just one look. You’ve got brick walls, alleyways, murals, storefronts, parking decks, and pockets of unexpected light all within a few blocks. It’s gritty, historic, modern, and alive all at once.
For portraits and engagement sessions, downtown gives you variety without having to move far. One minute we’re working with harsh directional light and strong shadows, the next we’re tucked into a quiet alley with soft, even tones. I love how downtown allows shoots to feel more candid and less posed. People loosen up here. There’s movement, energy, and a sense of story built into every frame.
Downtown is especially great for clients who want something a little more editorial or non-traditional images that feel real, layered, and rooted in Athen’s culture.
State Botanical Garden of Georgia
On the opposite end of the spectrum is the State Botanical Garden of Georgia. This is where I go when I want calm, balance, and intentional beauty. The gardens offer open green spaces, wooded paths, seasonal blooms, and clean backdrops that never feel overdone.
What I love most about shooting here is how versatile it is. Whether it’s a portrait session, engagement shoot, or even bridal photos, the location adapts to the mood we’re going for. It’s peaceful, it’s timeless, and it photographs beautifully year-round.
The Botanical Gardens are perfect for clients who want their images to feel soft, romantic, and natural, without feeling stiff or overly styled. There’s room to breathe here, and that always translates into better photos.
The University of Georgia Campus
UGA’s campus is iconic for a reason. It’s classic Athens. From North Campus columns to hidden corners most people walk past every day, the University of Georgia offers a mix of tradition, architecture, and quiet outdoor spaces that feel grounded and meaningful.
I love shooting on campus because it carries history, but it doesn’t overwhelm the subject. Whether I’m photographing graduates, couples, or portraits with a more refined feel, UGA provides structure and elegance while still allowing for creativity.
Early mornings and golden hour are especially beautiful here. The way light hits the buildings, trees, and walkways gives images a timeless quality that never really dates itself.
