Session Locations
We have the who, what, and when...Now where?
Here are a few of my favorite locations in my coverage area that do not require travel fees. I've listed a few public and private options.
Public Locations in Elk County, PA and surrounding areas
Bendigo State Park, Glen Hazel, PA
This park is an easy drive for clients in Wilcox, Johnsonburg, Saint Marys, and Ridgway areas. There's a river, tree lines, walking paths, open grass, and a couple docks. This location has no cell reception, so we'll confirm our time and meeting location within the park in advance. This site is free to the public and open year round.
Sandy Beach Park, Ridgway, PA
This park is beautiful and just outside downtown Ridgway. There are walking paths, a bridge and dock, a pond and river, tree lines and open grass, and tons of park amenities that families love--like playgrounds and sports fields. There's even a dog park, so plan ahead and bring the whole family for a picnic or playtime as a reward after portrait time.
Benzinger Park, Saint Marys, PA
This park is family friendly and great for Saint Marys clients. There are walking paths, bridges, tree lines, open grass, playgrounds, and fields. Props like sports equipment work well at this venue, like bringing a basketball for photos on the court, or a baseball and bat for portraits on the field.
Your Campus
Graduates may want to visit their school's campus for indoor and outdoor portraits. They may also want to visit their home sports fields, or favorite classroom or stage to showcase their individual hobbies and high school or college experiences. I work directly with your campus to arrange site sessions. Please let me know if you'd like to book your campus for portraits, and I'll do the rest.
Your Backyard
Do you have a backyard or other private location you'd like to use for your portraits? I am happy to come to you. We don't need much room and can get creative with what you've got on the property.
Indoor Studio | Mobile Studio
For special sessions, I open my home studio for portraits and minis. If you require indoor photos to accommodate any specific needs, I am happy to work with you to book indoors. We can even visit an indoor location of your choice. I have mobile backdrops to make things easier, or we can do a no-setup, in home session.
Private Options
Pine Ridge Farm
PRIVATE - Kersey, PA
This is a private farm in Kersey, PA that requires advanced booking with the venue. I can arrange this location for an additional fee based on our amount of time at the location. I split venue costs with you 50/50, and all additional fees go directly to the local farm. There are barns, fields of corn, flowers, and Queen Ann's lace, and tons of animals to see, like cows, bunnies, chickens, and goats.
Riverview Campsites
PRIVATE - Benezette, PA
My family owns a private campground in Benezette called Riverview Campsites. Surrounding the campground are many acres of private land with views of the river, mountains, and fields. I often meet clients at the campground entrance, and then walk or drive around the property to your preferred background. This is a perfect location Spring - Fall and there are no additional fees for Rachel Shaffer Photography client sessions here. Bonus: you may even have an elk or two in the background!
Flying Dove Ranch
Private - Ridgway, PA
This a beautiful venue often booked for weddings in Ridgway, PA. I've taken other clients here for sessions on weekdays. This venue is private and requires advanced booking. Venue fee may apply based on the season.
Do you have a preferred location in mind?
Please mention your preferred location when booking, or I can help you find a spot that's right for you!