There are so many beautiful locations in Hamilton and surrounding areas that you can choose for your family session.  You’ll want to consider what type of backdrop you’re looking for.  Do you want nature with trees and flowers, do you want a waterfront, do you want more of an urban setting where you can grab some ice cream … all are fantastic options, it’s completely up to you.  I’ve compiled a list of my favourite locations along with some pros and cons for each to help you better decide what might be the best for your upcoming family session.

Paletta Mansion in Burlington (pictured above)

Pros: Lots of greenery and shrubs.  Gorgeous colours in the fall.  Quaint waterfront property (rocky, not sandy).  Beautiful stone mansion to add some architectural elements.  So many different looks all within a short walk.  Parking is ample and free.  Clean public washrooms available.  No permit required.

Cons: Sometimes geese congregate on the lawn and leave their droppings (keep your dog close and leashed).

Gage Park in Hamilton (pictured above)

Pros: Lots of shaded areas.  Gorgeous colours in the fall.  Tons of backdrops including a huge fountain, stairs, paths and gardens.  Parking is ample and free.  Public washrooms available.  No permit required.

Cons: It’s big, so there’s a descent amount of walking to get from one photo spot to the next.  Sometimes there are festivals or other events going on in the park.

Bayfront Park in Hamilton (pictured above)

Pros: Magical at golden hour because the sun sets over the water.  Wide open walking paths with lots of green space.  Parking is ample and free.  No permit required.

Cons: Public washrooms are available but a long walk away.  Sometimes goose poop is an issue on the paths (depending on the season).

Hamilton Beach (pictured above)

Pros: Light and airy waterfront setting.  Large rocks and tall grasses to add some dimension.  Parking is ample and free.  Public washrooms available.  No permit required.

Cons: Please note that the sun does NOT set over the water at Hamilton Beach (it sets over the highway).  So while we can still take advantage of the golden light, the sun does not set over the water.  It can also be quite windy at times.

 

Some other great spots to check out…

Battlefield Park (Stoney Creek)
Spencer Smith Park (Burlington)
Dundurn Castle (Hamilton)
McMaster University (Hamilton)
Royal Botanical Gardens (Burlington)
Balls Falls (Lincoln)