Local favorites include Mingo Park and Blue Limestone Park, historic downtown Delaware, the Ohio Wesleyan campus, and natural areas like Alum Creek State Park, Highbanks Metro Park, and the Preservation Parks of Delaware County. The best one depends on the look you're after.
One of the perks of working with a local photographer is that I already know where the good light lives. I'm Betsy of Photos by B4, and I photograph families, seniors, and athletes all over Delaware and Central Ohio. Here are the spots I love and what each one is best for.
In and around Delaware
- Mingo Park — easy, open green space with mature trees and a creek. Great for relaxed family sessions and kids who need room to be themselves.
- Blue Limestone Park — water, stone, and greenery in one place; a pretty, low-key backdrop close to town.
- Ohio Wesleyan University campus — classic collegiate stone and columns, a favorite for senior portraits with a timeless feel.
Historic downtown Delaware
The brick storefronts and old-town character of downtown Delaware make a wonderful urban backdrop, especially for seniors who want something with a little edge. Textured walls, string lights, and interesting doorways give portraits a strong sense of place.
Natural and park settings
- Alum Creek State Park — beaches, woods, and open water; versatile in every season and beautiful at golden hour.
- Highbanks Metro Park — wooded trails and dramatic ravines between Delaware and Columbus, stunning in fall.
- Preservation Parks of Delaware County (like Gallant Woods and Deer Haven) — meadows, prairie grass, and woods, perfect for a soft, natural look.
Seasonal picks
For fall color, the wooded parks light up in late September and October. For fresh spring green, the Preservation Parks and Alum Creek are lovely. Summer evenings glow just about anywhere with open sky. Winter downtown or in a snowy park can be striking for the right session.
A note on permits
Some metro and state parks ask for a small photography permit for professional sessions. It's easy to sort out — once we pick your spot, I'll let you know if it needs one so we're all set on the day.
How to choose the right spot
Start with the feeling you want — soft and natural, timeless and collegiate, or urban and textured — and let that guide the location more than the other way around. And remember the most meaningful spot is often personal: your family's favorite park, the field where your athlete plays, or your own front porch. If it matters to you, it'll matter in the photos, and we can shoot there.