Heather Neal Photography

As an “On Location” photographer, one of the big things my clients need to decide on when booking a session is the location they would like to use. I have several places that I recommend and have shot at frequently, but I LOVE it when my clients recommend a new place. I gotta be honest though…the first time I had a client suggest we do their session in their backyard, I was a little nervous. I think I was envisioning my own backyard which is not exactly photogenic and would require A LOT of creativity to capture the beautiful images I strive to always deliver to my clients. If there’s one thing I learned about locations though, it’s that not all “backyards” are the same and I have been extremely blessed with clients with some AMAZING backyards!



The family session above was actually of a good friend of mine. The first time I visited her to see her new home I knew from the moment we pulled in her (very long) drive that I wanted to take photos there someday. Not only did I take photos of her beautiful family, but she was kind enough to allow me to do my Christmas mini sessions there last year and I photographed 3 other families there as well. Serious backyard envy going on here!
This Senior Session started in Nick’s front and backyard. Unlike most of the beautiful backyards I have shot at, Nick’s house is in the city and I’m not gonna lie, when I looked up his address on Google Maps and saw it was in a subdivision in town I was pretty worried that they were going to expect me to pull of a miracle in a mediocre location at best. As soon as I drove down their street and saw the field of tall trees at the end my worries disappeared though. This yard was full of more surprises too including a pond and lots of trees in the back. What a great place to live…really the best of both worlds.


This is another Senior Session in the client’s backyard and mom is another friend of mine. Kylie actually had two Senior Sessions…a summer session in downtown Kansas City (which was HOT) and a fall session at her own home. I loved them both, but it was fun to see how much more relaxed and natural clients are when shooting at home and I think these images showed that. Beautiful girl and another beautiful yard!



By the time I did Stephanie and Kyle’s engagement session, I had seen enough beautiful yards to be over my fear of shooting in them and after a visit to their home for a newborn session for their adorable little girl, I actually was the one who recommended we do their engagement session there. I loved the long gravel path, rusty fence, tree stumps and grassy field and knew we weren’t going to find anything better…or closer!






And last but certainly not least A WEDDING! This wedding actually took place prior to the other beautiful backyards pictured above so I was still leery of them and pretty nervous about the idea of shooting a wedding at the Groom’s parent’s house. Until I met up with them there for a consultation. Not only was the backyard ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL, but the work the family put into making it just perfect for a wedding was unbelievable! From lining the path to a tree-lined open pasture where the ceremony would take place with mulch and candles, to the swing in the woods decorated in vines and the twinkle lights hung over the lovely reception area. They thought of it all! One of the most beautiful weddings I have had the pleasure of shooting!

It just goes to show you, sometimes the best locations aren’t the most obvious. If you have a beautiful backyard or a friend or family member who does and would be happy to let you shoot there, give me a call! I would love to try it out and create some beautiful memories for you!