10 BEAUTIFUL PHOTOGRAPHY LOCATIONS AROUND COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINa

10 Beautiful Photography locations around Columbia, South Carolina!

Hi Friends!

I put together a list of great locations around Columbia, SC that work so well when photographing. These are some of my local favorites. Google is always one of the first places I go to search for great locations! Are there many blogs and websites that list many of the same places? Yes! But I still love to see it!

Other than when I do lifestyle photo sessions (which is commonly in the home!), I typically shoot outdoors. I love love natural light photography. This means that I utilize the sun to give me the light I need to photograph. So all of these locations are outdoor and are geared toward natural light photography!

1) Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park

Columbia, sc

This is a very common location for pictures! I actually took my engagement pictures here and absolutely loved how they turned out.

It has a bridge, an old, historic mill and water plant, an amphitheater, and a long trail that runs along the river. During the warmer months, the beautiful trees that follow along the trail are what makes it beautiful. Many photography styles can be achieved here because of the historic buildings for a more dark and moody look, to the openness of the trail and trees, to give a more light and airy feel.

Portrait in white dress against garden backdrop with joyful expression.

Graduate in white dress and red stole holds University of South Carolina banner in garden setting.

Casual portrait against bright red door wearing university t-shirt and white pants.

2) RiverWalk Park

West Columbia, SC

This is one of my top favorite locations!

It is a Riverwalk that follows along the Congaree River and goes under the Gervais Bridge. You can see the skyline of downtown Columbia which is gorgeous. The Riverwalk also goes into many trees which allows for more shaded coverage. It also has an open, grassy area that I like to shoot at often because of how versatile the space can be!

Maternity portrait in emerald green dress by scenic stone bridge and water.

Maternity portrait in floral peach dress with couple embracing on wooden walkway.

A group poses together for a portrait by a bridge at sunset.

3) University of South Carolina Campus

Columbia, SC

We are Carolina fans in my family. A mix of alumni and current students!

This is one of the locations I took my first maternity photos! I loved every bit of the location because depending on where you are on the campus, the scenery is completely different. One of my favorite spots on campus is the fountain near the library!

A fashionable woman in a floral dress walks past a modern building with columns.

A person in a royal blue dress poses outdoors with natural curly hair and a bright smile.

A woman in a blue dress and black coat walks near a fountain at sunset.

4) Gibson Pond Park

Lexington, sc

This beautiful park is one of my go-to places because it's local to me, and right by a huge pond. It has a dock, picnic shelters, a bridge that overlooks the pond, and a nice walking trail. The parking lot also has a big grassy field that works great for children who need to get their energy out! The park has a mix of shaded areas, and open areas which I love, and the sun sets just behind the trees and pond which makes for dreamy, glowy sunlit photos!

A couple shares an intimate moment at sunset by a lake with golden light filtering through trees.

A family in coordinated plaid and white outfits poses together in an autumn forest setting.

A family of three poses together by a lake, with a young child holding both parents' hands.

5) South Carolina State House

Columbia, SC

The South Carolina State House is absolutely gorgeous. The grounds has open grassy areas and beautiful trees that provide shade and soft filters of light. Pictures can also be taken on the steps and at the top of the State House steps with huge, neutral colored pillars. Because of the size of the grounds, morning and late afternoon are both options to have beautiful portraits!

A couple poses elegantly on a balcony, with the woman wearing a pink tulle gown and the man in a black tuxedo.

A formal couple in elegant black attire poses against a textured stone wall.

A person in business attire poses cheerfully on an ornate balcony with classical columns.

6) The Horseshoe at USC

Columbia, SC

Also downtown on the University of South Carolina campus, the Horseshoe is great for portraits because of the shaded walkways and open grassy green areas. Because of the tall trees, the sunlight is very even in the late afternoon and glows through the trees! Such a great option for all seasons in the year. When spring begins, the gardens bloom the most beautiful colored flowers!

Graduate in navy blue cap and gown with colorful stoles poses outdoors during sunset on campus path.

A family portrait on a brick pathway with children in colorful Lilly Pulitzer dresses.

Graduate in black academic regalia stands on brick pathway surrounded by autumn trees.

7) Irmo TOwn Park

Irmo, SC

Irmo Town Park is great if you're local to Irmo, SC! It is small but has so many cute aspects to it. It has a precious gazebo, amphitheater, bridge going over a beautiful small pond, and sitting areas with benches and bench swings. Just like the horseshoe, there are many trees that provide lots of shade coverage throughout the park which is helpful for those really hot months.

A couple embraces in their wedding attire in front of a wooden gazebo surrounded by lush green trees.

A couple shares an intimate moment on a pathway while the bride holds a dried flower bouquet.

A family group stands together in front of a wooden gazebo on an autumn day with golden sunlight filtering through trees.

8) Christmas Tree farms

Lexington, SC

Christmas tree farms are a fantastic way to start the holidays off right! There are usually an abundance of trees and space for us to shoot, and the lighting always looks great. Whether you want to go completely Christmas themed, or if you just want a casual holiday session for Christmas cards, I think this is a great option for families and couples!

A family in matching red holiday sweaters poses together at a Christmas tree farm during golden hour.

A couple shares a joyful moment while walking through a Christmas tree farm.

A family reads together on a blanket among evergreen trees at sunset.

9) Gorgeous Grassy fields

Lexington, SC

Nothing can beat the simplicity of a grassy field during golden hour. There are a few I love going to in Lexington! Because we are usually the only ones, it's nice for more intimate sessions between couples or even just casual family or birthday sessions! So beautiful, so versatile!

A woman sits with her smiling pitbull dog in a wildflower meadow on a sunny day.

A toddler in a blue NASA spacesuit costume stands smiling in a grassy field.

A couple holds hands while walking through a sunlit meadow in casual summer attire.

10) Indoor Studio

Lexington, SC

I love outdoor photos a ton, but I also love doing sessions indoors with more consistent natural lighting! I've done a handful of studio photos and always love the result of them. Sometimes the weather is just not on our side, and doing a session indoors gives us some peace of mind! Great for all types of sessions. I don't personally own a studio myself, but the one I use to rent is usually decorated beautifully with each season by another local photographer!