I almost didn’t include Indian Creek Park in Madison, GA on this list of favorite parks for dog photography. Why? Well, Indian Creek Park feels like a hidden gem of a location and I kinda want to keep it that way, so this is just between us ok?

Located less than 3 miles from historic Rutledge, Georgia (and just minutes from my farmhouse) the 60 acres of Indian Creek Park sits on a hill surrounded by trees. Their website claims they are best known for their competition disc golf course, but honestly other than me and my clients, I have NEVER seen another soul at the park which makes Indian Creek Park perfect for dogs that are reactive or anxious with lots of activity.

Indian Creek Park has open fields, gorgeous evening light, and if we hike down the steep hill there’s a beautiful grove of mature trees that feels a bit like an enchanted forest.

Best for:

• Most Dogs including nervous dogs who like a quieter location. If we stick to the top of the park, there is very little walking necessary for dogs & people with limited mobility.

Best on:

• Evening light is the best here.

McDaniel Farm Park

As we move closer towards the Atlanta area, my next favorite park for dog photography is McDaniel Farm Park in Duluth, Georgia. McDaniel Farm was originally a cotton farm in the 1820’s and is situated on 134 acres near Gwinnett Place Mall.

McDaniel Farm Park has a few open grassy areas, a historic barn, and a gorgeous old white farmhouse. Many of the areas I prefer to photograph near are located along the paved trail making access easy for everyone.

If you’d like to have your session at McDaniel Farm Park, we’ll need to plan for a sunrise session. As the sun rises in the east it crests the hill at McDaniel Farm Park and perfectly illuminates the trees creating a gorgeously diffused backlight scenario (my personal favorite type of lighting) that lights up all the edges of your dog’s coat.

Not only is the light best for sunrise sessions at McDaniel Farm, it’s also one of the only times the park isn’t teeming with people. It’s central location, paved trails, dog parks, and playgrounds makes McDaniel Farm one of the busiest locations I use.

Best for:

• Most dogs, but it can be busy with pedestrians and other leashed dogs.

Best on:

• This location is only suitable on weekday mornings.

Even though I now call my rural Rutledge farmhouse home, Stone Mountain Park has always felt like my home park. Growing up you could see the famous granite outcropping from the street just in front of my parent’s home.

Stone Mountain Park covers 3,200 acres and is Georgia’s most visited attraction, which means it can be very busy, especially on weekends. The best place to photograph dogs at Stone Mountain Park is by the Gristmill – especially in the fall. The Gristmill area features an old grist mill (surprise) & waterwheel, stone pathways, stairs, & short walls, a small stream for splashing, and a short tree lined walkway. Stairs are required to get from the parking area to the areas we photograph in.

Stone Mountain Park does require a photography permit for us to use their space, so several weeks notice is required to book.

Best for:

• Most dogs, but there are usually additional people and children around.

Best on:

• Best on weekday mornings with a required permit.

Piedmont Park

You can’t talk about photography in Atlanta without talking about Piedmont Park. 189 acres of beautiful park nestled right in the city limits of Atlanta, Piedmont Park is iconic and ideal if you want to have some of the Atlanta skyline in the background of your photos.

Piedmont Park features lots of grassy areas, mature trees, a pond with a fountain & gazebo, and gorgeous stone steps & walls.

Piedmont Park is an urban park, and it’s always busy with people and other dogs. There are cars traveling along the streets outside the park, bicyclists, joggers, scooters, sports, and more all happening which can be overwhelming for dogs not used to the bustle of the city.

Best for:

• Most dogs, but it is an urban area that is busy with pedestrians and other leashed dogs.

Best on:

• Best on weekday mornings or winter afternoons.