It's about that time of year when couples begin to think of what they might want to do for their engagement session. Where should they go, when should they go? Well allow me to introduce one of my very favorite places to take engagement photos in Central, MA: Doyle Conservation Area.
Doyle Conservation Area in Leominster, MA is a stunning, free park and trail system. There is a one mile loop from the parking lot that brings you past many scenic spots that are perfect to get a variety of photos in your session! Below are examples of photos from my favorite spots throughout the area at Doyle Conservation.
I know that seasonal elements and conditions are important when choosing a location for engagement photos. So I've captioned each photo with the date the photos were taken! That way, if you like the way the trees / flowers / anything looks, you can reference the date to hopefully choose a timeframe you like best for your photos. Of course, sometimes spring comes early / fall comes late, so it's hard to totally judge what the park will look like for each season.
For the most part, the order of these photos follows the same order you'd see the landscape when doing the loop around the park. For this first spot below, you'll arrive to the area after crossing the road. You'll arrive at long grass once you walk up the hill. This is a great spot for some golden hour photos with amazing light if the conditions are right.
Long grass on the side of the trail:
Then, when you keep walking along the paved pathway, it'll turn to gravel and you'll be sandwiched between tall trees. Not all of these are taken on the same spot on the trail. Some are off of the parking lot the other direction, some are at the end of the trail, etc. But I've grouped them all together anyways for category sake.
Pathway between the trees:
Eventually, the path opens up to a cute little offshoot that has a bridge and a wooden bench with a pond next to it.
On the bench near the pond:
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The boardwalk begins right by the little offshoot with the bridge. This is my FAVORITE part of the park!!! I just love the symmetry the boardwalk can create as well as the leading lines, and how the trees hang over the planks in some seasons. The light here is always fantastic.
On the wooden boardwalk:
At both ends of the boardwalk there is an opening to a field. Sometimes the field is completely overtaken by weeds / long grass, and some times it's mowed short. It looks totally different but it's important to embrace whatever the park throws at us because it's all beautiful.
In the open field / in the weeds:
In the spring there are so many beautiful flowers in bloom! It's worth it to go a little extra ways off the path back to the parking lot to discover the colors. The below photos were taken May 17, 2021.
When the flowers are in bloom:
On the pathway back to the parking lot you'll see a stone wall next to the road. This is usually the very last place the sun touches in the park, so it's a good spot to grab the remaining glow before the sun sets.
At the stone wall:
You need to cross back across the road to get back to your car. I thought this shot was pretty cool!
In the middle of the road:
Then if you're up for it, we could always take some unique dusk photos with your car headlights!! I like this option for those who really love their truck, Jeep, etc.
With your car headlights:
What's your favorite spot from the areas provided? Do you have a favorite spot that I didn't list? If you want engagement / family photos at Doyle Conservation Area, contact me! hello@tamaramerriphotography.com
xo,
Tam
Tamara Merri Photography
www.tamaramerriphotography.com
hello@tamaramerriphotography.com
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