Hey there, milspouse photographer! If you’re getting ready for an assignment at Fort Sill, then this location guide is for you. Randi Schuette is sharing all about her experience running her business in this Lawton, OK Photography Spotlight. Keep reading for her favorite spots to shoot and some other local knowledge!

What are your top three favorite locations for sessions? Briefly share about each.

Mt. Scott

This is an iconic spot in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. The sunsets are gorgeous at the top, and you can easily drive to the top of the mountain. There’s an accessible parking lot with trails and rocky paths to explore. I think this is a great spot for small families and seniors. Because there are rocky pathways, I don’t recommend this for larger families or little ones.

Lower Parking Lot of Mt. Scott

As you exit back down Mt. Scott, you can take a right and follow the road until the first road on your right. It will lead you to an accessible parking lot and open field with Mt. Scott in the background. This is a great location to view the wildflowers that peak from May to June. I recommend this location for extended family sessions since there is accessible parking for any elderly family members and little ones.

Jed Johnson Trailhead

This is another great spot to view the wildflowers in the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge. There is an accessible parking lot and a dirt trail with fields on both sides as you walk. If you continue on this trail there are shaded areas and lake views too. This is great option for families with little ones.

Are there any particularly busy seasons for photographers in this area? Any events an incoming photographer should know about?

Wildflower season (May and June) usually has the most traffic. This time of year is when summer is starting to arrive but it isn’t too hot out yet. The road to Mt. Scott often closes if there is a bad storm and part of the road gets damaged, or if there are icy conditions. The lower parking lot (location #2 above) is a great backup location if the road is closed the day of your session.

What should an incoming photographer know about permits in this area?

Photographers must obtain an annual permit for the Wichita Wildlife Refuge. If you email the point of contact in advance before submitting your online application, they have a pre-filled template that you can insert your personal info into and submit. This saves some headache on guessing what details they actually want from photographers. The point of contact has changed in the past, but should be updated at the link above.

What is the biggest piece of advice you’d give to an incoming photographer?

Be respectful and aware of wildlife. There are wild longhorns and bison in the wildlife refuge. Be aware of your surroundings, especially if you’re walking through fields or stepping on rocks since there are rattlesnakes in the area too.

Any other local expertise you’d like to share?

My biggest advice is to obtain your annual permit and be respectful of wildlife. The wildlife refuge is a vast area. These are some of the more accessible locations, but there is beauty all around the refuge. Try to embrace the Oklahoma wind. It can be a headache for styled hair and finding the best direction to shoot, but it can definitely add some beautiful drama to your photos!

Where can other milspouse photographers connect with you?

Website: www.randischuette.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/randi.schuette

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Are you a milspouse photographer interested in contributing? I’d love to have your insight! Please send me an email at erin@erinthompsonphoto.com and I’ll be in touch with the details!

If you enjoyed this Lawton, OK photography spotlight, be sure to check out other featured location guides and tips for moving your business!