Hey there, milspouse photographer! If Peoria ANG is your next assignment, this location guide is for you. Victoria Mendoza has scoped out the best spots the area has to offer. Keep reading for her local expertise in this Peoria, IL Photography Spotlight!

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

Donovan Park

In the heart of Peoria, this former golf course is the perfect spot for any kind of session. Set over a sprawling 5 acres, there’s always a new spot to discover. This park gets gorgeous light in the late afternoon, but is absolutely a hot spot for local photographers.

Fall is definitely the busiest time of year at Donovan Park. Not only does the city host a variety of events here, but it’s the go-to spot for high school dance photos. If you opt to host fall mini sessions here, you will absolutely be fighting with photographers for prime spots. I recommend checking the calendar before booking sessions in the fall!

Luthy Botanical Gardens

A quiet spot near Glen Oak Park, the Peoria Zoo, and the Peoria Playhouse, the botanical gardens are a suitable spot if you shoot in the morning or mid-day. The gardens are open from 10am-5pm every day and are free to enter. There is always a beautiful location, no matter the season. You can also photograph in the greenhouse, making it a fabulous back-up option in case of rain.

There is a $50 fee each time you photograph here, or you can buy a yearly pass for $250.

Studios

We have a variety of studios in the area! The Studio on Sampson in Tremont, Archive Studios in Morton, and The Studio at Grand Prairie are all favorites of mine. They each have a different vibe, but all of them offer a classic white backdrop and the option to add on colored backdrops. These are wonderful options for the cold and snowy Illinois winters!

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

Spring and summer are very unpredictable! It rains a lot and there are heavy storms (tornados) often. It’s not uncommon for it to rain for a week or two straight. It starts warming up around April and the latest you can do outdoor sessions is late October/early November.

Of course, there are people who are up for doing photos in the snow! Otherwise, lean into studio and in-home sessions during the cold months.

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

Most areas do not require them, but always check before booking a session somewhere!

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

Be flexible! Have a backup plan for crazy weather changes, or don’t overbook yourself so you have the flexibility to move sessions around.

Where can other milspouse photographers connect with you?

Website: https://www.victoriamendozaphotography.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriamendozaphoto

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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 Peoria, IL photography spotlight, be sure to check out other featured location guides and tips for moving your business!