Hey milspouse photographer! I am so excited to share this next location guide with you! Joanie Zipperer has been stationed all over the world with her family. While they have had some amazing adventures, her insight here has me longing for a European assignment. If you are headed to USAG Stuttgart, you don’t want to miss this Stuttgart, Germany photography spotlight. In fact, you might just want to go give Joanie a virtual hug for all the insight she’s sharing!

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

The University of Hohenheim

The University of Hohenheim, located in the small town of Plieningen, is perfect for casual portrait sessions with gorgeous backdrops. Choose your scene: charming buildings with rustic details, grassy fields overlooking the town, tree-lined paths, nature filled ponds, or an array of flowers and trees found in the sprawling campus botanical gardens. Hohenheim is the ideal location for portraits any time of year.

Schloss Solitude

Schloss Solitude is a magnificent location overlooking the town of Ludwigsburg in the distance. The architectural details of this beautiful palace are perfect for couples and seniors. There are grand staircases flanking each side of the palace and the windows and shutters are every photographer’s dream. There is a stable with horses on the grounds as well as a cute cafe area. So many opportunities for variety in your sessions here!

Waiblingen

The town of Waiblingen is the quintessential German village with colorful, half-timbered houses around every corner. Clients love to capture fun memories of their time stationed in Germany with a photo session in a location with details that represent the country’s origins. A quick walk around the town with your clients will deliver a gallery filled with images that remind them of the time they spent living abroad.

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

Honestly, any time of year is perfect for photos in the Stuttgart area. Summer offers warm temperatures and plenty of flowers, the colors of the fall foliage can’t be missed, and if you’re lucky, a blanket of snow will cover the ground at least once during every winter. If there is a slow time, it might be spring when the weather is generally cold and unpredictable and without leaves on the trees everything can seem a bit bleak. If you get creative and look beyond nature you can find locations that are interesting to shoot at, like the Wandelhalle columns in Boblingen.

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

Most public spaces and nature parks do not require permits for sessions. Always be considerate of your surroundings and the people in them, their culture and beliefs.

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

Stuttgart is a large city with so much photographic potential in and around it. You can drive 40 minutes or less in every direction and find one amazing location after another. Get out and explore and give each of your clients the session of a lifetime.

Any other local expertise you’d like to share?

Moving your business to an OCONUS location usually comes with its own set of legal challenges. Always check with the installation regarding operating your business on base and what is required to meet the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) regulations for the country you are stationed in.

Where can other milspouse photographers connect with you?

Website: www.joaniezippererphotography.mypixieset.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/joaniezippererphotography

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