Whether you’re looking for a professional photoshoot to capture your most treasured occasions or simply looking to dress up your social media feed, these 5 Hudson Valley photoshoot locations provide the most amazing natural backgrounds for all your photos. The Hudson Valley has no shortage of beautiful spots, and there are certainly tons out there for you to discover, but my top picks as a professional photographer will check all the boxes for outdoor photoshoot locations to make sure you get the perfect shot every time. Feel free to check them out and let me know what you think!
Storm King Mountain and Art Center
Storm King Mountain’s views of the Hudson River are truly unmatched, especially in the Fall. This prime Hudson Valley photoshoot location located in Cornwall has tons of spots for photo ops, with views of the Hudson River at every turn and trees with foliage that make the 3-mile hike worthwhile. If hiking isn’t your thing, don’t worry; there’s still plenty for you to do at Storm King. In addition to the mountain views, there’s an art center featuring pieces from local artists that make a perfect background for all of your photos.
Check out Sean over at Mountain Hiking for a great guide and hiking trails!
Little Stony Point
When it comes to Hudson Valley photoshoot locations with incredible natural lighting and a landscape that makes it nearly impossible to take a bad photo, Little Stony Point in Cold Spring is the best of the best. If romantic sunset photos are on your checklist, don’t overlook this gem. Don’t let the word “little” fool you… though the beach may be small, it’s filled to the brim with charm. The serene shoreline is nature at its finest.. so relax and take in some of the best views the Hudson Valley has to offer.
Check out our friends over at Hudson Valley Happenings for great content on the Hudson Valley!
Schunnemunk Mountain
Schunnemunk Mountain and the state park surrounding it are located in New Windsor. Complete with open fields covered in wildflowers and babbling brooks with waterfalls, Schunnemunk is a nature lover’s dream. The trail up the mountain meanders through grassy hills and meadows, past huge shady pines with the silhouette of the railroad bridge in the background. Keep heading up the trail and you’ll find steady streams with tranquil waterfalls that trickle down the landscape… it’s about as picture-perfect as you can get!
Long Dock Park
Nestled into the banks of the Hudson River in Beacon, you will find Long Dock Park. Long Dock’s intentional design gets you as close to the water as you can possibly be, without having to get wet. The dock has a structure that unravels into the lapping waves like stairs, so you are truly surrounded by the river in all its glory. If you’re on the hunt for an outdoor photoshoot location that makes you feel like you are part of the environment, rather than just witnessing it, this is it. Next to the dock is a dirt path that leads to a small cove smothered in driftwood and trees with quirky shapes that make for great photo props!
Orange County Arboretum
Montgomery is home to the Orange County Arboretum, a bright immersive garden that features flowers of every color, stone paths, and attractive art installations that are sure to add that extra wow factor to your photos. Towards the end of November and through to December, the arboretum transforms into a winter wonderland covered in string lights and garden-themed decorations, so this Hudson Valley photoshoot location is a year-round destination for all your outdoor photo needs.
Check out our friends over at the Orange County Arboretum for more info!
If you want to explore these amazing destinations but you’d like to learn more about how to get there, where to park and which trails to take, stop by Hike The Hudson Valley for how-to guides and tips for making your trip the best it can be!