Taking photos in ugly locations

A few weeks ago I was driving in the car with my kids and I spotted some beautiful tall grasses. The surroundings weren’t the best, however, the grasses themselves and the trees behind them made a great spot. This gives us a great example of to take beautiful photos in ugly locations as long as you know what to look for. Thankfully, one of my kids was decently dressed and had been wanting me to take some pictures of her with her new doll.

We pulled the car over and hopped out. This is what we saw when we first drove by. Definitely nothing you’d think would be magical.

ugly photo locations

At first glance, this doesn’t look like much, however, those tall grasses are a neutral backdrop and the pine trees in the background were diffusing the setting sun. This little patch as just across the street from District 850.

photos in ugly locations

There was garbage on the ground and cars passing by, but I saw potential. I placed my daughter in one spot that was free from trash. The grasses and pine trees were behind her and we took these photos.

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A few things I am loving lately that are helping me move through the juggling act with a little more sanity:

A single charging base on my nightstand. One cord. One base. Phone, Apple Watch, AirPods... all done. I waited way too long to make that little switch.

And honestly? The Chattanooga trip. Getting out of the daily routine and being intentional about time with my husband reminded me that those moments do not happen on their own. You have to actually put them on the calendar.

What is helping you feel more grounded lately? A mindset shift, a habit, a snack you are unreasonably committed to? Hit reply or drop it in the comments - I am always adding to my list.

Photo credit of me and my little Tilley, taken by @coleykphotography 

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Happening this weekend and then the next event will be this fall. I’d love to see you Sunday at the schoolhouse! Link to book is in bio!
I have a growing list of places around Tallahassee I want to photograph.

Goodwood. The Grove Museum (seriously, how is it that tucked away on North Monroe?). The canopy roads. Wakulla Springs. Florahome-style spots that make you feel like you stumbled onto something.

I want to grow a collection of prints from this area, and I am genuinely curious what spots matter most to you.

What are your favorite places around Tallahassee and the surrounding communities? Drop them below. I want to hear what this place means to the people who live here.

Memberships and Affiliations

Sarah Gray Photography | Professional Photographer of America Member
Sarah Gray Photography | The Motherhood Anthology Member
National Association of Professional Child Photographers Member 2026-2027

Sarah Gray creates timeless and joyful images that are designed for living room walls and photo albums. A tallahassee photographer, Sarah Gray also serves Thomasville, Crawfordville, St. Marks, Gainesville and throughout the Forgotten Coast and panhandle of north Florida and south Georgia.

email us | sarah@sarahgray.com

telephone (850) 321-0208

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located in tallahassee, florida