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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There are certain places that just make everything easier.

The light falls right. The space feels calm. The family relaxes without even realizing it. 

I have been thinking a lot lately about the locations I keep coming back to, and what it is about them that works. Some are outdoors with gorgeous natural canopy and soft, open light. Some are quieter, more tucked away. Some I discovered by accident and now I wouldn't trade them.

What they all have in common is this: they feel true to the families I photograph here in Tallahassee and the surrounding area. Unhurried. Warm. Real. Give me all the "old Florida" vibes.

Swipe through to see a few of my favorites right now. Do you have a favorite spot around Tallahassee, or somewhere nearby that means something to your family? I would genuinely love to hear it - drop it in the comments or send me a message. I am always looking to grow this list.

Seen here are Goodwood Museum and Gardens, St. Theresa, Summer Camp Beach, Park Avenue Chain of Parks, and Dorothy B. Oven Park.
That’s not a filter. That’s the finish.

Editing isn’t about fixing something that went wrong, it’s the last step in creating the image. The light, the color, the feeling. It all comes together in the edit.

Raw files are a little like unfinished film negatives. They’re where we start, not where we land. What you receive is the image as it was always meant to look.

This is the part of the work I genuinely love. And it shows up in every single image I deliver.

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