Chattanooga Photo Spots – Free and Cheap Locations

In today’s blog, I’m going to dive into some of my favorite free Chattanooga photo spots. Chattanooga is known as the Scenic City for a reason! There are so many beautiful outdoor spaces and parks throughout the Chattanooga area. So it makes sense that local Chattanoogans and visitors love to get family portraits outside when the weather permits.

If you are considering updated family portraits, a senior session, or maternity session, let’s chat! I love working with clients to design a timeless, joy-filled, low stress photography session that produces images you will treasure for years to come.

1. Coolidge Park – Chattanooga Photo Spots

I can’t think of a more iconic Chattanooga location than Coolidge Park. With it’s to blue bridges and paths that curve along the Tennessee River, there are many photo worthy locations within this park. A great variety of ornamental trees offer blooms and color throughout the spring and fall. Ample parking can typically be found (much of it is paid parking, but there are a few free spots if you know where to look). Even if iconic views of Chattanooga don’t interest you, next door Renaissance Park offers a more wooded, natural feel. Occasionally Coolidge Park hosts events and festivals, so it is worth checking the city calendar before planning to use this free Chattanooga photo spot.

2. Greenway Farms

For a more rural feel, check out Greenway Farms in Hixson. It offers large open spaces, wooded paths, and a walkway along a creek with iron bridges. If your client is up for a hike, there’s also an old quarry that can offer an interesting backdrop. Greenway Farms has plenty of free parking. This space also hosts occasional events, so check the calendar before scheduling a session here.

3. The Riverwalk

The Chattanooga Riverwalk spans over 16 miles. In recent years, connector trails like the North and South Chickamauga Creek Extensions have been added. There are so many little scenic gems along this trail. However, some sections are heavily trafficked by bicyclists and runners on the weekend and during the evenings. If planning a session with young children, it would be best to schedule the session during a less populated time or on a less populated section of the trail.

4. Downtown Chattanooga

The city itself offers many beautiful areas that are certainly picture worthy. West Village, Aquarium Way, Ross’ Landing and the Hunter Museum are particularly pedestrian friendly. While the Bluff View Art District is a stunning setting, do note that a paid permit is required for photography sessions there; so it doesn’t make the list of free Chattanooga photo spots.

5. Heritage Park

East of the city, near Hamilton Place Mall sits Heritage Park. This quaint little park features a charming small creek, covered bridge, and several open meadows. There is plenty of parking in both paved and gravel lots. Many of the photo areas are situated close to the parking. The park is fairly level making it a fairly accessible option.

Free Chattanooga Photo Spots Outside the City

If you aren’t opposed to driving outside of the city, Chickamauga Battlefield and Raccoon Mountain are also worth considering.

Top Chattanooga Photo Locations for Families

While the locations above work for the general population, it can be a little more difficult to choose a spot for photos if you’re a young family. However, there are so many options! In this section, I’ll share with you my top family locations, with the hopes that it will bring some clarity to your decision.

In general, I think it’s very important that it be a space that is generally accessible and family friendly. It should be away from heavily trafficked streets or dangerous terrain if young children are involved. We want you kiddos to be free to run and explore! This high comfort level results in some of the most joyful and genuine photos.

Light SO important when picking photo locations!

If you’ve spent much time with a photographer, you’ve probably heard us making comments about “the light”. We’re weird, I know. But once you learn to identify “good light”, it’s a part of your brain that just kind of stays on. Light has a huge impact on the feel and look of photography. Every photographer has his or her specific preferences.

I personally like bathing my subjects in soft, even light. I find it to be very flattering for my subjects and it creates a warm, dreamy effect that I can’t get enough of. Some photographers prefer brighter, more direct lighting. I say this, because the locations identified below are ones where I have found light in line with my preferences. The “golden hours” or hour before sunset and hour after sunrise are my favorite times to schedule sessions on sunny days. Keep that in mind as you are perusing my list below. For example, taking photos at Greenway Farm at high noon will create a different result from photos taken at sunset. If you have already hired a photographer, be sure to collaborate with them on locations to make sure they are in line with their typical style.

1. Stroll Favorite Park or Path

Chattanooga has so many wonderful parks and paths sprinkled throughout the city, most of them with free entry and some with free parking.  Consider selecting a park your family frequents regularly. This can automatically put your family in a more relaxed state, ready for genuine, natural pictures. Parks like Coolidge Park, Renaissance Park, the Riverwalk and Ross’ Landing offer a more manicured, city feel. Reflection Riding, Chester Frost, Greenway Farm, and Heritage Park are all great options for a more rural backdrop. 

2. Hang Out at your Favorite Urban Spot

Our city has a lot to offer in terms of pedestrian friendly areas and beautiful architecture. The iconic Walnut Street Bridge is always a classic option. Consider checking out the recently revitalized West Village. While you’re hitting up the town, are there any favorite local businesses you’d love to incorporate? I’m always up for munching on a doughnut from Julie Darling or indulging in some mint chocolate chunk from Clumpies.

3. Head to the Mountains

Our area has lots of beautiful elevations to incorporate into your photographs! While we do have to take special care if there are little ones involved in our session, Point Park (there is a permit required for photographers, which is included in your session fee with me), Cloudland Canyon (a parking permit is required here) and Craven’s House are all lovely options.

4. Visit a local farm

There are SO many beautiful farms and rural areas a very short drive from downtown Chattanooga. If you are scheduling a session for the summer, there are local farms with flower fields that will allow rentals as a Chattanooga photo locations. Smith Perry Berry has blooming sunflowers in July. Flat Top Mountain Farm has stunning zinnias during the late summer and early fall. Lookout Lavendar usually blooms in June. Check out this post to see some of my favorite blooms and their general timeframe. (NOTE: Many farms do charge a small fee for photoshoots. I personally don’t charge my clients extra for these fees, but keep in mind that these locations aren’t totally FREE if you’re booking with someone else.)

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