These are the locations I most often recommend for Maison Mae sessions with my former wedding couples. If we’ve celebrated your wedding together, I’d love nothing more than to continue documenting the chapters that follow.

One of the first questions families ask after booking their session is, “Where should we go?”

While there are plenty of beautiful places to take photos around Indianapolis, I’ve found that the best sessions happen in locations I know like the back of my hand. Most of my recommended spots are on the north side of Indianapolis and nearby Pendleton, where I’ve photographed families through every season and in every kind of light. Knowing these locations so well means I can spend less time searching for the perfect backdrop and more time focusing on what matters most: your family.

Whether you’re hoping for peaceful gardens, charming architecture, open fields, or the comfort of home, there’s a location that will fit your story beautifully.

Pendleton

If you’ve never visited Pendleton before, I’d love to welcome you to my hometown. It’s one of the locations I recommend most often because of how much variety we can fit into a single session.

We might begin at Falls Park, where winding trails, a quiet creek, mature trees, and a charming waterfall create a beautiful natural backdrop. From there, we can wander through historic downtown, with its colorful buildings, brick sidewalks, and small-town charm.

If you’d like to add an indoor setting, the natural light studio where I photograph is just steps away. It’s a wonderful way to include timeless indoor portraits alongside the character of downtown and the beauty of the park, all without ever needing to move the car.

After your session, grab a latte from my favorite coffee shop, Falls Perk Coffee House, browse a few local shops, or simply enjoy a slower afternoon together. It’s one of those places that invites you to linger, and I think that’s part of what makes it so special.

Please note that sessions including the studio require a separate studio rental fee, as the space is privately owned and reserved specifically for your session.

Perfect for: Families who want a little bit of everything in one location.

Coxhall Gardens

If you’re looking for timeless, elegant photographs, Coxhall Gardens is one of my favorite recommendations. The wide open lawns, willow trees, and peaceful walking paths create a beautiful setting that feels refined without feeling overly formal. It’s especially lovely in the evening when the light begins to soften, and there’s plenty of space for children to run, play, and simply be themselves.

Perfect for: Families who love classic gardens, open spaces, and a timeless feel.

Village of WestClay

The Village of WestClay has all the charm of a storybook neighborhood. Wide sidewalks, beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and seasonal flowers create a backdrop that feels warm and inviting. It’s a wonderful choice for families who love classic architecture and want photographs that feel relaxed, timeless, and full of personality.

Perfect for: Families looking for a charming, walkable neighborhood with a classic feel.

Earl Grey Fields

If golden hour is your love language, Earl Grey Fields might be your perfect location. Tall grasses, wildflowers, the cutest little green house and wide open skies create an effortless countryside feel that’s both peaceful and romantic. It’s one of my favorite places for families who want their session to feel relaxed, playful, and connected.

Perfect for: Sunset sessions, young families, and anyone dreaming of flower filled backdrop.

At Home

Sometimes the most meaningful location isn’t a park at all.

It’s the nursery where you’ve spent months preparing for your baby’s arrival. The living room where your toddler insists on reading the same book every night. The front porch where everyone gathers after dinner. Home has a way of preserving the little details that quietly become the ones you’ll miss someday.

Some of my favorite family photographs have been made without leaving the driveway.

Perfect for: Newborn sessions, cozy mornings, and families who want to remember this season exactly as it is.

Choosing the Right Location

If you’re not sure which location feels like the best fit, don’t worry. That’s one of my favorite parts of the planning process.

We’ll talk about your family’s personalities, the ages of your children, the season of the year, and the overall feeling you’re hoping your photographs will have. From there, I’ll help you choose a location that feels natural and authentic to your family.

Because the best backdrop isn’t always the most famous one.

It’s the place where your family can simply be together.