As a native of Dickson City and where Master Shot Studios is based, I'm always searching for unique and beautiful local areas to take photographs. When I first began photography, I typically only knew of a few places in the Mid-Valley, Valley View, Abington, and Scranton, PA areas to take pictures and have photoshoots without driving too far for stunning scenery. I even provide some maps of how to get to my favorite areas!
Here are five places I enjoy taking photographs that also have the following:
Plenty of parking
Multiple scenes for variety in your photos
Enough space for large groups
Mellow Park in Blakely, PA
Located at 303 Riverside Dr, Peckville, PA 18452, this park has two main entrances. The Riverside Dr. entrance is closest to the bridge overlooking the Lackawanna River. The Keystone Ave. entrance is closest to the various playgrounds and courts.
For photography, I enter the Riverside Dr. parking lot 100% of the time. It limits excessive walking, especially if you a photographing someone who spent time getting ready does not want to sweat while walking far! I'm certain any fellow photographer would agree that they would not want to carry their equipment that far either.
The Riverside Dr. entrance features:
Plenty of parking
Large trees
Bridge
Trails
Wooded area
Lots of greenery in warmer months
However, the Keystone Ave. entrance near 101 Keystone Ave, Peckville, PA 18452 does feature a large gravel area near the river with large rocks. This is the perfect area for larger group shots, senior photos, and more.
The Keystone Ave. entrance features:
Plenty of parking
Large gravel area with rocks near the water
Wooded area
Trails
Tree coverage
Bob Mellow Park is one of my go to locations for beautiful outdoor photography with plenty of greenery, setting a calm and woodsy scene.
Marywood University in Scranton, PA
If the vision you are looking for combines more architectural elements mixed with nature, then the Marywood University campus is your go to. Marywood's address is 2300 Adam's Avenue, Scranton, PA 18509 which is the Sette LaVerghetta Center for the Performing Arts.
From the Arch. to the Rotunda, to the Learning Commons, your photos will have a modern, professional feel. I would recommend this location for professional headshot photoshoots, weddings and engagement photos where the couple is looking for a more industrial and architectural look, and senior portraits.
The Marywood campus features:
Plenty of parking
Various buildings for different styles of photography
Professional feel
Mixed with nature
The Arch
The Marywood Arch featuring the Blessed Mother greets you before you enter the campus from Seminary St. It's strikingly beautiful and is always the go-to place for college graduate photos and selfies. The pillars of the Arch provide a nice background to focus on your subject.
If you would like to enter near the Arch, use 100 Morgan Road to enter the campus.
You will see the Arch as soon as you turn onto Seminary St.
Liberal Arts Center/Rotunda
The Liberal Arts Center is a magnificent building with gorgeous pillars and a grand staircase sure to make for a beautiful backdrop. This is also a great location for group photos.
Learning Commons
Another attractive background is the Learning Commons, which contrasts the stone feel of the Liberal Arts Center and the Arch. Featuring large glass panes, there are plenty of gorgeous shots to capture of your subject.
Hillside Park, Clarks Summit, PA
Hillside Park in Clarks Summit is tucked away off of Route 307 at 1188 Winola Rd, South Abington Township, PA 18411. It's small, but packs a mighty punch for gorgeous photographs.
Hillside Park features:
Plenty of parking
Small area which is not too far to walk
Pond
Mini-boardwalk
Tree coverage
A trail behind the pond within the tree coverage is made out of wooden boards, like a mini-boardwalk. It's incredibly unique and makes for an interesting foreground or backdrop. Great shots could be captured here at sunset with rays of sun beaming through the trees.
Lackawanna State Park in North Abington Township, PA
The Lackawanna State Park is perfect for nature-filled photos, especially during the peak of fall foliage. The park has several entrances off of Route 407 in Abington Township. The address is 1839 N Abington Rd, North Abington Township, PA 18414. However, I frequently enter from Phila-Great Bend Turnpike onto the parks road of Lake View Dr.
There are several parking lots, so it's important to choose a section of the park that features what you would like in your photos so you do not need to walk far.
The Lackawanna State Park features:
Plenty of parking
Quiet and non-crowded areas
Lake
Trails
Wooded areas
Tree Coverage
My favorite area is the first parking lot after the boat launch lot with the mini-bridge tucked away in a patch of forest. This makes for a beautiful, intimate setting, perfect for engagement photos. Throw some battery-operated twinkle lights on the bridge and you'll have a magical backdrop. (Pick them up when you're finished of course!)
Keystone College in La Plume, PA
As an alumnus of Keystone College, this place is near and dear to my heart. It's not only because of my wonderful experience there, but the peaceful and serene nature of the campus location and culture. The college is located at 1 College Rd, La Plume, PA 18440. As you drive through the roads of the campus, there are many places to stop and take great shots. From the Victorian-style buildings on College Road, to the trails near Harris Hall, to the suspension bridge behind the Miller Library, there can be many opportunities for beautiful photos.
Keystone College features:
Plenty of Parking, especially on weekends.
Various styles of buildings
Nature and tree coverage
Suspension Bridge
Quiet
Trails
Suspension Bridge
To get to the suspension bridge, follow College Ave and turn left onto Regina Way. Follow Regina Way all the way down past the dorms. You will eventually drive behand the Miller Library where there is parking. Walk to the trail and the suspension bridge is on the right. You may get butterflies if you are afraid of heights! The wooded area and trails are gorgeous back there.
Why These Places to Take Photos in Scranton, PA? There Are Others.
The Scranton area is filled with gorgeous architecture of the 20th century, especially in the downtown Scranton area near the trainyards and the University of Scranton. I could make a post about places specifically in downtown Scranton to take photos as well. I chose these areas because they each have made an impact on my life and my media skillset. I spent a lot of time during college in the Abingtons, Dalton, and La Plume. I fell in love with the country scenery and serenity it gave me. I felt at ease here, and still do. It's not crowded. These are excellent places to even practice photography or video. These areas are easy to get to and provide lots of spacious room with accessible parking which is why I consider them some of the best places to take photos in Scranton, PA.
About Master Shot Studios
Master Shot Studios based in Scranton, PA has a deeply rooted connection to the local community and spreading positivity about the area. We love to showcase small businesses through video, photo, and marketing. We also offer small business coaching to help the community thrive a feel confident.
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