Hey there, I’m Sydnee! Welcome to the Scoutshare newsletter. 🥹
I’m a full-time graphic designer based in Chattanooga and I’ve been a freelance photographer for about 11 years now (weddings, products, couples, creative portraits, you name it). I love the outdoors, creating art, writing music, and connecting with the community. I’ve had Scoutshare - what will be the go-to tool in every photographers’ toolkit for finding photoshoot locations - on my back burner since 2023 and I’m happy to have you a part of it as I build it.
My goal with this newsletter is to provide free and paid resources to our photography community here in Chattanooga that help us grow. In addition, I plan on sharing stories, celebrating wins, and more insightful information that helps uplift each other too.
Any feedback and ideas are always welcome - I want to write content that has true value for you all. Would also love to grab coffee sometime to meet more of you! 🙂↔️
I hope you enjoy the very first Scoutshare newsletter. Happy scouting. :)
- Sydnee
5 Mid-Summer Photoshoot Locations Around Chattanooga, TN
1. Chickamauga Battlefield
A local favorite spot that you probably already know, I love the Battlefield because of how bright and spacious it always is. Even on gloomy days, it still provides pretty trails to use as a backdrop. Chickamauga Battlefield is located in Fort Oglethorpe, GA, just 15 minutes south of Chattanooga down Rossville Blvd.
Cost: Free!
Accessibility: Tons of walkable trails and roads with wide enough walkways to be handicapped-accessible.
Features: A diverse trail system with fields, forests, and open spaces.
Great for families, senior portraits, and creative portraits.
Other things to know: There are often bicycle races, running groups and other events that take place here throughout the year, so just be mindful of those as far as parking and road closures go!
2. Coolidge Park
Coolidge Park never disappoints and there are so many spots throughout the park that makes the space so versatile. I highly recommend not only shooting on the sidewalk under the shade overlooking the water, but on the trail into the part with the forest to play around with too. Using the carousel and the gorgeous magnolia trees (when in bloom) would be pretty too for your backdrops!
Cost: Free! No permits needed.
Accessibility: Super accessible via wheelchair-friendly sidewalks.
Features: Sidewalks lined with pretty trees, river backdrop, trails through the small forested park, the carousel, the bridge in the background, and the neighboring historic brick buildings shouldn’t be overlooked either!
Great for families, senior portraits, professional headshots, and couples shoots.
Other things to know: Be mindful of events going on at Coolidge as the parking lots and traffic can get super hectic. The Walnut Street Walking Bridge is also closed until late 2026 for renovations.
3. Chestnut St. Parking Garage
Another one that’s popular for an urban vibe but always a goodie. Depending on when you go, you might catch the golden rays hitting off of the Westin windows. The entrance is on Pine street and you’ll want to drive up to the top for the best views, but make sure to park out of your own shots’ way or park on the 2nd level from the top to ensure an empty lot!
Cost: <$5 each car | No permits needed.
Accessibility: Pretty easy to navigate with plenty of room for wheelchairs on the top level and throughout.
Features: Typically a pretty empty lot up top with 360-degree views of Lookout Mountain and the city skyline!
Great for senior portraits, professional headshots, editorials, and couples shoots.
Other things to know: There are a ton of other great, walkable locations to shoot at which makes this one so awesome and centrally located. Around the corner is the Umbrella Alley, historical buildings like The Read House, and more.
senior portraits by Sydnee Cearlock
4. UTC Campus
Okay, hear me out….UTC is not just for senior portraits! 🫣 The campus is so versatile for professional headshots and even couples shoots too. I recommend the area between Founders Hall and the Chapel - with a big open green space and little corners in the courtyard, at the chapel doors, and under the big trees. Explore the campus and you’ll find unique staircases, door ways, and more.
Cost: Free! | No permit needed. Especially during the summer/holiday breaks.
Accessibility: Not super accessible for those who may be handicapped - there is a long, steep staircase as the main entrance and a short hill to walk up.
Features: Open space with trees that bloom in the spring, a courtyard, architectural-heavy spaces, and great shady spots for optimal lighting.
Great for senior portraits, professional headshots, and couples portraits.
5. First Presbyterian Church
Just down the block and across the street from the UTC location above, the grand steps of the First Presbyterian Church are just begging to be used for photoshoots. Though it’s a tight space with the street being right there, there’s some versatility with the pillars, the steps, and the framing of the doors. Great for some variety and brightness without going far!
Cost: Free! | No permit needed. I haven’t shot on a Sunday, so I’m not sure how busy it gets during service.
Accessibility: This a staircase, so I don’t recommend for those shooting clients who are in wheelchairs to use this space.
Features: Huge marble pillars, historical-yet-modern vibe, and a wide staircase.
Great for senior portraits and professional headshots.
What locations do you want to see next?
Interested in submitting your images for me to feature in the newsletter?
It’s a win-win! For upcoming newsletters, I’ll be featuring local photographers' work for each location - meaning you’ll get free exposure to all of the audience subscribed. Credit will be given under your image & readers will be able to click to visit your website!
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