Every fashion student knows the importance of a good photoshoot location. Locations often become the main character in a shoot and give life to an otherwise boring picture. Fortunately, Atlanta has many amazing locations that are easy to get to and most of the locations listed on this list can be walked to from SCAD Atlanta.
SCAD Fash Lawn
This location is right here in the main building of SCAD and it has to be one of my favorites. You get to this spot by going to the parking lot of the main SCAD building and going to the fourth floor. Parking is free and always available. The lawn looks out to all of Midtown and Downtown Atlanta, and the view is simply spectacular. The ground is turf grass so it is really soft and you don’t have to worry about getting your equipment dirty. The lighting is always beautiful up there, with it being stunning during sunset, early morning, and late night. The roof is also usually empty so you don’t have to worry about a crowd.
High Museum of Art
The High Museum is a great location for photoshoots, both outside and inside. The outside white facade and gates always prove to be a great backdrop for any photoshoot. It provides for a strong modern juxtaposition with my images and makes them pop. If you end up going inside to visit, I would also recommend taking pictures throughout the museum and the spiral ramp up. It is usually pretty empty and there is street parking available. This is not a good location for a shoot with multiple people because you want to be respectful of the museum and its quietness.
First Church of Christ, Scientist
The front entrance and steps of this church are absolutely gorgeous and provide a great backdrop for images that you want to be more opulent and classic. There is parking available on the street or you can park at the Colony Square parking near it. I have never really seen anyone at the church so it is pretty empty usually. I would not bring too many models to shoot here because we do not want to disrespect the location. The lighting and shadows here are always very interesting no matter the time of day, and some of my favorite pictures were taken here.
The Windsor at Midtown
The Windsor is an apartment complex located right behind SCAD Show. There is street parking available, or you can park at Colony Square. The courtyard area has some great architecture that I have loved taking pictures in. The white elements and columns always make my pictures extremely classy. No one has ever asked me to leave but this location might not work for a large photoshoot.
Peachtree St. NE
This entire street is just a goldmine for taking pictures. This is approximately a 15-minute walk from SCAD. The above locations are on this walk, among so many others. This street is always very quiet and relatively safe. Parking is available on the street and easy to find. The Atlanta Symphony and High Museum and both on this road and it ends at Colony Square. The walk consists of a lot of greenery, old churches and beautiful apartment buildings and hotels. My friend and I would go on a walk there every week to try and take pictures in different locations.
All the above locations were found by mistake while I was exploring. All the locations are walkable and are safe to take pictures at. I recommend going away from your usual route (within reason, to maintain your safety) and see what you can find. The most unexpected locations often prove to have the most character.
