- Elizabeth Park Rose GardensElizabeth Park Rose Garden, Hartford, CT
I've had a few requests to do an event in CT, and at this venue in particular! With over 100 acres including historic structures, gardens, ponds, bridges, greenhouses and flowers, we will have no shortage of subject matter to play with! We're going on a Tuesday night to try to avoid the crowds.
Elizabeth Park is open from sunrise to sunset every day of the year. There is no admission charge, but donations are appreciated, which they accept on their website. Public restrooms are available in the Garmany Visitor Center, located in the Brownstone building off the main parking lot.
Please view the map uploaded in the photos. Plan to park at #7 on the map (Prospect Ave lot) and meet at #4 on the map (John G Martin Foundation Stage). This is a large park with lots of areas to get lost in, so please be on time to meet up with the group so we can move together and start shooting promptly before we begin losing light. If you are running late, please use the chat to indicate your status, but understand you may have to run around a little bit to find us if you arrive late. The park closes at Sunset (roughly around 8).
Model lineup from outside the group as of now includes:
Naramean Aumaree https://www.facebook.com/facebhjkl
Lilian Marques https://www.facebook.com/LillyinUSA
Oleksandra Poliakhova https://www.facebook.com/oleksandra.poliakhova
Meredith Marie https://www.facebook.com/meredith.depaolaminnocci
Ivy Too https://www.instagram.com/ivy.too?igsh=MTdtMjB5cXY1aXQyNw==Outside models are listed as plus ones under me for headcount. Photos are added to the photo section for your reference, in the order listed above.
EVERYONE: Please study the map to get a lay of the land and think about where you may want to shoot. There are rose garden arches, a pond, stone bridges and other features available.
MODELS: I think pretty dresses would be perfect for this one, but if you have something else specific you'd like to wear, you do you! I'm thinking patterns (especially floral) may compete with the gardens. Solid colors are probably best, and I think the colors that roses come in (whites, pinks, and reds) would beautifully compliment the environment without being distracting (see some examples uploaded in the photos). Expect the weather to be warm and dress accordingly for comfort. The grounds are large and sprawling so outfit changes may be out (unless you're really determined to run back and forth to the restrooms). But some easy ways to change up your look might be with layers like a shawl, shrug, cardigan, jacket, or something else that can be taken on and off the outfit. Feel free to bring your significant other along if you want a few romantic couple shots! :-)
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Lug what you're willing to lug but I don't think lighting will be needed for this location/time of day. I'll be rolling just with my flash to use as needed for fill and MAYBE a small reflector.
EVERYONE: Please review the map and website ahead of time to get a lay of the land and think about where you may want to shoot. There are rose garden arches, stone bridges and other features available. Come with ideas and a vision! I'll upload some inspo to the photo section.