My Top 7 Outdoor Places for Branding Photography Sessions

The best Vermont locations for branding photos with personality, variety, and natural beauty.

One of my favorite parts of every session is choosing the perfect location to reflect my branding client’s energy, profession, and overall brand vibe and mission. Vermont’s nature + outdoor spaces are just bursting with character and curiosity—whether you’re a creative entrepreneur, wellness coach, outdoor gear maker, or small business owner, there’s a spot that will speak to you and help bring your brand to life through intentional, eye-catching photography. So much of what makes Vermonters Vermonters is our love and stewarding of the beautiful natural landscape that is Vermont.

Here are my top 8 outdoor places for branding photography sessions—each one offers something unique, from lakeside calm to urban hustle, ski slopes to scenic trails.

1. Oakledge Park — For Laid-Back, Golden Hour Lakeside Vibes

If your brand has a chill, grounded, and connected-to-nature feel, Oakledge Park in Burlington is my go-to location for your photo shoot. With direct access to Lake Champlain, lush greenery and sweeping willow trees, and soft golden hour light, it’s ideal for brands that embody calm, creativity, or community.

This spot gives you:

Natural textures: rocky cliffs, sunset cove, forest trails, tree house
Natural blues and greens for your color palettes that pair beautifully with brand colors
Room to move around and be your beautiful self—bring a journal, yoga mat, or even a bike!

Pro tip: Evening sessions here can end with toes in the lake or a cozy blanket wrapped around your shoulders. The vibe? Effortlessly real.

2. Downtown Burlington + Church Street — Urban Energy with Local Charm

For bold, vibrant brands that want to show how much they love their people, community, and a love the thrill of a little hustle and bustle, Downtown Burlington and Church Street can offer a ton of variety and options. The architecture is colorful and historic, the shops and cafes give us texture and story, and the energy is magnetic. Shortly, I love shooting down town!

Think:

Strolling with a cup of your favorite coffee, capturing “in action” business moments
Sitting outside your favorite café or co-working space or in the park
Laughing in front of bold murals or brick buildings for some fun backdrops that will really POP!

Pro tip: Combine this location with a quick walk to the waterfront for a two-in-one branding session.

3. Stowe — Ski Slopes, Mountain Biking Trails, and Adventure-Driven Branding

If adventure is a core part of your brand, Stowe is where the magic happens. Whether you’re brand revolves around skiing, hiking, mountain biking, or any other incredible outdoor activity (boating at the resevoir or basking in the greatness of a waterfall) Stowe offers dramatic backdrops and a whole lot of personality.

Perfect for:

Outdoor coaches and fitness entrepreneurs
Lifestyle brands with a focus on challenge, nature, or transformation
Seasonal storytelling with fall foliage, snow, or summer greens - (this is where our VIP sessions come in handy)
Outdoor gear, clothing, and lifestyle brands

Pro tip: Plan for wardrobe layers and activity-based shots—movement looks amazing in this landscape.

4. Burlington Bike Path — Movement, Joy, and Scenic Backdrops

Want your brand to feel fun, light, and in motion? The Burlington Bike Path gives us clean lines, open sky, and that “on the go” energy that’s perfect for entrepreneurs who want to show lifestyle, wellness, family values, or momentum. There's also a good amount of urban elements ot play with

This location is ideal for:

Coaches, creatives, and small business owners
Lifestyle shots of walking, biking, or chatting on the phone
Pet-friendly content or shoots with families in tow

Pro tip: The path connects to Oakledge, so we can mix and match scenes without changing locations.

5. Lake Champlain — Iconic Views and Emotional Depth

There’s something powerful about branding photos taken with Lake Champlain as the second subject. It adds an emotional air, timeless beauty, and a deep sense of grounding and peace. Whether you’re standing at the edge of the water interacting with it's beauty or using it as a backdrop, this lake tells a story of calm, confidence, and clarity- the perfect way for someone to describe your brand.

Perfect for:

Brands that lead with vision and purpose
Creatives who want a quiet, grounded feel
Entrepreneurs in a season of growth, clarity, or reinvention

Pro tip: Bring a blanket, journal, and some clothes to layer for the shoot. I also LOVE bringing out the drone for these shoots, so remember to ask about that during your discovery call!

6. Shelburne Farms — Historic Beauty Meets

Natural Wonder

Shelburne Farms feels like stepping into another world- it is truly breathtaking no matter how many times you've visited. With its winding gravel paths, elegant and majestic barns, simply insane mountain views (the ADKs and the Greens), and lake access, it’s ideal for brands that value storytelling, sustainability, or rustic charm. There’s a ton of variety here—from the gorgeous manicured gardens to wide-open fields. And if you're lucky, you might even get to see the cows and sheep.

This location works beautifully for:

Artisans, chefs, and makers
Luxury or heritage-inspired brands
Creatives who want a polished-meets-pastoral vibe with an elegant air.

Pro tip: Early morning and late afternoon light here is soft and dreamy, especially near the barn or gardens.

7. Wheeler Nature Park — Woodsy and Wild with Stunning Sunset Views

Tucked away in South Burlington, Wheelner Nature Park offers peaceful fielded and wooded trails and overlooks of the Green Mountains that just make for a stunning backdrop. If your brand connects with introspection, the outdoors, or earthy vibes, this is your spot.

This park is great for:

Brands with a wellness, yoga, or retreat focus// dancers + farmers
Thought leaders or authors who want space and serenity in their visuals
Entrepreneurs who want earthy tones and moody light
Business encouraging outdoor family place + education

Pro tip: If you have the, there is so much to explore here- sweeping views, forested creeks, and beautiful meadow wildflowers!

Bonus Tips for Outdoor Branding Sessions:

Dress in or bring layers so you can switch up your look quickly.
Bring meaningful props—think laptop, journal, products, or tools of your trade. Think hats, scarves, etc.
Plan around light: Early morning or golden hour gives us the best and most beautiful light and will have an incredible impact.
Trust the space: The right location will make your brand feel so authentically like you!!

Final Thoughts

Vermont’s landscapes aren’t just beautiful—they’re deeply connected to who we are as creatives, entrepreneurs, and brand-builders. Whether you're lakeside at Oakledge, climbing a trail in Stowe, or walking downtown with a latte in hand, your location should match your magic.

Want help choosing the right one? I’m here for it. Let’s chat about your brand, your goals, and what setting will help you shine.