Planting Fields Arboretum

This image was taken on the grounds of the Planting Fields Arboretum behind the Camellia House. At the Camellia House, you can follow the path either left or right and then circle around to reach the back. Reference the GPS coordinates to help you stay on the path. To get to the Planting Fields Arboretum, you can take a car or the Long Island Rail Road to Oyster Bay, followed by a short car ride to the grounds. By car, follow the Long Island Expressway to Exit 41 North or Northern State Parkway to Exit 35 North. Proceed north on Route 106 towards Oyster Bay. Then, turn left onto 25A Northern Boulevard. Make your first right onto Mill River Road. Follow green & white signs to the Arboretum on Planting Fields Road and you'll have reached your destination. By LIRR: - Closest station: Oyster Bay (via Oyster Bay line)

I recommend visiting the Planting Field Arboretum from April to September. New York can have very cold winter and visiting in the spring and summer months will allow you to capture the flowers in bloom.

The sun won't hit you directly because of the shade from the trees, so you can find similar conditions any time during the day.

Symmetry is an important aspect of this photo. Position yourself, and your model, in the middle of the pathway to emulate a sense of balance.

The trees are a great way to experiment with framing the photo in various ways. Use their natural shape to create depth.

The movement of your model will bring a softness to your photo, as well as breathe some life into the shot. I preferred to have my model in motion, with her skirt swaying, but have your subject try out different poses to see what works best for you.

If you want to take some portraits, get closer to your model and have the background be a bit out of focus. It will create a really beautiful image!

The grounds have beautiful gardens, a Main House, a pool, the Coe Hall Historic House Museum and many other features. If you're making the trip from Manhattan, it's worth it to spend the whole day exploring and taking advantage of all of the photogenic opportunities this location has to offer.