Choosing the right location can completely change the feeling of your photos. Whether you’re planning family portraits, engagement photos, maternity photos, couples sessions, or a proposal, Windsor and Essex County have so many beautiful outdoor spots to choose from.


Here are some of my favorite locations, along with the best time of day to photograph at each one.

Assumption Park


Best time: 1–2 hours before sunset


Located along the Detroit River, Assumption Park is one of my favorite choices when you want that unmistakable Windsor backdrop. The river, waterfront pathways, sculptures, and Ambassador Bridge create a beautiful mix of natural and urban scenery.


Best for: Couples, engagements, proposals, families and romantic portraits.


My favorite time: Late afternoon into golden hour. Starting about 1–2 hours before sunset gives us time to use the softer light along the waterfront before finishing with warmer light and the bridge in the background.


Photography tip: Sunset is especially beautiful here because the open waterfront gives us room to work with the changing sky and reflections.

Couple in white outfits holding hands walking through lush green wildflower meadow on a sunny day.

Malden Park


Best time: 1–2 hours before sunset


Malden Park is one of the most versatile locations on my list. With rolling hills, open fields, trails, ponds and elevated viewpoints, there are plenty of options for a session with variety.


Best for: Couples, families, maternity, engagement sessions and larger groups.


My favorite time: Late afternoon into golden hour.


The open areas can get beautiful, warm light as the sun gets lower, while the higher viewpoints can give us a gorgeous wide view of Windsor and Detroit.


Photography tip: If you want those dreamy golden-hour photos with lots of open space, I recommend scheduling your session about 90 minutes before sunset.


Couple dancing playfully in a snowy winter forest clearing, wearing casual winter clothes among bare trees.

Ojibway Park


Best time: Early morning or 1–2 hours before sunset


If you’re looking for something natural, peaceful and a little more adventurous, Ojibway is a beautiful choice. The area features a mix of woodland, savanna, prairie and trails, giving us several different natural backdrops in one location.


Best for: Families, couples, maternity, lifestyle sessions and nature-inspired portraits.


My favorite time: Early morning for quieter trails and soft, gentle light, or late afternoon when the light becomes warmer.


Photography tip: I especially love the softer light filtering through the trees toward the end of the day. Since much of the area is naturalized, comfortable walking shoes are a good idea.


Ojibway’s natural areas are open from dawn to dusk, and visitors should stay on authorized trails.

Couple embracing outdoors near a tree with baby clothes on a clothesline, with a serene lake and green lawn in background.

Goose Bay Park


Best time: 1–1.5 hours before sunset


Goose Bay is a quieter waterfront location along the Detroit River. It has a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere than some of Windsor’s busier waterfront parks.


Best for: Couples, proposals, families, maternity and candid lifestyle sessions.


My favorite time: Late afternoon through sunset.


The waterfront setting works beautifully when the sun is lower, giving us softer light and a more romantic atmosphere.


Photography tip: This is a great option if you want waterfront photos without the larger feel of some of Windsor’s main riverfront locations.

Couple sitting in a vibrant flower field at golden hour, woman in white dress smiling warmly at her partner.

Jackson Park


Best time: Morning or late afternoon


Jackson Park is a classic Windsor location, especially if you love gardens, flowers, fountains and beautifully landscaped scenery. The park is also one of Windsor’s popular wedding photography locations.


Best for: Families, couples, maternity, engagement sessions and wedding portraits.


My favorite time: Morning for softer, cleaner light, or late afternoon when the sun becomes less intense.


Unlike a wide-open waterfront location, parts of Jackson Park can give us more controlled backgrounds, making it a great choice when you want colorful gardens and greenery to be the focus.


Photography tip: If flowers are important to your session, the best backdrop can change throughout the growing season, so I recommend choosing the location based on what’s blooming when you book.

Willistead Manor


Best time: Late afternoon or morning


For something elegant and timeless, Willistead is hard to beat. The historic manor, mature trees, pathways and formal gardens create a completely different look from Windsor’s waterfront locations.


Best for: Engagements, couples, maternity, wedding portraits and elegant family sessions.


My favorite time: Late afternoon for softer light and beautiful depth among the trees.


The surrounding Willistead Park also provides plenty of greenery and shaded areas, while the architecture gives us a more sophisticated editorial feel.


Important: Photography in the general Willistead Park is free and first-come, first-served. However, Paul Martin Gardens at Willistead Manor requires a reservation and an additional fee for wedding photography.

Silhouette of a romantic couple standing together on a beach at sunset with glowing orange sky.

Lakeview Park West Beach 🌊


Best time: 1–1.5 hours before sunset


If you’re looking for a true beach session without leaving Essex County, Lakeview Park West Beach in Lakeshore is a beautiful option. The sandy shoreline and Lake St. Clair create a relaxed summer feel that works especially well for couples and families.


Best for: Families, couples, maternity, engagements and summer portraits.


My favorite time: Late afternoon into sunset.


Beach sessions generally look best when the sun is lower, creating softer skin tones and warmer light while avoiding the harsh overhead sun of midday.


Photography tip: I recommend starting about 60–90 minutes before sunset so we can capture a mixture of bright beach portraits, candid walking photos and softer golden-hour images near the end.

Lakeside Park, Kingsville


Best time: 1–1.5 hours before sunset


Lakeside Park is one of my favorite options in Kingsville for a relaxed, romantic outdoor session. Located along the shores of Lake Erie, the park offers a beautiful mix of waterfront scenery, greenery, gardens, walking paths, and its charming white gazebo. 


Best for: Couples, engagements, families, maternity and proposals.


My favorite time: Late afternoon into golden hour. The waterfront becomes especially beautiful as the sun gets lower, and sunset sessions here can have a warm, dreamy feel. 


Photography tip: Start about 60–90 minutes before sunset so we have time to explore the gardens and pathways before finishing by the lake. The gazebo and waterfront give us two distinct looks without needing to leave the park.


Location: 315 Queen Street, Kingsville, Ontario. 

What’s the Best Time for Outdoor Photos?


As a general rule, early morning and late afternoon are my favorite times for outdoor photography.


For most of these locations, I prefer scheduling sessions approximately 1–2 hours before sunset. This gives us time to start with softer directional light and gradually move into golden hour.


Morning sessions can also be beautiful, especially for families with young children or locations like Ojibway where a quieter atmosphere is part of the appeal.


Midday isn’t necessarily off-limits, but the sun is usually stronger and higher, which can create harsher shadows and brighter highlights. If midday is the only time that works for your schedule, I’ll choose the best available areas of shade and position you accordingly.