Table of Contents:
- Where to Take Pictures at Shelburne Farms
- The Best Shelburne Farms Photo Locations
- Tips for Preparing for Your Shelburne Farms Photo Session
- Shelburne Farms FAQs
Where to Take Pictures at Shelburne Farms
If you’ve ever spent time at Shelburne Farms, you know the magic isn’t flashy — it’s in the little details. The crunch of gravel underfoot, wide-open fields that make you want to kick off your shoes, the quiet history, the way the lake peeks out between trees when you least expect it.
It’s the kind of setting that holds both quiet moments and belly laughs. Perfect for couples who want something meaningful beyond a posed backdrop, or families who want space for their kids to run wild while still ending up with frame-worthy photos.
This guide will walk you through the best Shelburne Farms photo locations, plus everything you need to know about permits, timing, and making your session easy, playful, and memorable.
Why Shelburne Farms is Perfect for Photos
There aren’t many places that can give you gardens, historic barns, open fields, lake and moutain views, and trails all within a short walk or drive. That’s the beauty of Shelburne Farms — variety without overwhelm. You can move between locations quickly, which keeps little kids engaged and allows couples to get a mix of soft, romantic images and playful, real-life moments.
A Quick History of Shelburne Farms (and Why You Should Care)
Before it became one of Vermont’s most beloved photo backdrops, Shelburne Farms was built as a working estate with a vision. Established in the late 1800s by the Webb family — descendants of William Henry Vanderbilt — the property was designed to be both beautiful and productive.
[Fun fact: At the center of that vision was Electra Havemeyer Webb, the first “Electra.” Generations later, I photographed the wedding of the fifth Electra — her great-great-granddaughter — right here on the property her family built. It felt a little like time folding in on itself: one family’s legacy woven through fields that have witnessed centuries of stories.]
The estate stretched across the shores of Lake Champlain, with rolling fields, grand barns, and intentional landscaping that still shapes the experience of walking its trails today. The Coach Barn and Farm Barn aren’t just gorgeous buildings — they’re pieces of history, built to serve the working farm that sustained the estate.
Today, Shelburne Farms operates as a nonprofit education center for sustainability, keeping those original values alive while inviting the public to explore and connect with the land. Generations of Vermonters have wandered its trails, thrown rocks into the lake, picnicked in the fields, and brought their kids to meet the animals.
That’s what makes it such a meaningful place for photos — it isn’t just scenic. It holds stories. It holds memories. And whether you’re getting engaged, chasing your toddler through the grass, or building your own family traditions, your story folds into that legacy, too.
How to Get Permission (Photo Permits at Shelburne Farms)
Before diving into locations, here’s the most important step: you’ll need a photo session permit.
- Fee: $50 — this will be included or added to your final invoice.
- Process: We’ll choose your date together and I’ll fill out the online application on Shelburne Farms’ website, keeping you in the loop if we need to adjust based on their availability.
- What to know: Drones are not allowed, and sessions are for personal use.
- Timing: The earlier we apply the better and during peak season (June-October) and we may need to work around events at the farm or Inn.
You can peek at the permit request form here, but I’ll be in charge of sending it in.
The Best Shelburne Farms Photo Locations
The Farm Barn: Start here if you have children (or need some delicious bread from O Bread Bakery!). The barn is home to goats, cows, sheep, and chickens, and quieter morning windows allow for playful, unposed photos. Expect laughter, and candid interactions that make family sessions unforgettable. For couples, the sweeping architecture provides the perfect backdrop for romantic (and surprise) moments.
Woodland Trails: Right next to the barn, the shaded trails offer intimate, cozy backdrops. Great for couples or kids walking hand-in-hand, capturing soft light and texture before moving to more open spots. The trails also lead to some gorgeous overlook spots like Sheep’s Knoll (above, right) and Lone Tree Hill (above, left).
The Inn & Formal Gardens: Structured flower beds, stone walls, and lake views make the gardens ideal for portraits and playing. Couples can lean into romantic moments while kids gently explore the edges.
Water Front: Wide-open lake views are perfect for expansive, reflective light. Great for couples, but also a favorite for kids who love throwing rocks and sticks in the water, exploring the shoreline, or watching ducks and geese. Golden hour here is magical, but mid-morning light works beautifully too.
The Coach Barn: Historic stone arches add texture and Vermont charm. Couples can lean into the rustic lines for romantic portraits, and kids love running through the courtyard or chasing each other around.
My Favorite Rolling Fields: End the session at the large, separate field that’s perfect for playful moments — kids running, spinning, or tossing hay, couples twirling or laughing together. This is where candid joy shines.
45–90 Minute Shelburne Farms Photo Session Route
- Farm Barn – Start here with kids to capture playful, unposed animal interactions.
- Woodland Trails – Cozy, shaded backdrops for intimate shots.
- Inn & Formal Gardens – Classic portraits with structured flowers and lake glimpses.
- Waterfront – Wide-open lake views; great for couples and kids exploring the shore.
- Coach Barn – Rustic arches and textured walls for romantic or fun shots.
- Favorite Rolling Fields – End with the separate field for play and candid moments. Stop at the Breeding Barn if time allows.
Tip: We’ll adjust the order depending on light and energy. Families often benefit from starting with barn/trails while kids are fresh, then winding down with gardens, waterfront, and fields. Couples may linger longer at gardens and waterfront if sunset light is your priority.
The Best Time of Year & Time of Day for Photos
- Spring: Fresh blooms, soft colors, long evenings
- Summer: Lush greenery, playful barefoot vibes, golden sunsets
- Fall: Peak foliage, especially beautiful in the fields and gardens
- Winter: Quiet snow-covered landscapes, bundled-up charm
Best time of day: For couples and families with older kiddos, golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) gives soft, flattering light. But, I’ve always believed that happy kids trump “perfect” light. So, we’ll work around nap and bedtimes and go based on your gut in terms of what time works best.
A Few Helpful Resources:
- What to Wear for Family Photos in Vermont
- The Secret to Planning Stress-Free Family Photos
- The Best Time of Day to Take Family Photos Outside
- 7 Family Photography Session Tips to Keep Your Kids Engaged
Tips for Preparing for Your Shelburne Farms Photo Session
A session at Shelburne Farms can feel effortless — but a little planning goes a long way. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time and get photos that truly capture the magic of the farm:
- Pick a few favorite spots, and leave time to explore. There are pockets of photo magic everywhere — from rolling fields to the woodlands, farm barns, and the waterfront. Spending extra time at each location lets us get creative and capture unexpected, beautiful moments.
- Stop at the bathroom on the way in. This one’s simple but life-saving, especially for little ones.
- Bring a few outfit options. Coordinate your wardrobe to match the vibe of different locations: flowy skirts and dresses for the fields, and something more “Vermont casual” for the waterfront, especially if your kids want to play in the water.
- Snacks for kiddos (and maybe parents!). Happy tummies = happy smiles = better photos.
- Plan for the weather. Layers, jackets, or rain gear can make all the difference. Shelburne Farms’ beauty is year-round, but a little prep keeps everyone comfortable.
- Think about shoes. Some paths are grassy or uneven, so consider boots, sneakers, or shoes you don’t mind getting a little dusty.
- Embrace the farm’s surprises. Ducks, geese, or a wandering horse might show up into your shot — and those little moments often end up being the most memorable.
Shelburne Farms Photo Locations: FAQs
How long is a typical Shelburne Farms family or couples session?
Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes but it really depends on your vision and the story we want to tell together. Rarely do I hit all the locations on the lists above. We usually choose 2-3 and spend more time exploring and relaxing in the locations that call to you instead of rushing through more for more’s sake.
Do I need a permit for photos at Shelburne Farms?
Yes — all sessions require a $50 permit. Once we’ve officially decided that Shelburne Farms is your ideal location, I’ll send our request in and, once approved, send you a quick little invoice to cover the photography fee.
Are dogs allowed at Shelburne Farms?
No. Dogs are not permitted on the property.
Can we fly a drone?
No — drone photography is not allowed.
Is Shelburne Farms open year-round?
Trails and outdoor areas are open year-round, but some spots (like the gardens or lakefront) may have seasonal safety restrictions.
Where do I park?
Visitor parking is available near the entrance and I like to meet there to consolodate cars if and when necessary. But, we can drive through the main gate once we’re clear on our first location and park closer to the spots we’d like to photograph.
When is the best time of day for photos?
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) gives soft, flattering light. Morning light works well for families.
Are there restrooms available?
Yes — there are public restrooms in and in front of the Visitor’s Center and at the Farm Barn. Plan restroom breaks for kids before your session starts.
Can I bring props or equipment?
Simple props like blankets, snacks, or bubbles are fine. While planning your session, we’ll chat about the story you want to tell in your session and touch on what to bring to help us bring that story to life.
Do I need to reserve specific locations in advance?
In the photo application, they’ll ask for our desired locations and let us know if there are any conflicts in those areas. So yes — but most often we’re able to easily work around anything going on at the farm and still hit amazing locations.
Your Shelburne Farms Photographer
I hope this has inspired you to consider some of the best Shelburne Farms photo locations. This place isn’t just beautiful — it’s alive with story. Whether you’re chasing your toddler through the Farm Barn, wandering hand in hand under the arches of the Coach Barn, or letting the wind tangle your hair by the lake, Shelburne Farms holds space for moments that feel both timeless and entirely your own.
If this land is tugging at you — if it already feels like a chapter of your story — I’d love to photograph it with you. From quiet mornings to golden-hour light, I know how to shape a session here that honors the place and the people in it.
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