Chattanooga Family Photographer | Coolidge Park Family Session - Chattanooga Family Photographer : Christian Michelle Photography

Coolidge Park as a Photography Location

When this family contacted me for a family session, they already had a location in mind. They wanted Coolidge Park, a popular tourist spot in Chattanooga. It is popular for good reason. Coolidge Park contains large grassy fields, a carousel, fountains to play in, and beautiful views of the Tennessee river, the Tennessee Aquarium, and the Hunter Museum of American Art. Coolidge Park is also the landing point for the Walnut Street walking bridge.

Family of 8 in blue and yellow stand by the Tennnesee River with the Tennessee Aquarium and John Ross Bridge visible.

Is it too crowded?

I'll be honest, I was not excited to shoot at Coolidge Park. It just felt...overdone. I knew it was going to be crowded and the photographer in me was not excited. But it's what the family wanted so I was determined to give them a great session. I arrived early - something I always do - and was relieved to find lovely fall colors on all the trees at the park. I'd had an idea in mind as far as where we would shoot from my scouting trip a few weeks prior but was worried it was going to be too crowded to get all the photos I wanted.

I was pleasantly disappointed. Yes, it was definitely more crowded than would be ideal BUT there were so many cute nooks in which to take family photos that we got more than I had originally planned. And bonus, everyone there was super nice and gave us plenty of room when they realized we were taking family photos.

Family of 8 throws leaves in Coolidge Park as part of their fall family photo session.

Can we talk about their perfect fall family photo outfits?

The mom and I texted a lot before her session as she was deciding what she wanted everyone to wear. She did have 6 kids to clothe after all! She eventually settled on blues and yellows with pops of berry. Did you see the baby's bow? Pure perfection. She made a last-minute trip to Old Navy the morning of our session for some of the kids' items and honestly, she was worried for no reason because she dressed her family perfectly for fall photos. Everyone coordinated without looking too matchy and each family members' individuality shown through! Plus, she's a fun mom and had rose gold hair at the time of her session. She's currently rocking a nice lavender and is low-key my hair inspiration to add some color to mine here and there.

2 sisters sit with their heads together while their baby sister laughs between them. Baby has a berry colored bow.

Would I shoot there again?

Yes. In fact, I've added Coolidge Park to my regular rotation of photography locations. I've done several more sessions at Coolidge Park since this one and could not be happier with the results. I will definitely continue to offer Coolidge Park, as well as the connected and easily accessible Renaissance Park, for family sessions and other photography sessions in Chattanooga.

6 siblings - 3 brothers and 3 sisters in shades of blue and yellow sit among fall leaves in Coolidge Park, Chattanooga.

Are you interested in a Coolidge Park Photography session?

Awesome! You've got great taste. Not sure if Coolidge Park is right for you or need more Chattanooga photography location suggestions? I've gotchu. Send me a message and let's chat. I've got a list of tried and true locations around Chattanooga and I'm always looking for more locations to add to the list.

Let's Talk!

Bonus:

We added a Merry Christmas sign so that the family had some options for Christmas card photos as well. Full family sessions are super versatile! Click the button above and let me know what you need in your family session.