Why You'll Love Rolling Knolls Forest Preserve
Located in Elgin, Illinois, Rolling Knolls Forest Preserve offers a peaceful mix of open prairie, wooded trails, native grasses, water views and gently rolling landscapes. The variety of natural scenery makes it a beautiful and relaxed setting for senior portraits, family photos, maternity sessions and couples.
The wide-open spaces photograph especially well near sunset, when the tall grasses and surrounding landscape take on a warm, golden glow. With plenty of room to explore and several different backgrounds within a short walking distance, Rolling Knolls provides a natural setting without feeling overly busy or crowded.
What Makes Rolling Knolls Forest Preserve So Special
- Open prairie and tall native grasses
- Wooded walking paths
- Scenic pond and water views
- Poplar Creek running along the preserve
- Rolling hills and open landscapes
- A modern pavilion and outdoor patio area
- Beautiful golden-hour light
- A peaceful, natural atmosphere
- Plenty of variety within one location
Best Sessions for Rolling Knolls
Family Sessions
Maternity Sessions
Senior Sessions
Engagement Photos
Best Time of Year
Rolling Knolls offers beautiful natural scenery throughout much of the year, but my favorite seasons include:
Spring
- Fresh green grasses and trees
- Soft, natural colors
- Fewer crowds and comfortable temperatures
Summer
- Tall prairie grasses
- Rich greenery
- Warm evening light
- Beautiful golden sunsets
Fall
- Warm golden and rust-colored grasses
- Changing leaves along the wooded areas
- Soft, earthy colors
- Gorgeous fall sunset light
Session Tips
- Sunset provides the softest and most flattering light.
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended because we may explore several areas of the preserve.
- Neutral, earthy and warm clothing colors complement the prairie setting beautifully.
- Bug spray can be helpful during summer sessions because of the tall grasses and nearby water.
- The preserve has open areas with limited shade, so evening sessions usually provide the best lighting and temperatures.
Things to Know
Rolling Knolls Forest Preserve is located at 11N260 Rohrssen Road in Elgin, Illinois. It is open year-round from sunrise to sunset.
This location offers a lot of variety, but it does involve a bit more walking than some of my other favorite photo locations. There are a few gently rolling hills and several trails we may use to reach the best scenery. If you’re bringing young children, I highly recommend bringing a stroller or wagon to make getting around easier and keep little ones happy between photo spots.
Wondering What to Wear?
Now that you’ve found the perfect location, let’s make choosing your outfits easy. Explore my style guides for color palettes, outfit inspiration, and tips to help your family look coordinated without feeling overly matched.