Why Mallard Lake Forest Preserve is Great for Photos
Mallard Lake Forest Preserve in Hanover Park offers a beautiful mix of lake views, open fields, tall grasses, wooded areas, and natural walking trails. The variety of scenery makes it easy to create a gallery with several different looks while staying within one location.
The open areas are especially beautiful during golden hour, when the setting sun creates warm, soft light across the fields and water. Mallard Lake is a great choice for clients who want their photographs to feel relaxed, natural, and connected to the outdoors.
What Makes Mallard Lake Forest Preserve So Special
• Beautiful lake and water views
• Open fields and tall grasses
• Wooded trails and mature trees
• Boardwalks and small bridges
• Wetlands and natural scenery
• Wide-open views with beautiful evening light
• Warm golden tones during late summer and fall
• Plenty of variety for creating a full portrait gallery
Best Sessions for Mallard Lake
✔ Senior Portraits
✔ Family Sessions
✔ Maternity Sessions
✔ Couples & Engagement Sessions
Best Time of Year
Mallard Lake is especially beautiful from late summer through October.
Late Summer
- Green fields and tall grasses
- Warm, natural scenery around the lake
Fall
- Golden grasses and warm earthy colors
- Colorful trees along the wooded trails
- Soft autumn light reflecting near the water
- One of the best times of year for senior and family portraits
Session Tips
• Sunset provides the softest and most flattering light.
• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since we may walk along grassy or natural-surface trails.
• Neutral, earthy colors look especially beautiful against the lake, fields, and wooded scenery.
• Bring bug spray during the warmer months because of the lake and wetland areas.
• Because Mallard Lake is a natural location, the grasses, trees, water levels, and scenery may look different throughout the season.
Things to Know
Mallard Lake Forest Preserve is a large natural area with a lake, wetlands, open fields, wooded sections, trails, boardwalks, and bridges. Most portrait sessions take place near the open fields, lake views, and wooded trails rather than covering the entire preserve.
There may be a little walking between photography spots, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Families with toddlers or younger children may want to bring a stroller or wagon.
The location has a more relaxed and natural appearance than a manicured garden or historic property. It is an especially good choice for clients who want plenty of greenery, open space, water views, and warm golden-hour light in their photographs.