Location Scouting: Blackwell Forest Preserve – East SHELTER
A Lakeside Hidden Gem for Family Photography in Warrenville, Illinois
The Important Things to Know
- Location: Blackwell Forest Preserve – East Shelter, Warrenville, IL
- Location Vibe: Natural • Lakeside • Wooded • Relaxed
- Best For: Families, couples, toddlers, maternity, and senior portraits
- Parking: Free parking available in designated areas
- Getting There: You'll see a "No Outlet" sign. Don't worry, keep going! The parking area is at the end.
- Restrooms: Near the East Shelter and throughout the preserve. To my knowledge, they're currently open, but availability may vary.
- Walking & Terrain: A mix of walking paths, grassy areas, and natural uneven ground
- Best Features: Lake views, beautiful fall foliage, wooded scenery, and open grassy areas
- Best Seasons: Spring, summer, and especially fall
- Hours: One hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset
Discovering Blackwell Forest Preserve – East
One of my favorite parts of starting Greene House Studios has been getting out and exploring the beautiful locations we have right here in the Chicago suburbs. I've been spending time scouting local forest preserves, looking for places that offer beautiful scenery, a variety of backdrops, and a comfortable experience for families.
One location that caught my eye is Blackwell Forest Preserve – East Shelter in Warrenville, Illinois. Blackwell is a large forest preserve with more than 1,300 acres of lakes, trails, wooded areas, and recreational spaces. But for this particular location scout, I'm focusing on the eastern side of the preserve near the East Shelter.
What immediately stands out to me about this area is the combination of the lake, the trees surrounding it, and the nearby wooded scenery. It offers several different looks without needing to venture across the entire preserve. And during the fall? Those colorful trees against the water make this location especially beautiful!
The Lake Is the Star of the Show
If there's one feature that makes Blackwell East stand out to me, it's the lake. I love photographing near water because it creates such a beautiful, open background. The cooler blues of the lake provide a lovely contrast to the greens of the trees, and during autumn, those warm yellows, oranges, and reds add even more dimension.
One of the things I'm looking forward to is using the shoreline from different angles. In one direction, the water can be the main backdrop, while another angle allows the colorful trees to take center stage. It's a simple setting, but sometimes those are the most beautiful.
The open space also gives the area a peaceful, relaxed feeling, which is exactly what I look for when scouting photography locations.
A Little Bit of Woodland Magic
Just beyond the lakeside scenery, there are wooded areas that offer a completely different atmosphere. While the lake feels open and airy, the trees create something a little more intimate and tucked away.
I especially love how wooded backgrounds can add natural texture and depth to photographs without becoming too distracting. During the fall, the leaves add another layer of color, and depending on the time of day, the sunlight filtering through the trees can create a beautiful, soft glow.
Having both the lake and wooded scenery nearby is a huge plus in my book. It means I can capture a variety of images without needing to move everyone to an entirely different location.
Getting There: Parking & Arrival
Here's a little tip that might save you some confusion when visiting Blackwell Forest Preserve – East Shelter for the first time!
Keep driving all the way to the end of the entrance road! You'll notice a "No Outlet" sign along the way, but don't worry! You're heading in the right direction. Just keep following the road until you reach the parking area at the very end.
Blackwell is a large preserve with multiple entrances and parking areas, so make sure you're navigating to the East Shelter rather than another section of the preserve. Parking is free, and once you've arrived, you're just a short walk away from the beautiful lake views and wooded scenery. It's a little tucked away, but that's part of what makes this spot so lovely!
Walking Around & Exploring
One of the practical things I pay attention to when scouting a location is how easy it is to get around. The eastern portion of Blackwell offers a combination of walking paths, grassy spaces, and natural scenery.
Some of the scenic spots may require stepping onto grass or navigating uneven ground, especially closer to the wooded areas. If you're visiting with a stroller or someone who has limited mobility, it's worth considering the terrain ahead of time. Not every natural backdrop will necessarily be accessible by a paved path.
The nice thing about this area is having several different types of scenery within the same general location. You don't have to travel across the entire preserve to find a completely different background, which is especially helpful when photographing families with little ones.
Restrooms & Other Helpful Details
Another important thing I always look for when scouting locations? Restrooms! Especially when photographing families with little ones, knowing where the nearest bathroom is can make a big difference.
There are restroom facilities near the East Shelter, along with additional facilities throughout Blackwell Forest Preserve. As far as I know, they're currently open, although availability may change depending on the season or maintenance.
Blackwell is also a popular recreational destination, so you may encounter other visitors enjoying the trails, fishing, or spending time outdoors. As with any forest preserve, it's important to be respectful of wildlife, stay within permitted areas, and leave the surroundings just as beautiful as you found them.
What About the Lighting?
This is something I always pay attention to when exploring a new photography location. The lake provides a beautiful open backdrop, but that also means sunlight can be stronger in certain areas, especially during the middle of the day.
The wooded areas offer a different lighting environment, with shade from the surrounding trees. I love having these options because the lighting can change quite a bit throughout a session, and having different environments nearby gives me more flexibility.
Cloudy days can also be wonderful here! The softer, more even light can make the colors of the water and trees stand out without harsh shadows. Of course, the exact lighting will depend on the season, time of day, and weather conditions.
How Does Blackwell Look Throughout the Seasons?
Although fall is what initially drew me to this location, I can see Blackwell East being beautiful throughout much of the year.
Spring brings fresh greenery and budding trees, giving the area a soft, natural look as everything starts coming back to life. The combination of new leaves and lake views creates a fresh, peaceful atmosphere.
Summer offers full green trees, lush scenery, and beautiful lake views. The landscape feels bright and full of life, with plenty of greenery surrounding the water.
Fall is where this location really catches my attention! The changing leaves create a beautiful contrast against the lake, with warm autumn colors surrounding the water. It's the kind of scenery that makes you want to grab a cozy blanket and enjoy the season.
Winter brings a quieter, more minimal landscape. With bare trees and potentially snowy scenery, the preserve takes on an entirely different personality. I personally can't wait to see how this location transforms as the seasons change!
My Favorite Backdrop Possibilities
What makes Blackwell East such an appealing photography location is the variety it offers within one general area. I can envision beautiful portraits along the lake with the trees in the background, families walking together surrounded by fall foliage, and cozy seated portraits on a blanket with the water or woods behind them.
There's also the opportunity to move into the wooded areas for a completely different look. The lake provides that open, airy feeling, while the trees offer something a little more intimate and natural.
For me, that's what makes a location worth returning to. I don't want every photograph to look like it was taken in exactly the same spot. I love finding places where a small change in direction or background can give a photograph an entirely different feeling.
My Overall Impression
Blackwell Forest Preserve – East Shelter is definitely going on my list of favorite locations to explore for Greene House Studios. Between the peaceful lake, colorful trees, and wooded scenery, it offers so many possibilities for natural outdoor portraits.
What I appreciate most is that the scenery feels varied without being overwhelming. You can enjoy the open views near the water and then transition to a more secluded, tree-filled background. I'm especially excited to photograph here during the fall, when the changing leaves add that extra bit of seasonal magic.
As I continue scouting locations throughout DuPage, Kane, and McHenry Counties, I'll be sharing more of my discoveries here on the blog. Because sometimes the perfect photography location is closer to home than you think!
Love This Location? Let's Capture Your Memories Here! 📸
Can you picture your family surrounded by beautiful fall trees, walking along the lake, or sharing a few laughs together in the woods? I'd love to make that happen!
At Greene House Studios, I focus on natural, relaxed photography that captures genuine smiles, sweet connections, and all those little in-between moments that make your family unique.
Whether you're looking for updated family portraits, maternity photos, couples portraits, or simply an excuse to capture this season of life, Blackwell Forest Preserve – East Shelter could be the perfect backdrop!
Ready to book your session? Visit Greene House Studios to explore my photography sessions, view availability, and get in touch. I can't wait to meet you and capture some beautiful memories together!
With love,
Meg
Greene House Studios
Planning a Visit?
You can find official maps, preserve information, and seasonal updates on the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County's Blackwell Forest Preserve website.
