During this time of uncertainty, we can reflect on our strengths to get us through this. We cannot let this bring us to a point of surrender. We must be vigilant and courageous for our families and our loved ones, so that they can use us as a shoulder to lean on to help them get through this also. It is always sweeter when you come out of something and you pulled someone else out with you. This month’s blog will be about how to make shooting images in Downtown Lancaster SC work for you.

                Upon arriving downtown there are some historical architecture that will draw your eye if you are into that. Most of the building’s downtown are forever old, but there are some new buildings such as the Lancaster County Courthouse and the Administration Building that was built with the common architectural design of the area. Normally, I park near the old courthouse because it’s probably where I will do most of my images. The campus is full of areas that can accentuate your session(s). I always start simple and use the open area between the buildings (old and new courthouses) to get the client relaxed instead being confined and uncomfortable to start.

Next, I like to use the arch area under the stairs. This area is filled with some nice historic architecture that gives the image some texture and drama. The bricks, the archways and the windows can all be incorporated into the image.

Then I like to go to the stairway to find an area that will capture a certain look that I want, and on to the porch area at the top to get some more options. This area is where you can get lot of perspective shots. For instance you can get shots looking down onto your subject or you can capture the subject on the porch area while you are on the ground.  

Once I’m done with the courthouse area I head towards the open area and try to include the benches in a shot or two to get that nice park look. You want to bring a sitting cloth for your clients just in case the benches are dirty or wet. This is also a good place to do your head shots. You can find some greenery as a backdrop or use the county building across the street as a nice backdrop.

Finally, I go to the back area of the courtyard where there is a sculpture. This sculpture can be used to add so much dimension to your images. There are also benches in the area to assist you. And the stairway to the street and the wall and sidewalk is much more added areas to assist you.
 

Occasionally I go downtown to Main Street and do some shots there as well as the rose garden in between buildings. There are several parts that lend creativity to the images and subject.

So basically if you put some time and consideration into where you want to take the images downtown, you should be able to overpower the scene. When I first started booking clients and they requested the Courthouse area I was reluctant to go there because it is such a small area unlike other places in Rock Hill and Charlotte that are massive in acreage. After shooting up there a few times I learned that there are many avenues as a creator of photography at this setting. It just needs a little creativity. 

I hope that this has helped you get a better view of how to manage the downtown Lancaster SC area. Stay safe and we will see ya next month.

                                                                                                                                                                 Terrence T. Mackey, Lead Photographer