There is no shortage of beautiful photo locations in Lake County.  We are incredibly lucky to have an abundance of green spaces, mature trees, running water, and gorgeous weather that often ends the day in that dreamy golden sunlight photographers love! 

With so many stunning parks and preserves nearby, it can be hard to narrow down the perfect place to take your family photos.  There are so many things to consider, including bathroom availability, walkability, and how the light behaves at different times of day.   

One location that consistently rises to the top of my list is The Delafield Fish Hatchery.   It’s a favorite for photographers and families alike – and for good reason!  The foliage is beautiful, the winding paths create stunning visuals in your photos and the water brings a peaceful feel to your final images.  

If you are considering the Delafield Fish Hatchery for your photos, keep reading! 

The Pros

The Delafield Fish Hatchery offers a lot of positives for your photo shoot

• Paved paths make the location wheelchair and stroller-friendly
• Multiple “looks” within a small area, affording us variety without walking far
• Beautiful water features along the Bark River
• Charming bridges and stonework that add character to your images
• Great light in the evenings, especially during golden hours

The Cons

While the Fish Hatchery is beautiful, there are a few things to keep in mind.  

• It can be very busy – always popular with photographers, walkers, bands, and events
• No accessible bathrooms on-site
• It can be buggy during the water months since it is along the water

None of these are deal breakers, but they are helpful to know in advance so you can come prepared! 

The Delafield Fish Hatchery Through the Seasons

One thing I absolutely love about the Delafield Fish Hatchery is that it works in all 4 seasons we have in Wisconsin.  

Winter

In winter, the sunlight glistens off of the running water and makes everything sparkle.  The rocky paths collect just enough snow to make it feel magical,  like stepping into a winter wonderland without bring being knee deep in snow.  

Spring

Spring brings the fresh greens, budding trees and crisp air!  Everything is coming to life, and you can feel this at the fish hatchery.  With the paved paths and boardwalks, we get a reprieve from the damp ground and muddy shoes too! 

Summer

Summer at Fish Hatchery is vibrant!  The trees provide wonderful shade and texture to your photos.  And bonus – if it is hot the day of your session, you can cool down by dipping your feet in the river, all while capturing it on camera of course.  Because summer and fall are the busiest times at the Fish Hatchery, I typically recommend weekday evening sessions here. 

Fall

Fall is a beautiful time to take photos at the Delafield Fish Hatchery.  While the trees are not as vibrant as some other parks in the area, the light filters through the trees so beautifully that it mimics the colorful leaves perfectly!  I am in love with the light and subtle colors that you find in fall at the Delafield Fish Hatchery. 

The Best Time of Day For Photos at the Fish Hatchery

The Fish Hatchery really shines in the few hours before sunset.  When the light filters behind the trees, your photos will look magical. 

Because of the direcition the trees and paths tend to run at this park, I do not recommend it for morning sessions.  

A Few Tips If You Choose This Location

To make the most out of your session at the Delafield Fish Hatchery, I recommend: 

• Wearing neutral or earthy tones to complement the natural setting or bright, vibrant tones to really highlight your family
• Wear shoes you are comfortable walking in (we can switch shoes later if you’d like)
• Wear bug spray in the summer months
• Plan to arrive a few minutes early so we can start relaxed and unhurried among the rest of the hustle and bustle at the park. 

The great news is that the paths are easy to walk and the scenery does most of the work for us. 

Is the Delafield Fish Hatchery Right for Your Session?

If you love natural textures, water, winding paths, and soft golden light, the Delafield Fish Hatchery is a wonderful choice for family photos. It’s especially great for families with young children because we don’t have to walk far to create a lot of variety in your images.

And if you’re still unsure, don’t worry—that’s what I’m here for! I’m always happy to help families choose a location that fits their vision and makes their session feel relaxed and fun.

Thinking About Scheduling Your Family Photos? 

The Delafield Fish Hatchery is one of my favorite places to photograph families, and I’d love to help you plan a session that feels natural, joyful, and beautifully you.  

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