Rotary Trail in Birmingham, Alabama, is my location spotlight for this post. It is one of my favorites for photography! It’s located along 1st Ave. South and runs between 20th and 24th Streets. Originally, it was part of a railway system, but was renovated for a different purpose about ten years ago. It was an expensive undertaking, completed in 2016, paid for by the Birmingham Rotary Club, hence the name. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind, fantastic setting for photos.
In the summer months, it is lush and green, full of ivy and monkey grass. May through August brings beautyberry shrubs with their purple clustered blooms. (See above for the summer version and below for the fall variation.) Even though their peak is in the rearview mirror by fall, they’re still very interesting.
There are several benches along the trail for those wanting to take a break, and they’re also great for portraits. Plant life surrounds them and frames your subject nicely.
Fall is probably my favorite time of year for outdoor portraits. Rotary Trail was carefully curated as you can see in the photos below. It’s absolutely bursting with color around November!
It’s important to note, this is a trail used for biking, roller blading, skateboarding, walking, running, etc. and you will encounter dogs on walks as well. The trail is not very wide so keep that in mind when thinking about it as a location for photography. In general, I don’t suggest photographing more than five to six people there. I wouldn’t choose it for a large, extended family portrait, for example. You have to be a good sharer; which means, you’ll need to be aware of your surroundings and often shift your position to allow others to pass by.
Even in early fall, you’ll still find a lot of greenery on the trail. We have as many warm months as cool ones in Alabama. Much of our plant life thrives well into October.
Although the graffitied building at Good Dog Park across from Rotary Trail isn’t actually part of the trail, it provides a little variety in settings for those who want it. One reason I like photographing at Rotary Trail is because it’s in the heart of the city. We get the the best of both worlds, a natural and a city setting without having to drive to a second location.
I encourage you to visit the area, especially if you’re a photographer or someone looking for location options before your own upcoming portrait session. It’s a visual treasure. You have to see it for yourself!
Contact me to schedule your portrait session. I photograph individuals, families, and couples, including weddings and events. I would love to be your photographer!
