Brincka Cross Gardens

in Northwest Indiana

is one of the most magical places to have your next photo session. I have photographed everything from seniors to families and beyond and it never disappoints. I can honestly say there is not a bad season to be photographed there, although the spring season often has my heart.

Brincka Cross Gardens is honestly one of the best places in Northwest Indiana for family photos. If you live in the area or you are vacationing I highly recommend this enchanting spot for your next special session. In springtime the magnolias are something to see and there are mounds of daffodils on the property that look like they run for miles. You can learn more about how this hidden gem came about and some of the other amazing species that were brought in and bloom beyond the spring season on the park’s website below…

Address: 425 E Furness Rd, Michigan City, IN 46360

Website: Brincka Cross Gardens

Things to consider for your Brincka Cross Gardens Session…

There are a few things to know about the property so you can plan to the best of your ability for your photo session.

Brincka has come a long way with their parking game. There used to be only a couple of spots by where the house on the property resides, but now there is a whole gravel parking area just to the west of the property. You can park there and take the wood to gravel trail into the main part of the property now unless you were lucky enough to grab the slots near the house. I usually tell clients to meet me by the house, so with either parking area you’ll find your way eventually. 🙂

A second topic to think about is the bathroom situation. There is a porta potty on the property that honestly always seems pretty kept up when I have had to use it, but it’s definitely not ideal for outfit switches for say a senior session. With that said, just make sure you are prepared to perhaps change in the car. If you are there for a session that doesn’t require any changes then you are good to go.

Another thing to consider is bringing a blanket for your session. Even if it’s not something you will actually see in the photo, it’s nice to have for posing that may require you to lay or sit in spots that could be on the muddy side (which is a common occurance at Brincka Cross). The property is so shaded that sometimes even a day and a half after a rain, there are spots that hold the moisture in. Trust me when I say, it’s best to be prepared!

See? I actually had a blanket under Miss Lena when she laid and sat. I just didn’t want her to get her beautiful clothes muddy…

A final few tips for your Brincka Cross Gardens Session & preparing for the season accordingly…

One of the final, but IMPORTANT things I want to mention to do upon entering the park is to make sure you have bug spray on hand. I cannot stress this enough. I always, always, always come armed when I have a summer session because the few times I didn’t or I thought “Oh it’s early in the season, it will be fine.”, it wasn’t! After a few times of getting bit up I learned my lesson. And honestly, if it’s warm out…even if the mosquitos aren’t biting, it doesn’t mean there won’t be ticks lurking around… Better safe than sorry, ya dig?

Don’t get me wrong. You’ll still get gorgeous photos like my clients below, but we paid the price in mosquito bites for this particular session. LOL!

The last thing I would probably take the time to say is if you are on the trails just to do your due diligence and check for poison oak or ivy along the pathways. I will say the park does an AMAZING job at keeping things groomed, but if you have kid’s that explore a little off the beaten path there is no guarantee they won’t find some. As a precaution, throw them in a soapy bath by the evening after your session and they should be in the clear.

Welp, I think that’s all to report here beautiful people! If you are looking to get a gorgeous photo session at Brincka Cross Gardens from I don’t know…an amazing Northwest Indiana Heirloom Photographer (*wink*wink*), I’d love to help. Hit that button below if you’re ready to book or explore my website via the last link below! Easy Peasy…

About Christina Mays:

Learn More at: www.sweetlystitchedimages.com