It couldn’t be easier to take amazing Providence Canyon State Park photos for obvious reasons. While it looks somewhere in the desert out west like Arizona, it’s actually in a rural part of Georgia! The orange and red clay imitate the red rocks of places like Utah’s Bryce Canyon National Park and makes for a dramatic, stunning backdrop. With slot canyons, 150-foot deep canyons, and 10 miles of trails, couples who are looking for Providence Canyon State Park photos are bound to be impressed. There are a few tips that can help make sure your session at Providence Canyon State Park goes off without a hitch. Keep reading to learn more about this beautiful hidden gem and some good things to know before you go!

1. Pack the right pair of shoes

While it might sound silly, this tip is SUPER important! Because the ground you’re walking on is red clay, there is a good chance that your shoes will get stained – especially if it rained recently. The red clay can get quite muddy through some parts of the park, so a change of shoes is truly a must. I recommend wearing old shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty, or hiking boots that will also be beneficial for the trek throughout the canyons. I always offer to store my couples change of clothes/shoes in my camera bag so you can change into the shoes you want to wear for your session whenever we’re stopping at a particular location for photos.

2. Know the trails

If you’re looking for the ultimate Providence Canyon State park photos, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the trails throughout the 16 different canyons. There are two main hiking trails at Providence Canyon: The Canyon Loop Trail and the Backcountry Trail. All trails begin and end at the Visitor Center, which is amazing because it’s almost a fool-proof way not to get lost! However, these trails are drastically different and vary in terms of how challenging they are.

The Canyon Loop (White Blaze) Trail is easily the more popular choice, as it allows you to experience 9 of the canyons. It’s a 2.5-mile loop that goes into the canyons, then back up and around the rim. Of the two trails, this is an easy to moderate hike, with pretty flat terrain that isn’t super difficult to trek.

The Backcountry Trail is a 7-mile loop that is extremely rugged and challenging. If you’re an avid hiker, you can choose to camp here (by permit only). But, if you’re only looking to have a Providence Canyon State Park engagement session or elopement, I’d advise to stay away from this trail! While some may be up to the task, I generally recommend that the Canyon Loop Trail be our go-to for all photo needs.

3. Safety is a priority

Providence Canyon might look like canyons, but the whole reason these “canyons” exist is actually due to poor farming practices in the 1800’s that led to extreme erosion. The erosion poses a threat to anyone who ignores the fencing and signage around certain areas, and isn’t safe to walk around on. If you follow the rules and respect the beauty of the park, you’ll have no issues! However, if you try to be daring, it could potentially lead to some pretty dangerous situations, because remember: the clay is still eroding!

4. Pack accordingly

No matter what season you choose to have your photo session at Providence Canyon State Park, always bring a few things: a water bottle, some light snacks, a change of shoes, and a rain jacket or zip up. It can get very hot very quickly! Even though the visitor center does have vending machines and a store (that isn’t 24/7!), once we’re in the canyons, the last thing you’ll want to do is trek back for food and water. Just like I mentioned that I’m always able to stash extra clothes in my camera bag, I’m also happy to store your water bottles and snacks in my camera bag! A jacket or zip up is ideal in the event we stay later on in the day during the cooler months – you may end up a bit chilly if we’re being shaded by the canyons!

Providence Canyon State Park Photographer

If you’re looking for an Providence Canyon State Park photographer to help guide you through the park and give you epic photos, I’m here to help! Here’s a little bit of what I offer my couples:

• Assistance finding your dream engagement session location
• Timeline planning to create the perfect session itinerary
• Video chats, emails, and texts throughout the planning process

I’m here to ensure your engagement session is as seamless as it can be so that you can focus on celebrating a special day with your partner. And, if you’re looking for an elopement photographer to help plan your Providence Canyon State Park elopement, go ahead and reach out here!