David and Jeanne reached out to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary with photos—something they didn’t have when they first got married. They originally chose a simple self-uniting ceremony and skipped a traditional wedding day altogether. Years later, they wanted to mark their marriage in a way that felt intentional, personal, and rooted in their story.
Table of contents
Anniversary photos in Philadelphia
Benjamin Franklin Parkway photo locations
Supporting camera shy individuals
Anniversary photos in Philadelphia
Anniversary sessions like this are one of my favorite ways to document relationships. There’s less pressure, more presence, and space to move through places that actually matter.
Both David and Jeanne grew up in Philadelphia, met in the city, and knew they wanted their photos to reflect that shared history. We planned their session around locations that hold real meaning for them. We started near Philadelphia City Hall and moved along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway photo locations
One especially sentimental stop was near the Barnes Foundation, where they had their first date. Returning to a place tied to the beginning of a relationship—years later, with more shared life behind you—always feels quietly powerful.
We also incorporated their rescue pup into the session, which immediately set the tone. Having a familiar presence can make photos feel less like a performance and more like a walk together—which is exactly what this felt like.
Some of my favorite moments came from movement: walking hand-in-hand through the mist of Swann Memorial Fountain, pausing when the light shifted just right, and twirling freely at Dilworth Park as if no one else was around.
There are so many spots to take Benjamin Franklin Parkway photos, including:
- Museums like The Barnes Foundation, Rodin Museum, Franklin Institute, and The Academy of Natural Sciences.
- Landmarks like Fairmount Water Works, Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter Paul, the Swann Memorial Fountain, and the Free Library of Philadelphia.
- Public spaces like the JFK Plaza (or LOVE Park), Logan Square, Azalea Gardens, LOVE Park and Sister Cities Park. The latter sits midway between the Philadelphia Museum of Art and Philadelphia City Hall.
Supporting camera shy individuals
For couples who describe themselves as camera-shy, awkward, or unsure of what to do with their bodies during photos, this approach can make a huge difference. Movement, changing locations, and letting moments unfold naturally often creates more ease than standing still and posing. And if it’s your first time being professionally photographed, you’re always welcome to bring a support person or animal along.
This session was a reminder that photos don’t have to mark only one kind of milestone. Anniversaries, quiet recommitments, and “we never did this before, but we want to now” moments all deserve to be documented.
If you’re thinking about an anniversary session in Philadelphia—or photos that feel relaxed, meaningful, and grounded in your real life—I’m always happy to talk through ideas and locations that feel right for you.
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