It's said a photo speaks a thousand words. If that's the case, where do you go on your wedding day if you want your photographs to say something more than, "been there, done that?" Three local photographers share their best-kept location secrets in Lake County, the places they visit to help brides and grooms capture their special day in a unique way.

Old Meets New
When it comes to an ideal photo shoot location, nothing sparks photographer and artist Steve Neilson's creativity more than an old brick wall, rustic barn or anything that possesses old-time charm.
"I love shooting that style where you have the beautiful bride showcased with the old brick or other rustic or broken looking backgrounds," said the owner of EminJayin Productions in Grayslake. "The contrast is just amazing."
A stop in downtown Lake Villa offers a treasure trove of backdrops, textures and vintage atmosphere all within a small area.
"They have this beautiful old clock that's right by the railroad tracks, an old railroad station and these gorgeous old building that are all within walking distance from central downtown," he said. "But then there's also a small lake with a pier not too far away. You have a lot of options, and it's a ghost town compared to some of the other similar towns nearby."
Another gem for capturing shabby chic charm is at one of the oldest structures in Lake County, the Mother Rudd House in Gurnee. The remnants of the old barn create one of Neilson's favorite backdrops.
"All that's left is the stone foundation that forms this wall. The rest of the area is completely open," Neilson said. "In the center is the most beautiful little flower garden with benches, so again you have the juxtaposition of the rustic barn with the beauty of the flowers and the couple who's all dress up."

Look Natural
Lake County's many forest preserves provide a natural playground for its residents. But they also provide a photographic playground for wedding photographers.
Grant Woods Forest Preserve, located in northwest Lake County near Lake Villa and Fox Lake, is one of Neilson's favorite settings.
"There's a beautiful lake shaped in the form of an eight with this really cool bridge that spans across the middle," he said. From it he is able to capture a variety of angles without too much disruption from other visitors.
For fall weddings, photographer Joe Shuman of J. Shuman Photography in Round Lake suggests Lakewood Forest Preserve of Route 176 and Fairfield Road.
"During the fall when the leaves start to change, they have these huge maple trees out there. If it's good weather, you're going to get some good color in the leaves," he said.
State Parks offer additional opportunities for creative, natural backdrops, including Illinois Beach State Park in Zion. From tree-studded forests to a serene shoreline, there are plenty of options for a photographer's creative eye.
"It offers some really unique rock formations and a lake front that create some eye-catching natural settings," Shuman added.
A word of caution: couples interested in having photographs taken at a forest preserve or state park should check permit requirements with the Lake County Forest Preserve District or State Park in advance. The same courtesy should be taken if considering any privately owned or historic location.

Head Indoors
If it rains – or the wedding takes place during the off-season – there are still plenty of stunning indoor location options. 
"Hotels can offer a nice option for winter weddings when shooting outdoors is not suitable," said photographer Sandra Ortiz.
While most people would see the entire hotel lobby or hotel room, Ortiz said the photographer's job is to focus the attention on one small section of the space – a window, a doorway or a unique lighting fixture – and visualize how to best use that small space.
"You don't need the whole huge area to get a great picture," she said. "Pick the corner, the wall, a staircase. See what you can do with the space that you have."
Another gem, offering options for both indoor and outdoor photography, is the Genesee Theater in downtown Waukegan. From its grand marquee and historic charm to the rich upholstery and ornate architecture, the iconic building follows one of Ortiz's guiding principals when choosing a location.
"Look for locations that offer multiple looks to save on drive time and provide more variety."