The discovery
Looking for a dramatic backdrop for your photo session? Are you interested in taking pictures in castle ruins? Are you looking for a spot to have a prom, quinceañera, or fairytale photo session setting? Well, you have come to the right blog post! This week’s blog is a location spotlight, and I’m talking about the Tenney Castle Ruins or Greycourt Park!
The castle/park, a hidden gem, is nestled in Methuen, Massachusetts, discreetly tucked behind Methuen City Hall. It's a revelation that despite having lived in Methuen from when I was 2 to 22, I was oblivious to the castle ruins. Discovering this secret treasure was a thrilling experience! Another photographer, @RileyMorganPhotography, wanted to host a creative session here. I was the other photographer with her that day, and I wanted to help get ready to make this a huge success, so I went to scope out the castle.
First impressions
When I arrived, I was shocked that this beautiful park was so well-kept and clean. I assumed it would be worn out, with graffiti and trash on the ground. But to my surprise, Methuen has kept this park and castle clean. There was also almost no one there, but it was a Tuesday afternoon when most people were at work or school. Riley had found the castle on her own, told me about it, and asked me to check it out since I live significantly closer. I took videos to show her different aspects of the castle ruins and the park as a whole. And there was even more than expected!
the grounds
The castle had one “tower” that connected two walkways, one with a roof and one without. The tower had a beautiful arch that made for some really neat photos. In the center “courtyard,” there was a dried-up fountain. Remember I said this was a creative photo session? Well, the models were all over the fountain, resulting in the photo above. The tower is connected to a beautiful large staircase and a big hill with green grass behind it, this created the picture below with the girl running. The backdrop is all trees, albeit dead trees.
Besides the castle ruins, there is a large open space with green grass. This space is gorgeous. A small staircase is built into the hill, with big, beautiful flowers framing it. That space also makes for a beautiful backdrop for photos.
For our purposes, we took pictures of a “banquet” that got super messy. While these photos focused on the food and the mess we made, the flowers looked amazing as the backdrop!
is this location for you?
This location is perfect for any photo session looking for a dramatic look with the castle. The castle ruins give you a lot to work with and can create a moody setting for a creative session. But it is very versatile, as it can be used in a fun, light way, too! If you want to do a princess session, this is a perfect backdrop. This would also be a great backdrop for prom and quinceañera photo sessions.
The field with the stairs and flowers is a perfect backdrop for any occasion. That spot photographs beautifully. Photographers, take note! You now have another awesome location for photo sessions - be it birthday, engagement, mini-sessions, and almost anything you can think of… maybe just don’t do boudoir photo sessions there!
Be on the lookout for more Location Spotlights! There will be more coming soon!
