I was born and raised in North Little Rock, and am proud to say I've lived here for all 23 years of my life! I used to dream of the day I would leave Arkansas, but the older I get the more I understand how special it is. I wouldn't trade this place for the world!  I truly believe Central Arkansas as a whole is such a hidden gem with so many unique locations.



As a photographer, it's been so fun to see my city in a new light through my lens. Places like The Old Mill where I walked and played throughout my entire childhood suddenly became more than a fun weekend stop, but the perfect place to share with my clients and capture their own memories.


Here are a few of my favorite Little Rock(ish) locations for engagement sessions

(and more)!



*Please note: rules and regulations regarding photoshoots may change, and it's always best to check with the location prior to your shoot to go over any fees or limitations.

Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

 

little rock, ar

 

Couple holding hands in elegant white dress and black polo shirt, posing between marble columns for engagement photos.
Black and white photo of a couple embracing and kissing in a garden pathway surrounded by lush hedges and trees.
A smiling couple holds hands while walking on a green lawn, the man in black polo and khakis, woman in a white dress.
A couple sits closely on a white ledge, smiling at each other, with a bronze sculpture and modern architecture in the background.

Whether you're on the front lawn, in the courtyard, or between the columns, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts is absolutely stunning from every angle.


My favorite time to shoot is about 45 minutes before sunset. With the direct sun mostly being blocked by nearby buildings, this light gives the perfect glow without your subjects having to squint in the light!


I typically like to meet my couples by the columns and start our shoot there. There's multiple spots to lean and sit on, which tends to help couples loosen up and get more comfortable posing!


After that, I love to head across the street to the lawn. The grass is not only beautiful, but provides some fun variety in the overall look of the shoot!


As the session comes to an end, I like to stop in the garden area while we walk back to our cars and grab a few shots in between the hedges. These are usually my favorites because it looks like such a fairytale!

The Old Mill

 

north little rock, ar

 

Couple posing on a rustic stone arch sculpture in a wooded garden, woman seated above man in elegant attire.
Black and white photo of a woman in white jacket leaning out of a rustic stone wall window opening.
Black and white photo of a bride on a rustic bridge and groom in window of a stone building.
Couple in elegant cream attire walking hand-in-hand along a garden path near a pond, surrounded by lush greenery.

The Old Mill is one of my favorite locations of all time. When I was little, we lived one block away from it, and I have so many memories of running around there with my brother and friends!


Even as I got older, the Old Mill remained a staple. It was a hotspot for cotillion, homecoming, and prom photos! I don't think I know anyone in North Little Rock that hasn't taken at least one photo dressed up here.


Fun fact: The Old Mill is featured in the opening scenes of Gone With The Wind!


Although the park itself is fairly small, there's endless creative possibilities between the mill, bridges, waterfall, and the lake below.


Pro tip: This location is best photographed during late fall/winter to avoid crowded areas and people in the background of your shots. These photos were taken in January, and the area was still absolutely gorgeous and not busy at all!

 

Downtown Argenta

 

north little rock, ar

 

Couple sitting together on urban sidewalk against brick building with red door, woman resting head on man's shoulder.
A photographer captures a smiling woman in a black jacket posing against a textured cream building wall outdoors.
Black and white photo of a man and woman leaning against a street lamp on an urban sidewalk.
Two friends sit relaxed on a sidewalk beside a white picket fence and blue house, styled in casual streetwear.
Couple standing together on a brick sidewalk next to a yellow building in a small town street corner.

Downtown Argenta is SUCH a hidden gem! This area is right in my backyard, and I still seem to find new spots to shoot every time I have a session.


As you walk down Main Street, you'll find unique buildings with fun pops of color. This area feels like a photographers playground. There's so many places to get creative.


Don't forget to stop at Crush Wine Bar, Brood & Barley, or Draft & Table for the perfect cocktail after your shoot!


Fun Fact: I actually got married one block off of Main Street at The Sanctuary at Argenta & E.O. Manee's House, so this area is extra special to me!



North Shore Riverwalk Park

north little rock, ar
A smiling woman in a white dress gets a piggyback ride from a man outdoors near a bridge and river.
Black and white photo of a man carrying a laughing woman on his back in a park near a bridge.
A happy interracial couple sits on grass in a park, smiling at each other, with a bridge and arch structures in the background.
Black and white photo of a smiling couple embracing on a brick walkway, surrounded by lush trees.

If you're looking for a beautiful view that's not too crowded, Northshore Riverwalk Park is the place.


Truth be told, I didn't even know this area had a name! I referred to it as "the North Little Rock side of the river by the Broadway Bridge."


With beautiful lawns, charming lamp posts, the bridge over the river in the background, and the Arkansas sunset, there's no denying this stretch of land is picture-perfect.


*Note: In my opinion, this area is best photographed 30ish minutes before the full sunset.

 

 

I hope you enjoyed this list of a few of my favorite Central AR locations! This area means so much to me, and it makes me so happy to capture moments for couples to hold onto forever in my hometown.


Don't forget to follow me on Instagram at @catecooperphoto to see more content from these spots!

Elegant cursive calligraphy reading Love with a decorative flourished initial on white background.