Old Westbury Gardens, located on Long Island’s North Shore, is a remarkable testament to the grandeur of the Gilded Age, offering photographers a rich canvas filled with historical and natural beauty. Established in the early 20th century, this 200-acre estate features a majestic English-style mansion surrounded by traditional gardens, all preserved to showcase an era of opulent design and refined garden landscapes. Old Westbury Gardens photos are a dream to document, whether at a wedding, engagement session or portrait session of a family.
The Rich History of Old Westbury Gardens
Constructed in 1906 for John S. Phipps, his wife Margarita Grace Phipps, and their children, Old Westbury Gardens is a significant example of the cultural and architectural transference from the British Isles to America during the early 20th century. Designed by the eminent British designer George A. Crawley, the estate was heavily inspired by the grand English country manors of the era, embodying the sophistication and refined aesthetics of European aristocracy while adapting to the American landscape’s unique characteristics.
The mansion’s design is a masterclass in period architecture, featuring detailed craftsmanship and state-of-the-art materials at the time. The home’s interiors are lavishly decorated with fine antiques, ornate plaster ceilings, and handcrafted wood panelings, all contributing to the sense of returning to a grander, gilded age. The house was built as a family home and a vibrant social hub where the Phipps family entertained guests with the utmost style and comfort.
Surrounding the mansion, the gardens are a testament to the careful planning and exquisite taste that define the estate. Spanning over 200 acres, these gardens were designed to complement the architectural elegance of the house with natural beauty. The formal gardens feature a variety of themed areas, each meticulously curated to offer different visual and sensory experiences. From the intricate designs of the Rose Garden, which bursts into vibrant colors during the summer months, to the tranquil settings of the reflecting pools and decorative ponds, the gardens at Old Westbury are designed to enchant and delight visitors.
Wooded paths and expansive lawns weave through the estate, offering peaceful retreats and picturesque vistas at every turn. These paths serve as lovely walks and play a crucial role in framing views of the mansion and its various garden “rooms,” each laid out with precision and artistic intent.
After serving as a private residence for the Phipps family for over fifty years, the decision was made to transform Old Westbury Gardens into a public museum in the 1950s, ensuring its preservation for future generations. This transition into a public entity has allowed countless visitors to explore and appreciate the estate’s lush landscapes and architectural beauty. Today, Old Westbury Gardens is a preserved piece of early 20th-century luxury and a vibrant cultural hub that hosts various events, educational programs, and tours that celebrate the estate’s historical and botanical significance.
By opening its doors to the public, Old Westbury Gardens offers an escape into a more sophisticated era, inviting everyone to experience the grandeur and tranquility of this magnificent estate. The preservation efforts have ensured that the architectural grandeur and landscaped grounds remain intact, offering a real and tangible connection to the past amid the modern landscape.
Prime Photography Locations Within Old Westbury Gardens
Old Westbury Gardens offers a variety of captivating locations that provide exquisite backdrops for any photography, from formal wedding shoots to casual garden strolls. Each area within the gardens has been designed with aesthetic elegance and photographic potential in mind, making Old Westbury a favored destination for amateur and professional photographers alike. Here is a detailed exploration of some of the most picturesque spots within Old Westbury Gardens that highlight this historic estate’s natural beauty and architectural charm.
The Walled Garden
The Walled Garden is a beautifully enclosed space known for its vibrant floral displays and meticulously designed hedges. The garden’s structure creates a unique, secluded environment that exudes tranquility and privacy, making it an ideal setting for serene garden photography. The symmetry of the hedges and the riot of colors from the seasonal blooms provide a stunning contrast and a multitude of angles for capturing striking images.
The Rose Garden
A highlight of Old Westbury Gardens, the Rose Garden bursts into a spectacle of colors during the late spring and early summer months. Home to an extensive variety of roses, the garden becomes a canvas of reds, pinks, yellows, and whites, each type of rose adding its unique character to the tapestry. Photographers particularly favor this garden for its vibrant hues and the delicate details of the rose petals, perfect for close-up shots or broader scenic compositions.
The Pond
This expansive water body is a reflective paradise, mirroring the vast skies and the greenery surrounding it. The tranquility of The Pond, enhanced by the graceful weeping willows along its banks, makes it a prime spot for landscape and wildlife photography. Photographers can capture the symmetry in the reflections in the water, adding a peaceful and almost surreal quality to their images.
The South Lawn
The South Lawn serves as a grand stage with the majestic backdrop of the Old Westbury mansion. This expansive space allows photographers to play with scale and perspective, capturing the estate’s grandeur in a single frame. It is a popular location for wedding and event photography, where the sweeping views and elegant setting enhance the celebratory mood.
The Thatched Cottage
Tucked away within the gardens, the Thatched Cottage offers a delightful contrast to the more formal spaces around the estate. Its quaint, rustic charm and thatched roof nestled among lush greenery make it a picturesque spot for intimate shots. The cottage is perfect for those looking for a more whimsical storybook setting in their photos, providing a backdrop that seems to tell its tale.
In conclusion, Old Westbury Gardens presents a variety of scenic locations that are not only a pleasure to explore but also provide endless opportunities for creating beautiful photographs. Each garden and feature has been crafted to complement the historical significance of the estate and enhance the visual experience for visitors and photographers. Whether you’re capturing the structured elegance of the Walled Garden, the vibrant beauty of the Rose Garden, the reflective tranquility of The Pond, the expansive grandeur of the South Lawn, or the charming whimsy of the Thatched Cottage, Old Westbury Gardens offers a perfect setting for every photographer looking to add a touch of nature’s artistry and historical refinement to their work.
Photography Permit Process at Old Westbury Gardens
Photographers must know the permit process for shooting photos at Old Westbury Gardens. While personal photography is allowed without a permit, all commercial, portrait, and wedding photography requires prior approval and a license from the estate’s administration. The process involves submitting an application detailing the intended use of the photographs and the specific areas of the gardens. There are fees associated with these permits, which vary depending on the type of photography and the duration of the shoot. It is advisable to arrange these permits well before the planned shoot date to ensure compliance with the estate’s policies and secure access to desired locations.
Why I love photographing at Old Westbury Gardens
Photographing at Old Westbury Gardens transcends ordinary photography sessions. It offers a rich tapestry of landscapes and historical architecture that sparks immense creativity and passion in my work. The gardens provide a stunningly picturesque backdrop that seems almost designed for the art of photography, with each visit uncovering new perspectives and inspirations.
One of the primary reasons I love photographing at Old Westbury Gardens is its sheer variety of natural scenery and manicured beauty. From the formal gardens bursting with vibrant flowers to the serene ponds and gentle sweeps of the lawns, each element of the estate tells a story. The Walled Garden, with its symmetrical hedges and vivid floral displays, offers a controlled beauty perfect for formal portraits or fashion photography. It exudes an air of privacy and tranquility, making it visually appealing and a calm setting for focused shoots.
The Rose Garden is another favorite, especially in the peak bloom of late spring and early summer. The abundance of roses in various hues provides a rich palette of colors for visually striking images. Photographing amid the roses feels like stepping into a living painting, where the fragrance of the blooms adds an almost tactile layer to the experience, enhancing the sensory detail of each photograph.
The Pond at Old Westbury Gardens adds an unparalleled reflective tranquility, creating opportunities for stunning landscape photography. The way the water mirrors the sky and the surrounding foliage, coupled with the dramatic draping of weeping willows along its banks, allows for shots with profound depth and a serene quality. Capturing reflections during different times of the day offers a spectrum of light and mood, making every visit unique.
The architectural elements of Old Westbury Gardens, such as the South Lawn’s grandeur and the Thatched Cottage’s rustic charm, also add a historic and elegant touch to photographs. The backdrop of the mansion itself, with its imposing structure and detailed design, brings a sense of scale and history to my photos. Meanwhile, the Thatched Cottage, nestled within its green surrounds, provides a whimsical, storybook setting ideal for more intimate and creative imagery.
Moreover, the staff at Old Westbury Gardens is exceptionally accommodating, contributing to the overall positive experience of shooting there. Their cooperation and understanding of photographers’ needs help in smoothly executing various photo sessions, whether for weddings, engagements, or artistic projects.
Lastly, the changing seasons at Old Westbury Gardens offer dynamic and ever-evolving backdrops, making it a venue where I can shoot throughout the year and still find fresh inspiration. Each season brings new colors, textures, and light, from the lush greens of summer to the fiery tones of autumn and the pristine snows of winter, each adding a distinctive character to my photographs.
In conclusion, art, history, and nature converge in Old Westbury Gardens to create perfect photographic opportunities. It’s a place I treasure for its visual beauty and the endless possibilities it offers for creative expression. Each session at these gardens is a chance to capture something truly magical, making it a beloved location for my photography.
Conclusion
Photographers capturing Old Westbury Gardens photos are treated to a visual feast of architectural elegance and horticultural beauty. Each visit offers unique opportunities to explore and capture the timeless essence of one of America’s most treasured Gilded Age estates. Whether for professional shoots or personal enjoyment, Old Westbury Gardens provides a stunning array of scenic compositions that enchant any photographer – and their clients!
