A Princess Photoshoot at Fonthill Castle in Doylestown, Pennsylvania
When I was a kid, I used to dress up in my grandmother’s clothes. I’d disappear into her walk-in closet, try on heels far too big for my feet, swipe a little lipstick from her vanity, and parade around her bedroom feeling like royalty. I didn’t need a castle — imagination did the rest.
That feeling never really left me.
This post is a look back at some of my favorite princess portrait sessions photographed at Fonthill Castle — a location that has inspired my work for years and continues to feel like something straight out of a storybook.
Why Fonthill Castle Feels Like a Real-Life Fairytale
There’s something rare about discovering a place that instantly transports you. Fonthill Castle has that effect. Tucked away in Pennsylvania, it feels unexpectedly European — dramatic stonework, archways, towers, and details you don’t normally associate with a local setting.
It’s one of those locations where you don’t need to “create” magic. It’s already there.
I’m drawn to places that allow children to step fully into imagination, and Fonthill does that effortlessly. The grounds feel cinematic, timeless, and quietly enchanting without ever feeling overdone.
Architecture That Sparks Imagination
Built by Henry Chapman Mercer, the castle’s architecture blends Gothic, Byzantine, and Renaissance influences. Every angle offers texture, scale, and visual interest — from towering walls to intricate windows and unexpected details.
I love photographing the full structure as well as smaller moments tucked into the space — especially the stained glass windows I lovingly call the “peppermint windows.” They add color and character without overpowering the subject.
For princess portraits, this kind of architecture gives children space to play, twirl, explore, and truly feel like they’re part of something extraordinary.
Gardens, Grounds, and Light
Behind the castle, the gardens and surrounding grounds add softness and balance to the stone exterior. In warmer months, the space comes alive — greenery, winding paths, and pockets of quiet that feel almost secret.
The afternoon light here is especially beautiful. It wraps gently, creating depth and dimension without harsh shadows. It’s the kind of light that lets children relax, move naturally, and simply enjoy the experience.
On summer evenings, you can hear frogs chirping near the pond — my daughter calls it the “princess moat.” It’s those little moments that make sessions here feel immersive rather than staged.
More Than a Photoshoot — An Experience
Princess sessions have always been about more than photographs for me. They’re about experience.
From couture gowns to delicate tiaras, everything is designed to help children feel confident, imaginative, and celebrated. Watching their faces light up when they see the dresses — and then seeing how they move once they’re wearing them — never gets old.
Some children are bold and dramatic. Others are soft and shy. Every personality shines differently, and that’s what makes these sessions so special.
A Location That Leaves a Lasting Impression
Fonthill Castle does require a permit, but it’s well worth it. It’s a place that leaves an imprint — not just visually, but emotionally. Years later, families still talk about how their child felt during their session here.
I’ve photographed many locations across the region, but Fonthill remains one of the most memorable. It’s a space where imagination feels natural, where children can step into a story, and where portraits feel timeless rather than trendy.
Doing what a princess does, holding her crown!
A beautiful princess at Fonthill Castle in Doylestown, PA.
Holding Onto a Little Magic
Princess portraits are ultimately about honoring childhood — that brief, beautiful season where imagination runs freely and wonder comes easily. Sessions like these aren’t about perfection. They’re about joy, play, and letting kids be exactly who they are in that moment.
Fonthill Castle continues to be one of those rare places where everything aligns — setting, light, emotion, and story — and I’m always grateful for the opportunity to create there.
Dee
Shooting Star Photography
Serving Philadelphia, Mainline, Northern Delaware, and all of Southern New Jersey.
If you’re interested in learning more about how my princess portrait experiences are designed, you can explore my children’s portrait photography work to see how imagination and fine art come together.
