The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Photography Locations in Erie, PA: Find Your Vibe
Last Scouted & Updated: March 16, 2026
By Chris Zdarko, Zdarko Photography
Let's be real: When Erie's weather finally gets the memo, there is absolutely nothing like the Great Lakes light. From the golden hour glow at the peninsula to the hidden urban textures downtown, our city offers a backdrop for every story, if you know where to look. But here's the good news: Erie is absolutely packed with incredible outdoor photography locations that’ll make your portraits pop and your brand shine.
Whether you're booking a branding session to level up your business, a beauty shoot to celebrate yourself, or senior portraits that actually feel like you: the right location sets the entire mood.
But instead of throwing a random list of addresses at you, I'm organizing this guide around something way more useful: your vibe. Because the location you choose should reflect who you are and what you want your images to say about you.
Looking for the Indoor Location Guide?
This Is a Living Guide (And We Need Your Help!)
Before we dive in, here's the deal: this guide is a work in progress, and I want it to showcase as many amazing local Erie spots and spaces as possible. If you know of a cool spot I haven't mentioned yet: a new art mural, a kickin' urban backdrop with great light, or even a local venue that deserves some love: send it my way! I'm always on the hunt for new locations, and I'd love to feature more of what makes Erie special.
Have a location not mentioned?
Disclaimer: Please research and confirm permit requirements & park hours before your session.
Let’s Find your vibe:
Do you know of an awesome spot not featured here?
Let's work together to build a thriving community! Reach out and let’s get this awesome spot on the map!
The Polished Visionary
Waterfront Architecture
Bicentennial Tower & Dobbins Landing
For sessions that demands authority and sleek professionalism, the clean lines of the tower, the brick pathways, and the expansive views of the bay provide a high end, sophisticated backdrop.
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Address:
1 State St, Erie, PA 16507
Ideal For:
Corporate headshots, high end branding, and real estate professional profiles.
Best Time to Shoot:
Early morning or golden hour to avoid harsh midday shadows.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Fully paved, flat, and ADA accessible. High heels are safe here.
Permit Required:
No general permit required for casual public shoots, but always good to verify with the Port Authority for larger commercial setups.
Contact Info:
Port Authority of Erie (814) 455-7557
Modern Corporate Architecture
Sleek Glass Campuses (Bayfront Convention Center & Downtown)
If you want to project a high level, Fortune 500 energy, you need modern architecture. The sleek glass windows, reflective surfaces, and clean metallic lines of Erie's corporate buildings provide a commanding, metropolitan corporate backdrop.
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Address:
Varies (1 Sassafras Pier for the Convention Center, or the corporate campuses near East 6th and French St)
Ideal For:
Executive headshots, modern corporate branding, and high end commercial profiles.
Best Time to Shoot:
Overcast days are amazing for this, or shoot when the sun is on the opposite side of the building. The glass essentially turns into a giant, flattering softbox.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Paved plazas and concrete walkways. Highly accessible.
Permit Required:
Public sidewalks are free to use, but respect private corporate plazas and security boundaries.
Historic Civic Architecture
The towering stone columns and classic architecture provide an incredibly authoritative and timeless backdrop. Catching the light on the west side of the building during a glowing Erie sunset creates a supercharged, cinematic look for any professional portfolio.
Erie County Courthouse Exterior
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Address:
140 W 6th St, Erie, PA 16501
Ideal For:
Authoritative branding, lawyer or consultant headshots, and classic senior portraits.
Best Time to Shoot:
Late afternoon to sunset specifically on the west side of the building to catch that golden, dramatic light.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Paved sidewalks and wide stone steps. Highly accessible.
Permit Required:
No permit required for shooting on the public sidewalks and exterior steps.
Historic Nautical
Erie Land Lighthouse & Park
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Address:
2 Lighthouse St, Erie, PA 16507
Ideal For:
Sophisticated senior portraits, classic nautical branding, and authoritative professional profiles.
Best Time to Shoot:
Morning light here is peaceful and bright, or you can capture the dramatic skies overlooking the water just before sunset.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Paved pathways and manicured lawns. Highly accessible.
Permit Required:
Public park grounds are free to use. Going inside the lighthouse itself is restricted to specific public tour days.
Contact Info: Erie Port Authority
Tucked away on the east side, this historic lighthouse offers a quiet, refined, and distinctly coastal aesthetic. The brick paths, wrought iron fencing, and sweeping elevated views of the lake provide a highly polished and classic environment.
Destination Resort (Southwestern NY)
Peek'n Peak Resort
Crossing the border into Southwestern NY opens up lush, manicured golf courses, classic ski lodge aesthetics, and sweeping hilltop views. It is a premier destination that provides a highly polished, luxury backdrop for commercial work.
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Address:
1405 Old Rd, Clymer, NY 14724
Ideal For:
High end luxury branding, seasonal fashion (winter sports or summer golf), and polished corporate lifestyle imagery.
Best Time to Shoot:
Varies by season. Early morning in the summer for pristine greens, or midday in the winter for bright snow reflections.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Paved resort walkways, grassy hills, and snow. Accessibility depends entirely on the specific shooting area.
Permit Required:
Private resort. Commercial shoots require coordination with their marketing or guest services team.
Contact Info: Peek'n Peak Resort (716) 355-4141
Historic Architecture
Erie Art Museum Exterior & Customs House
The stunning Greek Revival architecture, massive marble pillars, and grand front steps of the old Customs House offer a high-fashion, editorial backdrop right in downtown Erie.
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Address:
20 E 5th St, Erie, PA 16507
Ideal For:
High-fashion editorial shoots, sophisticated senior portraits, and polished professional branding.
Best Time to Shoot:
Early morning for clean, uninterrupted shots on the steps, or late afternoon for dynamic shadows between the pillars.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Paved sidewalks and marble steps. Very accessible, though shooting on the steps requires some mobility.
Permit Required:
None required for the exterior public sidewalks and steps.
Contact Info:
Public exterior (Museum: 814-459-5477)
The Authentic Storyteller
Historic Waterfront & Nautical
For a truly iconic Erie aesthetic, the tall ship and historic brick buildings along the bayfront offer a timeless, nautical atmosphere. It is a fantastic spot to capture classic, approachable portraits with a strong sense of place.
Erie Maritime Museum & US Brig Niagara
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Address:
150 E Front St, Erie, PA 16507
Ideal For:
Classic senior portraits, maritime lifestyle branding, and relaxed professional headshots.
Best Time to Shoot:
Morning light here is beautiful, and it tends to be less crowded before the museum tours peak.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Paved plazas and cobblestone textures. Accessible, but watch your step on older brickwork.
Permit Required:
Public plaza areas are generally fine for quick portraits, but shooting on the ship or inside the museum gates requires strict permission and ticketing.
Contact Info:
Erie Maritime Museum
Urban Lifestyle & Cafe Patios
Walkable Retail Districts (West Erie Plaza & Downtown Cafes)
This is the outdoor equivalent of your favorite cozy coffee shop window. Utilizing outdoor cafe seating, stylish modern storefronts, and tree lined sidewalks gives you that perfectly candid, "working on the go" lifestyle aesthetic.
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Address:
Varies (West Erie Plaza at 915 W Erie Plaza Dr, or Downtown State Street cafes)
Ideal For:
Casual brand storytelling, modern entrepreneurs, and relaxed lifestyle fashion.
Best Time to Shoot:
Mid morning for a fresh, bustling energy, or late afternoon for softer light bouncing off the storefronts.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Paved sidewalks and flat patios. Fully accessible.
Permit Required:
Public sidewalks are free to use. If you plan to use a specific cafe's patio furniture, always ask the barista or manager first (and buying a coffee goes a long way!).
Contact Info:
Varies by specific business
Natural Landscape
The soft sand, waving beach grass, and gentle waves create a relaxed, lived in environment. It is the perfect setting to capture genuine human connection and a warm, approachable brand story.
Presque Isle State Park (Lighthouse Beach & Trails)
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Address:
301 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505
Ideal For:
Relaxed brand storytelling, family sessions, beach-inspired beauty shoots, and lifestyle commercial imagery.
Best Time to Shoot:
Sunrise for empty beaches, or golden hour for soft, glowing skin tones.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Mixed. Sandy beaches and unpaved dirt trails. Bring walking shoes (or go barefoot!).
Permit Required:
Commercial photography permits are required by DCNR.
Contact Info:
Presque Isle State Park Office (814) 833-7424
Rustic Barn & Meadows
Brown's Farm (Asbury Woods)
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Address:
5774 Sterrettania Rd, Fairview, PA 16415
Ideal For:
Rustic senior portraits, approachable family lifestyle sessions, and warm brand storytelling.
Best Time to Shoot:
Late afternoon golden hour when the sun dips behind the trees and casts a beautiful, warm glow over the fields.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Grass fields and dirt paths. Mostly accessible, but expect uneven ground if you venture far from the barn.
Permit Required:
Managed by Asbury Woods. No general permit is required for standard portrait sessions, but always verify for large commercial setups.
Contact Info:
Asbury Woods Nature Center (814) 835-5356
With its iconic red barn, split rail fences, and wide-open meadows, this Fairview staple offers the ultimate classic, rustic backdrop. It is perfectly suited for capturing genuine smiles and relaxed, rural storytelling.
Agritourism & Rustic Farm
Port Farms
From their late summer flower festivals to their sprawling fall harvest setups, this working farm in Waterford offers endless rustic charm. It is the ultimate location for capturing playful, approachable, and highly seasonal portraits.
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Address:
2055 Stone Quarry Rd, Waterford, PA 16441
Ideal For:
Playful family lifestyle, rustic senior portraits, and approachable seasonal branding.
Best Time to Shoot:
Weekday mornings to avoid the massive weekend crowds, or late afternoon for softer light across the fields.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Packed dirt, grass, and farm terrain. Most main festival areas are highly accessible, but you are still navigating a working farm.
Permit Required:
Strict requirements. You must purchase a specific day-permit directly from the farm, pay the standard cost of admission, and provide a certificate of liability insurance listing Port Farms as an additional insured.
Contact Info:
Port Farms (814) 796-4500
Landscaped Park & Greenspace
Frontier Park (LEAF)
With its cascading willow trees, winding creek, and beautiful walking paths, Frontier Park offers a highly versatile, natural setting. It is the perfect blank canvas for capturing relaxed, genuine personalities.
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Address:
1501 W 6th St, Erie, PA 16505
Ideal For:
Laid-back senior portraits, lifestyle fashion, and approachable, outdoor brand storytelling.
Best Time to Shoot:
Golden hour is spectacular here, particularly near the labyrinth and under the willow trees.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Highly accessible with paved paths, plus grassy areas and slight slopes near the creek.
Permit Required:
No permit required for standard portrait sessions.
Contact Info:
LEAF (Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier)
The Bold Individualist
Urban Streetscape
Downtown Erie Murals & State Street Alleyways
If you want your images to pop with texture and attitude, the vibrant public art and gritty, exposed brick alleyways in the heart of the city deliver an unapologetic, edgy vibe.
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Address:
Various (State Street & 10th Street Corridor, Erie, PA)
Ideal For:
Edgy branding, creative headshots, and vibrant, high energy portraits.
Best Time to Shoot:
Overcast days for even lighting, or late afternoon to play with harsh, dramatic alleyway shadows.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Paved sidewalks and brick alleys. Generally accessible, but watch for uneven historic brickwork.
Permit Required:
None required for public sidewalks and alleys.
Vintage Amusement Park
Waldameer Park & Water World
Neon lights, vintage rides, and cotton candy colors. This is the ultimate summer nostalgia backdrop for high energy branding, vibrant lifestyle fashion, or senior portraits that refuse to be boring.
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Address:
220 Peninsula Dr, Erie, PA 16505
Ideal For:
Colorful senior portraits, retro fashion shoots, and playful, high energy brand storytelling.
Best Time to Shoot:
Dusk or early evening when the neon lights on the rides start to glow against the darkening sky.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Paved walkways throughout. Highly accessible.
Permit Required:
Private property. You absolutely must contact park management for permission to shoot commercial or portrait sessions on the grounds.
Contact:
Waldameer Park Office (814) 838-3591
Urban Park & City Center
Perry Square & Downtown Gazebo
Right in the heart of downtown, Perry Square offers a vibrant mix of manicured park spaces, a classic gazebo, and surrounding historic city architecture. It is a fantastic hub for capturing the bustling, vibrant energy of the city.
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Address:
State St & 6th St, Erie, PA 16501
Ideal For:
Energetic brand storytelling, modern entrepreneur lifestyle, and vibrant senior portraits.
Best Time to Shoot:
Midday for that busy city energy, or twilight when the string lights and streetlamps click on for a moody, urban glow.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Fully paved brick walkways and flat grass. Highly accessible.
Permit Required:
Public park. No permit required for standard portrait sessions, but be mindful of large city festivals during the summer.
Urban & Industrial
Downtown Parking Garages
For a location with serious attitude, the top decks of Erie's parking garages offer sweeping skyline views, while the lower levels provide harsh concrete lines, moody shadows, and an unbeatable streetwear aesthetic.
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Address:
Various (Sheraton Bayfront, 8th & French, etc.)
Ideal For:
Edgy high school senior portraits, streetwear fashion campaigns, and gritty, high-contrast branding.
Best Time to Shoot:
Midday for harsh, dramatic shadows on the lower levels, or sunset on the top deck for skyline silhouettes.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Concrete ramps and decks. Fully accessible.
Permit Required:
Technically private property (Erie Parking Authority or hotel). Best practice is to be quick, respectful, and not block traffic, or ask management for formal clearance.
Contact:
Erie Parking Authority
Luxury Nautical
Take the session off the mainland entirely. Chartering a private boat and taking it out onto Presque Isle Bay offers an incredibly edgy, high luxury aesthetic. Once you are anchored away from the docks, it provides a highly unique, private setting for a bold boudoir session.
Chartered Yachts & Private Boats on the Bay
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Address:
Dobbins Landing / Presque Isle Bay (Departure points vary)
Ideal For:
Luxury boudoir, high end swimwear fashion, and bold, editorial branding.
Best Time to Shoot:
Sunset. Capturing the Erie sunset over the water from the deck of a boat is unmatched.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Requires balance and sea legs. High heels are usually not permitted on boat decks.
Permit Required:
You must coordinate directly with the boat owner or charter captain to ensure they are comfortable with the nature of the shoot.
Contact:
Local private charter companies or private boat owners in your network.
The Ethereal Dreamer
Botanical & Forest
Asbury Woods
With its towering trees, winding wooden boardwalks, and soft filtered sunlight, this location feels miles away from the city and offers a whimsical, magical atmosphere.
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Address:
4105 Asbury Rd, Erie, PA 16506
Ideal For:
Ethereal beauty portraits, romantic branding, and serene lifestyle imagery.
Best Time to Shoot:
Early morning to beat the crowds, or late afternoon for glowing light through the trees.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Mixed. Features an ADA accessible paved loop and wooden boardwalks, plus deeper unpaved dirt trails.
Permit Required:
No general photography permit required for small setups, but always verify for large commercial productions.
Contact:
Asbury Woods Nature Center (814) 835-5356
Waterfalls & Deep Forest
Wintergreen Gorge
This hidden gem offers a truly magical atmosphere. With its shale formations, flowing creek, and deep forest canopy, the Gorge feels like stepping into a moody, romantic fairytale.
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Address:
Cooper Rd, Erie, PA 16510 (Near Penn State Behrend)
Ideal For:
Whimsical senior portraits, flowy boutique fashion shoots, and moody, nature-focused branding.
Best Time to Shoot:
Overcast days to capture the rich greens and deep mood of the forest without dappled, distracting sunlight. (Aim for Fall for something extra special!)
Terrain & Accessibility:
Rugged. Requires hiking down steep, sometimes muddy or slippery trails. Proper footwear is a must for navigating the creek bed. Not wheelchair accessible.
Permit Required:
No permit required (part of the Penn State Behrend campus network).
Contact:
Penn State Behrend
Dramatic Cliffs & Overlooks
Erie Bluffs State Park
Massive ninety foot bluffs overlooking Lake Erie provide a sweeping, cinematic landscape that feels entirely different from the flat beaches of Presque Isle. The sheer scale of the cliffs offers a dramatic, untouched natural canvas.
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Address:
11100 West Lake Road, Lake City, PA 16423
Ideal For:
Sweeping, dramatic fashion campaigns, adventurous branding, and moody fine art portraits.
Best Time to Shoot:
Golden hour leading up to sunset. The sun sets directly over the water here, creating an incredible glow on the cliffs.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Rugged dirt trails and steep drops. Not wheelchair accessible, and clients should wear sturdy shoes for the hike in.
Permit Required:
DCNR commercial photography permit required.
Contact:
Managed by Presque Isle State Park complex
Seasonal Agricultural Estate
Hagen History Center's Battles Estate (Sunflower Field)
For a few fleeting weeks in late summer, this historic Girard estate explodes into a sea of over a million blooming sunflowers. It is a wildly popular, breathtakingly vibrant backdrop that provides pure, sun-drenched magic.
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Address:
436 Walnut St, Girard, PA 16417 (Note: This is the Girard campus, not the downtown Erie museum!)
Ideal For:
Romantic senior portraits, ethereal summer fashion, and warm, nature-focused brand storytelling.
Best Time to Shoot:
Highly seasonal (typically blooming in August). Golden hour here is spectacular when the sun dips behind the treeline and illuminates the yellow petals.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Agricultural field and dirt paths. Wear flats or boots, as the ground can be uneven or muddy.
Permit Required:
This is private museum property. You must contact the Hagen History Center to verify their current photography rules and any associated fees during the blooming season.
Contact:
Hagen History Center (814) 454-1813
Private Water Feature & Botanical
Secluded Creeksides & Wildflower Fields (via Airbnb/Peerspace)
There is nothing quite as magical as a romantic, water focused boudoir session. Renting a secluded Airbnb or private estate with its own creek, pond, or overgrown wildflower field gives you that whimsical, fairytale aesthetic without the risk of public onlookers.
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Address:
Varies (Look for rentals in Fairview, Girard, or across the NY/OH borders)
Ideal For:
Ethereal boudoir, maternity milk bath style outdoor shoots, and romantic fine art portraits.
Best Time to Shoot:
Early morning for a soft, misty atmosphere, or late afternoon for glowing backlit foliage.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Typically unpaved. Clients should bring sandals or water shoes for navigating creek beds before posing.
Permit Required:
You must message the Airbnb or Peerspace host prior to booking to confirm they allow commercial photography and boudoir on the premises.
Contact:
Varies by rental host.
Lush Agriculture & Lake Views
Just a short drive into North East PA, the rolling rows of grapevines leading down toward the lake offer a sweeping, romantic, and distinctly regional backdrop. It provides a lush, organic texture that is impossible to replicate anywhere else.
Lake Erie Wine Country Vineyards
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Address:
Various (Along Route 20 and Route 5 in North East, PA)
Ideal For:
Romantic senior portraits, ethereal fashion, and hospitality or lifestyle branding.
Best Time to Shoot:
Golden hour is spectacular here. Late summer to early fall (right before harvest) offers the fullest, most vibrant vines.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Grassy hills and uneven dirt rows. Leave the stilettos at home and bring flats or boots.
Permit Required:
These are private agricultural properties. You must have explicit permission from the vineyard owners before walking into the rows.
Contact:
Varies by rental host.
Pro Resources & DIY
Collegiate Architecture
Mercyhurst University Campus
If you need an environment that screams "classic academia" or European elegance, this campus is a goldmine. The stunning Gothic architecture, wrought iron gates, and manicured courtyards offer incredible versatility for a refined look.
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Address:
501 E 38th St, Erie, PA 16546
Ideal For:
Classic senior portraits (especially for graduating seniors), preppy or tailored fashion campaigns, and authoritative branding.
Best Time to Shoot:
Weekend mornings or late afternoons when foot traffic from students is minimal.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Paved walkways, brick courtyards, and some stairs. Mostly accessible.
Permit Required:
Private campus. Generally tolerant of quick, respectful portrait sessions, but large commercial shoots should seek permission from campus security or administration.
Contact:
Mercyhurst University (814-824-2000)
Private Acreage & Basecamps
For outdoor boudoir, guaranteed privacy is non-negotiable. Utilizing private rural acreage, or even a secluded wooded lot with a permanently parked travel trailer to serve as a comfortable dressing room and climate controlled home base, offers the ultimate safe, creative sandbox.
Secluded Waterford Farms & Private Wooded Lots
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Address:
Private properties (Waterford, Edinboro, or surrounding rural townships)
Ideal For:
Highly private outdoor boudoir, rustic lifestyle fashion, and intimate nature portraits.
Best Time to Shoot:
Late evening golden hour. The lower the sun, the more flattering the shadows on the skin.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Varies by property. Having a trailer or cabin on site is highly recommended so clients have a secure place to change, warm up, and do makeup.
Permit Required:
Must have explicit permission from the property owner.
Contact:
Network with local landowners or utilize your own private network.
Off Grid & Tri State Exploration
Rugged Terrain & Hidden Gems
Sometimes the most unique backdrop is completely off the paved path. Exploring the state game lands of Northwestern PA or crossing into Northeastern OH and Southwestern NY yields untouched landscapes. If you have a capable truck to haul your gear down the dirt roads, the creative possibilities out in the wild are endless.
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Address:
Varies across the tri state region
Ideal For:
Highly custom, adventurous branding, and "out of the box" commercial storytelling.
Best Time to Shoot:
Varies heavily by location and tree cover.
Terrain & Accessibility:
Unpredictable. Expect mud, steep inclines, and off road conditions. Proper footwear and a 4x4 vehicle are highly recommended.
Permit Required:
Highly variable. Always ensure you are on public land or have explicit permission from the private property owner.