Best Photo Locations
In St. Louis, MO
Where are the best photo locations in St. Louis? One of the most frequently asked questions I get when a client wants to book with me is WHERE they should go! In all honesty, the location is the least important piece to me - it doesn't matter to me where you want to go, we will find a way to create beautiful images no matter where we are. However, that doesn't mean I don't also LOVE a scenic location for my photography sessions. The environment only adds to the magic. So, when my clients ask for recommendations on where to take their photos, I do my best to accommodate!
We are so lucky in St. Louis, because we have so many beautiful parks and urban landscapes to choose from for photo sessions. No matter where you're located in the metro area, there's no doubt there's a perfect park, green space, or city-street that inspires some stunning imagery.
Here is a list of locations in St. Louis that I either love to photograph, have photographed frequently, or that have lots of variety when it comes to portrait sessions.
I hope they help you envision your photo session or inspire some ideas!
Forest Park | St. Louis, MO
Forest Park is a classic option for a photo session. Clients sometimes ask, "isn't that cliche," or "doesn't everyone go there," and maybe those things are true, but I don't think they're BAD truths! Forest Park is BEAUTIFUL and HUGE! There is a good spot to take a photo quite literally anywhere you look. There is so much variety, potential and opportunity at Forest Park. It's a great option any time of year for any kind of session. I have photographed EVERYTHING here: families, high school seniors, engagements and weddings! There's beautiful scenery but also a perfect mixture of urban landscape and architecture too. There's something for everyone. Yes, it's one of the most popular locations for photo sessions in St. Louis, but for very good reason. We are so lucky to have a park like this in our backyard! I love exploring Forest Park for photos. Take advantage.
Lafayette Park | St. Louis, MO
Lafayette Park is another very popular destination for my photo clients. This one is a favorite because it includes lovely landscapes, including ornate details and textures, but it's also tucked into a gorgeous urban neighborhood in downtown Lafayette Square. There's a lovely lake, pretty iron bridge over a pond, lovely greenery and gardens, and a couple buildings that offer excellent texture and color. You're likely to have a few ducks or swans in the background of your images too! Plus, there are so many cute little shops and small businesses flanking the park, so when you're all finished with your session, you can unwind with a coffee or ice cream or hang out at one of the nearby restaurants.
Tower Grove Park | St. Louis, MO
Tower Grove is one of my favorite recommendations for clients who are looking for "forestry." Tower Grove has hundreds of beautiful tall, lush trees. They show off gorgeous color in the fall, but also look exceptional as a blanket of green behind you. There are also lots of little details in the park to enjoy, such as the stone ruins and the pond, as well as colorful bridges and pavilions. Another great option for a combo of scenic and urban.
Bee Tree Park | Oakville, MO
Bee Tree Park is one of South County's unsung hero parks! Tucked away in Oakville, this park has a lot to offer for a photo session. Wooded trails, several overlook areas of the river, a rustic red barn, a beautiful stone house with picturesque gardens, and a fishing lake that makes a beautiful backdrop. There's a little bit of everything here, which makes it a great location option for any kind of photo session.
Klondike Park | Augusta, MO
Okay, this place is just amazing. It's a bit outside of STL - located in Augusta, near St. Charles - but it is definitely worth the drive. When you see this beautiful place, you might do a double take and think you somehow drove to Colorado or Arizona or something. The gorgeous cliffs and sandy beach-like landscape create a stunning location for photos. I especially love Klondike Park for romantic engagements, but it's truly perfect for any kind of photo session. If you prefer an outdoors-y, mountain-esque location (and didn't think you could get something like that in STL), you definitely want to consider Klondike for your photo session!
Fabick Nature Preserve | Fenton, MO
Fabick Nature Preserve quickly became one of my absolute favorite places to shoot in STL. It's not your typical "park" so it's never crowded. It's so quiet and peaceful and has amazing views. There are picturesque ridges, two beautiful lakes, and a great expanse of landscape with trails, tall grasses and lush greenery. If you're looking for a country vibe, this is an amazing spot to consider. And the best part, it's tucked away right in Fenton near Fenton City Park. A quick drive from just about anywhere, and definitely worth it!
Downtown | St. Louis, MO
If you want a city/urban vibe or a lot of beautiful architecture in your photos, look no further than our very own city! Downtown St. Louis has a lot to offer for photo backdrops (duh, we have the Arch)! From Washington Ave with the twinkle lights, to the Central Library for gorgeous architecture, to the Arch grounds for iconic views, or the stadiums for an extra flare of hometown pride, downtown St. Louis is a great option for your session!
Arnold City Park | Arnold, MO
I might be a little biased to Arnold City Park because it's located in my town, but there's a lot to love about this park! A large, beautiful lake with fountains, surrounded by a nice walking trail, an expanse of wooded area with tall, full trees, as well as open spaces. There's also a bike/hike trail that takes you through all that wooded area and makes for a great woodsy background for photos.
Sandy Creek Historic
Covered Bridge | Hillsboro, MO
Sandy Creek Bridge is one of my favorite hidden gems for photos. I particularly love it in the fall and winter because of it's rustic charm. The large red barn-esque bridge makes a great backdrop for all kinds of photos. And it's only a quick scenic drive away!
Mural Mile | Downtown
St. Louis, MO
An eclectic choice, while not for everyone, is such a cool spot down in the city. It's ever-changing, which makes it so unique, and it's full of color and story - and even better, there are great views of our STL pride - the Gateway Arch! If you're looking for something fresh and different as your photo backdrop, this is a great option.
Westside Park | Fenton, MO
A little neighborhood park tucked away in Fenton is a quiet, tranquil park with beautiful large trees and lush forest with a pond and bridge, offering a lot of variety for photos. It's especially pretty in the fall when the foliage changes colors and has some of the prettiest light for photos along the walking trail!
Francis Park | St. Louis Hills, MO
Francis Park is a cute, family-friendly park nestled in St. Louis Hills in the city. It's quaint and open, and offers some great spots for family photos. There's lovely greenery, open spaces, long walkways, and it's surrounded by a cozy neighborhood of classic STL brick bungalows. And it's super pet-friendly! I think this park is a great choice for families!
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