KC Photoshoot Locations
My Land
Weston, MO
Many of my clients choose to have their session on our gorgeous property here in Weston. Not only are there many beautiful spots to choose from - ponds, paths, an old tobacco barn - having privacy adds an extra level of comfort during your shoot! We’ll hop on our Can-Am ATV and head out for a fun adventure!
Belvoir Winery
Liberty, MO
The Belvoir Winery and Inn is actually the former Odd Fellows home, and is rich in history. It’s gorgeous grounds offer many beautiful locations for a photo session. It is also a wedding venue.
Black Hoof Park
Lenexa, KS
Black Hoof Park is a 231-acre park featuring 35-acre, deep-water Lake Lenexa. The park offers a unique dam and spillway, plus several miles of trails through open grass and wooded areas.
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Area
Blue Springs, MO
Photography has gone off the charts at Burr Oak Woods recently, and for good reason. It’s patch of pine trees make you feel as if you’ve stepped out of the middle of Missouri and into the valleys of Colorado. FYI - this is a CROWDED location, and you will definitely run into other photographers and groups. More recently we’ve seen an influx of people disrespecting this space, which is extremely unfortunate. They have a strict no-pet policy along with no confetti.
Charles A. Garney Park
Kansas City, MO
Charles Hartman Park/ Cedar Creek
Lee’s Summit, MO
The Colonnade
Kansas City, MO
The Colonnade is a gorgeous structure in Kansas City that has beautiful sunlight in the evenings. This location is a *tad* sketch at times, so take that into consideration before choosing it.
Crossroads Art District
Kansas City, MO
The Crossroads is full of art galleries in restored warehouses, restaurants, retail shops, and design firms. It is full of bold, vibrant artwork, quirky and modern architecture, with a little grunge thrown in. If you’re looking for something unique - choose The Crossroads and Art Alley for your session!
Englewood Arts District
Independence, MO
Englewood is a charming section of western Independence (on East Winner Road from Sterling through Ralston Avenue) full of art galleries, shops, and restaurants. Similar to the Crossroads “First Fridays”, it hosts “Third Friday Art Walks”. Keep that in mind when booking your session here.
English Landing Park
Parkville, MO
English Landing Park is a 68 acre facility and offers walking trails along the Missouri River, plus the unique Waddell A-Truss Bridge
I usually suggest that my clients spend half of their session here and the other half just up the road, either in downtown Parkville, or at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary.
Freight House Pedestrian Bridge
Kansas City, MO
The Pencoyd Railroad Bridge is a former railroad bridge in Kansas City, Missouri, that was converted into the Freight House Pedestrian Bridge and moved to its new location where it connects Union Station and the Crossroads Arts District. It’s a fun stop to make when having your session in the Crossroads, at the WWI memorial, Penn Valley Park OR the Scout Overlook!
Grinter Farms (September Only)
Lawrence, KS
Grinter Farms is a working family farm, primarily farming soybeans and corn, but for the last ~50+ years, they’ve also planted sunflowers. The Grinter family welcomes visitors into the sunflower fields, and does not charge for admission or parking, however photographers are asked to make a donation when they visit. They also prohibit photographers from setting up for the day - meaning, they don’t want us to do mini sessions. The sunflowers are in bloom for only about 2 weeks at the beginning of September, but the exact timing is impossible to predict, so you’ll need to follow along to their Facebook page and your photoshoot might be somewhat last minute once the blooms arrive. You will also need to be prepared for traffic, large crowds, and dirt and/or mud. If you can handle all of that, the results will be so worth it!
Hill Park
Independence, MO
Hill Park is a hidden gem tucked away in western Independence that you have probably driven by many times without realizing the unique stone structures hiding beneath the hill. It also has a cute little bridge with a creek below. Sadly, it’s become a bit overgrown, so we’ll need to stake it out in advance before confirming your session here.
International Forest of Friendship
Atchison, Kansas
The International Forest of Friendship is a memorial park dedicated to the men and women involved in aviation and space exploration. There is a cute little rock-bed pond, and a bridge, along with pathways and pretty trees. I suggest combining this location with Warnock Lake, as they are adjacent to each other!
Kansas City Workhouse
Kansas City, MO
The Kansas City Workhouse is truly one of my favorite places to shoot. This old abandoned castle building off of 18th and Vine is covered in graffiti and totally one of a kind. Proceed with caution here - there is broken glass, trash and debri everywhere, and sometimes a questionable character hanging around.
UPDATE: The Kansas City Workhouse is now fenced off and under new ownership. It is rumored to become an event venue, but for now, it is totally off limits. :(
Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts
Kansas City, MO
Kauffman Stadium
Kansas City, MO
Did you know photo shoots at Kauffman are a thing? They’re totally a thing! During the months of April through September, you can purchase a private 60-minute tour which includes two people and your photographer. You will have a private guide who will zip you all around the stadium on a golf cart. So fun! Check out their website for more information!
Krug Park
St Joseph, MO
Krug Park is one of St. Joseph’s most popular photography locations, with a lot of variety in scenery. The park’s 163 acres features Italian Renaissance structures, extensive landscaping, a lagoon, a rose garden, scenic walking trails and more. If you’re north of KC, I highly recommend Krug Park for your session!
Liberty Hospital
Liberty, MO
Tucked behind Liberty hospital is an adorable little park with tree swings, a wooden bring and a colonnade.
Loose Park
Kansas City, MO
Jacob L. Loose Park is arguably the most popular spot in the metro area for photography, and for good reason! It’s truly a 75-acre oasis in the city - with beautiful ponds, bridges, and gardens. There is a $25/ hour photography permit which your photographer must apply for at least 5 business days in advance. Signs are posted throughout the park, and you can expect to be asked to show your permit during your session. Loose Park is one of my go-to locations because it is so versatile - Engagement Shoot? Family of 4? Family of 20? You can’t go wrong!
Museum at Prairie Fire
Overland Park, KS
The Museum at Prairie Fire is a vibrant, colorful and unique structure and perfect for engagement, maternity, senior and family portraits. Looking for a modern and unconventional look? You’ve come to the right place. (Pro Tip: Avoid this location on the weekends during homecoming season- late September or early October, and prom season- late April or early May. TRUST ME. )
Did you know, the Museum at Prairie Fire is available for weddings and events?
NW Northwood/ 9 Hwy
Riverside, MO
Right down the road from Park Hill South High School is this fantastic little grove of evergreen trees, and interesting stone structure. Another hidden gem that will give you a unique look for your photos!
I usually recommend my client’s combine this location with the Riverside Waterfall location, or Charles A. Garney Park - as they are both just down the road!
Old Red Bridge: Love Locks
South Kansas City, MO
This is a bridge full of locks left by couples in love. It also has a pretty creek below, a walking path and plenty of lush trees!
Park College
Parkville, MO
Parkville (Downtown)
Parkville, MO
Parkville is the perfect location for a charming small town feel for your photos. — You’ll get a variety of quaint storefronts and alleys for backdrops, including a really cool American Flag mural in one of the alleyways!
Many of my clients combine this location with English Landing Park or Parkville Nature Sanctuary for their session since they are so close together.
Parkville Nature Sanctuary
Parkville, MO
The Parkville Nature Sanctuary is a wildlife preserve on 115-acres and features nearly three miles of walking trails. Walk far enough back and you’ll find a beautiful waterfall - and an entrance to a root cellar, which I have yet to find!
Many of my clients combing this location with English Landing Park or Downtown Parkville for their session since they are so close in proximity.
Penn Valley Park
Kansas City, MO
Penn Valley Park is a 176-acre park overlooking downtown Kansas City, MO. It includes a small lake, walking trail and cute little stone bridge. It’s also close to the Just Off Broadway Theatre, which is a small castle-like structure, the WWI memorial, and The Scout Statue, which has an amazing view of the Kansas City skyline.
Pleasant Hill Lake
Pleasant Hill, MO
Powell Gardens
Kingsville, MO
Established in 1988, Powell Gardens is a public garden of lush, rolling hills and windswept meadows, with more than 175 acres and a large collection of plants open to the public for education, exploration, and recreation. It is an amazing location for engagement, maternity, small family and senior portraits. They also have a gorgeous wedding chapel!
There is a $10 admission fee for adults, $4 for children and a $5 parking fee per vehicle. FYI - Mileage rates apply for sessions at Powell Gardens.
Powell Gardens is open Thursday - Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM (Closed October 25th - November 10th and December 31st - March 1st)
Riverside Waterfall
Riverside, MO
The Riverside Waterfall is a little gem at the entrance of a neighborhood that has become one of my clients’ favorite choices. It has a breathtaking waterfall, a cute little bridge, some green space, stone ledges and a small pond. I often suggest that my clients use this location for the first half of their session, and do the second half at the Northwood/9 HWY location, since they are so close to each other. (Pro Tip - dont come here during prom season!!!)
For more variety, I usually suggest my client’s combine this location with the NW Norwood/ 9th Street location or the Charles A Garney Park, which are both nearby.
Roanoke Park
Kansas City, MO
The best thing about Roanoke Park is the adorable brick road that runs through it - the last remaining brick road in KC. This is a working road, so it’s important to use caution, and I wouldn’t recommend this location for small children because of that. There also isn’t a ton of versatility here - aside from the road, there is one section of trees and one stone wall, all of which aren’t substantial enough to accommodate large families. So I recommend this spot for couples, seniors and adults only.
Sar Ko Par Trails Park
Lenexa, KS
This is a beautiful park on the Kansas side featuring trails, bridges, a historic barn, and cute step-stone walkway through the pond.
Scout Overlook
Kansas City, MO
I recommend combining with Penn Valley Park for your session, as they are side by side! I love this location at night! (But it can be a tad sketch as well, just FYI)
Shawnee Mission Park
Shawnee, KS
Shawnee Mission Park boasts 1,655 acres and includes a 120-acre lake, shelters, picnic areas, nature tralis, play areas, an archery range, a 44-acre off-leash dog park, an 18-hole disc golf course, mountain biking and hiking trails, equestrian trails, and is home to the Theatre in the Park.
It has so much to offer if you’re willing to spend some time exploring. It is a VERY popular spot for photographers!
Shoal Creek Living History Museum/ Hodge Park
Liberty, MO
Shoal Creek Living History Museum is an 80 acre museum within Hodge Park that includes seventeen authentic 19th-century buildings dating from 1807-1885. The grounds are open daily from dawn to dusk. It is truly a one-of-a-kind hidden gem in the KC area.
A photography permit is required - $25 per hour - or, your photographer may purchase the annual pass of $100 for the year. Hourly permits must be requested at least 2 business days in advance and can be requested here.
St. Joseph (Downtown)
St. Joseph, MO
Another great place for a more urban setting is downtown St Joseph. There are a few great places with exposed brick to use as a backdrop. Then, drive a few blocks west and end your session along the banks of the Missouri river! You could also run over to Krug Park for some more variety.
Timber Park Trail
Platte City, MO
This is a real hidden gem in the northland! It has several great spots for photos, if you’re willing to walk a little ways! There is a trail through the woods, a bridge, a wooden fence, and my personal favorite - a field with tall prairie grass.
Town of Kansas Bridge/ River Market
Kansas City, MO
The Town of Kansas Pedestrian Bridge is a 650-foot long bridge that provides a link between the River Market to downtown Kansas City Riverfront. Spanning the Town of Kansas archaeological site, two railroads and the Missouri River floodwall. It has a wall of love locks, and a stairway and elevator down to the walking path below. Perfect location to mix the industrial look of the bridge with the nature-feel of the river below.
Union Station/ The Link
Kansas City, MO
Union Station is a popular location for indoor photography, especially during the holidays. This is a great spot to add when shooting at the WWI Memorial. Please make sure that you purchase your photography permit ($25 for less than ten people, $75 for more than ten people) THE DAY OF your session.
Unity Village
Lee’s Summit, MO
I absolutely love Unity Village’s stunning Mediterranean style structures and bridges.. Did you know that this is the world headquarters for the Unity Church and is actually a real “village”? So neat! It has around a hundred local residents. I’ve been to several beautiful weddings in the courtyard and garden here. Please note, the permit for photography is $100 per day! (This is another location to avoid during homecoming and prom season)
Vaile Mansion
Independence, MO
Built by Colonel and Mrs. Harvey Vaile in 1881, this 3-story, 31 room mansion in Independence, Missouri, sits in solitary splendor, an architectural anomaly among the surrounding Midwestern homes. The Vaile Victorian Mansion is truly a beautiful place for maternity, senior or couple portraits.
Warnock Lake
Atchison, Kansas
I suggest combining with the International Forest of Friendship for your session at Warnock Lake.
Watkins Mill State Park
Lawson, MO
Watkins Mill State Park is just outside of Kearney, MO and offers a 100-acre lake, trails, fields, green areas, a unique bridge, 19th century school-house and woolen textile mill. It’s gorgeous for families willing to explore the expanse of the park. FYI - mileage rates apply for a session at Watkins Mill State Park (unless you book your session on the weekend I camp their annually with my church).
West Bottoms
Kansas City, MO
The West Bottoms were founded in the 1860’s with the arrival of the railroads and was the original downtown Kansas City. It would not be until the late 1990’s that a quiet renaissance started to renew it’s former glory. Each building has a unique story and history. All of that character makes for some fabulous and diverse backdrops for those who want a more urban feel. When the weather is nice, you are guaranteed to see several other photo shoots taking place, especially on the weekends. The good news is, there are tons of spots to choose from, so even though there will be others wandering about, you will have plenty of options. I usually meet clients under the 12th Street Bridge to start, and then we take off and explore. If time allows, its fun to run over to the Kauffman Center for Performing Arts for a few shots as well.
Weston (Downtown)
Weston, MO
Downtown Weston is a great choice if you’re up for a little walking. There are so many cute buildings and interesting alleyways on Main Street. Many of my clients choose to do a portion of their session in downtown Weston and then go back to my farm, or Weston Bend State Park, for a different look.
Weston Bend State Park
Weston, MO
World War I Memorial
Kansas City, MO
If you’re looking for a backdrop that shouts, “I Love Kansas City!”, you need to have your session at the WWI Memorial. It offers amazing views of Union Station, Western Auto, and the KC Cityscape. There are also long stair cases, a wall of greenery, and some spots with trees, giving you a lot of variety if you’re willing and able to walk around.
