new clients often want to know my opinion on locations for portrait sessions, and i thought it was about time i put together a comprehensive list of places that i’ve had sessions at before, that i like shooting at – with handy links to blog posts from those locations. you can also use the search function in the sidebar to search for venues i haven’t listed here. i really love to shoot somewhere that’s meaningful for you – your home, your favorite park, the coffee shop you like to spend time in – but if you’re stuck for ideas, here’s some help:
o1. disney resorts! i’ve shot at many of the disney resorts, and they’re all great locations for sessions. the photos won’t scream “DISNEY!” (unless you want them to), and each resort has it’s own feel. also, because outside photography insn’t allowed in any of the parks, this is a great way to capture that disney feeling on your vacation. some of my favorites:
the yacht club, beach club & boardwalk – nautical themed, beach, grassy areas, boardwalk (all connected)
the polynesian – tropical, classic “florida” look, beach, lots of greenery
port orleans (french quarter & riverside) – very simple, grassy areas, brick walls, river view, fountains
the grand floridian – classic, grassy areas, landscaping, fountains, beach
the wilderness lodge – rustic, lots of trees, rocky areas, geyser & waterfalls, lake view
the animal kingdom lodge – neutral tones, rocky outcroppings, greenery and the chance to see zebras!
disney springs (previously downtown disney) – very colorful, tons of different options, lake view
o2. rollins college. i love, love, love this place. a multitude of different options for backgrounds, and the lighting always seems to be perfect! there is a gorgeous, wide open grassy area, and plenty of little nooks and crannies to use.
o3. celebration. celebration has that lovely, small-town feel – just like main street usa or pleasantville. there’s the lake, gorgeous parks, fountains, kilwins (mmm, ice cream), and more.
o4. winter park. the entire downtown winter park is area is scenic, from central park to little back alleys, the farmer’s market and all of the side streets. there are also unique locations, like sassafras candy shoppe.
o5. universal orlando! there are tons of different options for photos at universal, including citywalk, the hotels, and the parks. unlike disney, outside photography is allowed in the universal themeparks, so we can do something fun like a hogsmeade or diagon alley session, or family photos in springfield!
06. bok tower gardens. bok tower is a gorgeous, lush set of gardens conveniently located in lake wales. the gardens were recently expanded and include the signature singing tower & pinewood estate aka ‘the spanish house’.
07. legoland (previously cypress gardens). formerly the famous cypress gardens, legoland is winter haven’s adorable & colorful theme park. admission also includes access to the stunning historical gardens, giving a variety of scenery options for photos.