Are you wanting a fun and colorful urban session? Or maybe a dreamy, woodsy session at sunset? Or maybe you have no idea what you kind of location you want. I can help. First, think of what you are planning to do with your images. Are you wanting a large family portrait over the fireplace? Think about the colors and style of decor in that room and what will look best. Maybe you are updating the photos in frames you already have or wall displays…you might want to choose a look that will compliment other photos in the area that will be displayed.
These are just a few examples of some nearby locations. Click on the “Blog” tab to see a little bit of every session and get even more ideas. If you have an idea of your own PLEASE let me know. I love trying out new locations, especially if they capture your personality or have personal meaning to you.
Burr Oak Woods
Burr Oak Woods is located in Blue Springs just off North 7 Hwy. Burr Oaks Woods offers a variety of woodsy backgrounds. Because of the ever-changing flower and grassy fields and the seasonal changes, it rarely looks the same twice so every session has a bit uniqueness to it. Pets are not allowed into Burr Oak, so if you were hoping to have your furry family member join you in your photos, this location is not for you.
Blue Spring Lake
There are several great places near and around Blue Springs Lake for photos. The most popular among photographers and clients (for good reason) is this rock wall area. There is also a cute dock and “beachy” area nearby if you area wanting water in some of your shots.
Charles Hartman Park
If you would are thinking about including water in your session, this may be the place for you. This Lee’s Summit location is popular due to it’s “picture-perfect” rocky waterfall. There are also trails, tall grassy areas, wild flowers and a graffiti covered tunnel.
Crossroads Art District
Crossroads in Kansas City is probably my FAVORITE place to shoot Urban sessions. It offers a very wide variety of backdrops including colorful doorways, interesting metal art, brick walls, ivy, graffiti and cool alleys. It is also close to many of the popular Kansas City Murals. It is usually pretty quiet and not very crowded so it’s easy to get a lot of great shots without too much traffic or too many people in the way. I find a great, new place for photos almost every session I do here! Bring some comfy walking shoes because there is a lot of good area to cover!
Loose Park
Loose Park, located just north of the Plaza in Kansas City is ALWAYS a great place. It offers bridges, a fountain, several cool trees, a rose garden, stone walls, a pond and many other great backdrops for your session. It is a very popular location for photos and many of the most popular places require waiting for your turn. There are also usually many people enjoying this beautiful park but with a little patience I’ve never had a problem getting the shots I want. Pets are welcome at Loose Park as well so it’s the perfect spot for pictures with your pooch! Loose Park has started requiring a permit be purchased for professional photography. The permit is $25 an hour and must be applied for at least 5 days in advance. This fee will be added to your session fee if this is the location you choose.
Belvoir Winery
Located just outside of Liberty, Belvoir Winery is one of my favorite finds for photography sessions. Here you can find a little bit of everything. There is an open field surrounded by woods, the building itself- with it’s beautiful wooden doors, a long path of stairs, an awesome gazebo, and the brick walls and metal staircase can even offer a bit of an urban look to your photos.
The West Bottoms
The West Bottoms isn’t the most original location in the Kansas City area as it is usually full of a handful of photographers wandering around at any given time, but that is with good reason. This Urban Grunge setting has good spots in every few steps and every direction. Colorful doorways with chippy paint, rusty or black metal staircases, graffiti, and urban bridges all offer great photo opps here!
Lake Jacomo
If you are looking for some water in your session background, Lake Jacomo might be the place for you. There are docks, woods, wooden and metal staircases, and of course…water. There is a tree-lined gravel road that has a hint of purple from the redbuds in spring, lush green in early summer and gorgeous autumn shades in fall.
Missouri Town 1855
Missouri Town is located in Fleming Park, between Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs. It offers rustic buildings, barns and fences. There are even horses that are usually happy to join you for a shot or two! There is an admission fee of $7 for Adults and $4 for Seniors and Children. A Permit for Professional Photographers must be obtained for each session as well and is $25. These expenses will be the clients responsibility in addition to the session fee.
Kansas City River Market
The River Market area is a fun Urban location without the “grunge” of some of the other urban locations. It offers some great staircases, colorful buildings and doorways, and pretty lamp posts.
Unity Village
Unity Village has a lot to offer…amazing architecture, beautiful fountains, a rose garden, woods, and so much more. However, before you fall in love with this location, be aware that they have recently started charging $100 per visit for Professional Photography here which would be in addition to your session fee.
William Jewell
William Jewell campus is kind of a hidden “jewel” (see what I did there?) as far as photography locations. Located in Liberty, it’s lovely in the fall and has cool staircases, stone buildings, pretty trees and an awesome telephone booth.
Independence Square
The Square in Independence is a good place for a colorful, somewhat urban setting for my Eastern Jackson County clients that want to stick a little closer to home. Most of the good spots here are in the best light in the morning so I recommend scheduling your session before noon if you are interested in using this location.
Union Station
Union Station offers a handful of indoor and outdoor backdrops for you session, making it a great choice for when the weather is less than perfect. There is a $25 permit fee for groups of less than 10 people but that fee is waived between Thanksgiving and New Years. Groups of 10 or more people require a $75 permit fee.
