Locations: Cleveland & Akron
So many decisions to make! The location of your portrait session has a big impact on what your final images will look like, and beyond that, it's a reflection of who you are and what your style is. Maybe you love nature and would love to stroll through beautiful gardens to show it. Maybe you love Cleveland and want to showcase its downtown architecture. Maybe you love llamas and want to do a shoot at a local alpaca farm! (It's happened.) There are lots of great options for your portrait session around Cleveland, and I'd like to provide some information on a few of my favorites below!
West
Schoepfle Garden (Birmingham): Schoepfle Garden is a small park with a lot of personality and variety. It features large pine trees, groomed flower gardens, and even a small carousel!
Maria's Field of Hope (Avon): This gorgeous field full of sunflowers is in bloom in early September, and a portion of your session fee supports the Children with Glioma Cancer Foundation. *Extra fee applies.
David Fortier Park (Olmsted Falls): This park is small but has so much to offer: a covered bridge, gardens, a stone bridge in the middle of the forest, and a series of small waterfalls on the Rocky River.
Lakewood Park (Lakewood): This family friendly park borders Lake Erie and features a paved brick walkway along the shore. At the end of the walk is a fantastic skyline view of downtown Cleveland.
Coe Lake (Berea): Coe Lake has a little bit of everything, and is a beautiful spot for portrait sessions! This large park features lots of walking trails, woods, lakeside views, and several bridges.
Rocky River Park (Rocky River): This lakefront park features beautiful views of Lake Erie as well as lots of green space and a small beach. There is also a playground for the kids to use following your session.
Brookside Reservation (Cleveland): Close to the zoo, this park features several rows of Japanese Cherry trees that are typically in full bloom from mid to late April.
Huntington Beach Park (Bay Village): The Cleveland skyline is visible from Huntington Beach on a clear day. The park also features a rock jetty, stone staircases, a wooded picnic area, and an ice cream shop. Nearby are also a playground and some pretty tall grass.
Miller Nature Preserve (Avon): This garden has lots of options, including flowers, woods, and an extra indoor nature conservatory.
Veterans Memorial Park (Avon Lake): This public beach features a boardwalk and is perfect for a sunset portrait session.
Mill Stream Run Reservation (Berea): This park has lots to offer, including forests, trails, bridges, and a large picnic area.
Baldwin Wallace College (Berea): This beautifully landscaped college campus features historic buildings and several different areas to explore
Engle Road Sledding Hill (Middleburg Heights): Located in Big Creek Reservation, the area near this sledding hill features woods, tall grass, and picturesque bridges to explore.
Rocky River Reservation (Rocky River): Part of the Cleveland Metroparks, Rocky River Reservation features wooded trails, a large staircase, and it is next to the banks of the Rocky River. The colors truly pop here in the autumn!
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo (Cleveland): If you love animals, this is the place to do your portraits! Both the animal exhibits and the Rainforest provide beautiful and unique backdrops for portrait sessions. *Extra fee applies.
Central
The Flats West Bank (Downtown): Between Heritage Park's skyline view, the Center Street Bridge's colorful red paint, multiple murals, and the Jackknife Bridge next to the Cuyahoga River, you can't go wrong with this diverse location.
Wade Lagoon (University Circle): This park offers iconic views of the Cleveland Museum of Art and Rodin's Thinker in the background. It features marble steps, a quiet walking path, springtime cherry blossoms, and classic architectural backdrops.
Edgewater Beach Park (Downtown): This park provides a lot of different looks for portrait sessions, including a panoramic view of the Cleveland skyline and Lake Erie, a large beach, a Cleveland script sign, a large rock jetty and pier, and a large willow tree.
East Fourth Street (Downtown): East Fourth Street is in the middle of downtown Cleveland and just a few blocks from Public Square. Parking can be a challenge but this iconic pedestrian-only street is well worth it, especially at night!
Abbey Road/Superior Viaduct (Downtown): This stop provides an expansive view of Cleveland's skyline and features a Cleveland script sign overlooking the city.
Cleveland Botanical Gardens: The Cleveland Botanical Gardens have a plethora of colorful flowers, trails, steps, and reflecting pools to explore both inside and outside. *Extra fee applies.
Cultural Gardens: The Cultural Gardens near the Cleveland Museum of Art are a natural oasis inside the city. They are lush, green, and have several distinct areas in honor of different countries and ethnicities. Note that in order to ensure safety, certain precautions (like remaining in groups and parking in specific areas) are required.
Rockefeller Park Greenhouse: This location is perfect as an indoor escape from rain and snow, and it is free to use for portrait sessions. (Weddings and large groups incur a fee). The greenhouse is reminiscent of a small botanical garden and features a variety of plants as well as a fountain.
Little Italy (Downtown): This historic neighborhood of Cleveland has lots to offer, including small shops, walkable streets, a small city Park, murals, and more.
Cleveland Museum of Art (Downtown): The Cleveland Museum of Art is bright, beautiful, and a fantastic backup in case of rain for your portrait session. While photography is not allowed in the art galleries themselves, it is permitted in the atrium and outside.
Voinovich Bicentennial Park & Cleveland Sign: For the quintessential Cleveland skyline view, head to Voinovich Park. This urban park faces the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame and downtown Cleveland, and is home to the iconic "Cleveland" sign that everyone loves.
The Union Club: The Union Club is a gorgeous building in the heart of downtown Cleveland, just down the street from Playhouse Square. The interior is filled with classic and luxurious furniture, and its marble staircase is amazing for dramatic portraits.
Hyatt Regency at the Arcade (Downtown): The old Arcade, now the Hyatt Regency Cleveland, is a stunning historic building in the heart of downtown Cleveland. Its large gilded atrium provides soft light any time of day that is perfect for portrait sessions. There is no extra charge for portrait sessions here on weekdays/when there is not an event scheduled.
Westside Market & Ohio City: Westside Market is a lively and cultural market that can make for a fun backdrop to a portrait session, although it can get very crowded. Just outside, Ohio City is brimming with small shops, interesting alleys, and a lively square to explore.
Wendy Park at Whiskey Island: Wendy Park offers unique views of the Cleveland skyline and Lake Erie and is home to the old Coast Guard Building.
MOCA: The Museum of Contemporary Art is a fresh modern building that is interesting both inside and out. Its contemporary exterior can produce unique reflections for portraits. *Extra fee applies.
Cleveland Public Library (Downtown): The Cleveland Public Library a great backup location in case of rain and provides interesting architecture with a literary twist. *Extra fee applies.
East
Chagrin Falls Village (Chagrin Falls): Chagrin Falls is known for its historic and charming downtown area. The gazebo, the Chagrin Falls Popcorn Shop, Riverside Park, and the falls themselves are within easy walking distance.
Village of Gates Mills (Gates Mills): This beautiful town features a forested arboretum, quaint architecture, and a pedestrian-only bridge across the scenic Chagrin River. There is lots of variety within a small area.
Henry Church Rock (Bentleyville): Formerly named Squaw Rock, this metropark has lots of variety. A trail leads through the woods across small wooden bridges and down stone staircases to the Chagrin River.
Frohring Meadows (Bainbridge): Frohring Meadows is an open park with tall grasses and a marsh. It is perfect for romantic and picturesque sunset shoots.
Breezewood Gardens and Gifts (Bainbridge): Breezewood is a nursery with a large greenhouse atrium that makes for a perfect rain/cold weather backup. During the holidays, it is filled with Christmas trees, poinsettias, and other decorations.
Viaduct Park (Bedford): Viaduct Park is a hidden gem for portrait sessions, and offers one of the best waterfalls in the area for getting up close. Additionally, this wooded park on the edge of the Bedford Reservation features beautiful wooded trails, wildflowers, and more within a relatively small area.
Acacia Reservation (Beachwood): Acacia Reservation is a former golf course that has mostly been returned to nature. The metropark features lots of grassy areas as well as trails that feature some taller trees. There is also lots of space for kids to run and play.
Sulphur Springs Picnic Area (Bentleyville): Sulphur Springs is a quiet, wooded area with a small waterfall and beautiful road through the woods.
Pepper Pike Park (Pepper Pike): This small park has lots of variety packed into a small area, and it is full of fall color in the autumn! The space features lots of trees, a brick pathway, as well as a small bridge.
Horseshoe Lake Park (Shaker Heights): Horseshoe Lake is a great park featuring forested boardwalks, beautiful neighborhoods close by, and a large lake. There is also a playground, making it a great location for families.
Boardman Park (Boardman): This gorgeous park near Youngstown has a little bit of everything: woods, gardens, bridges, antique architecture, and more. Better yet, everything is easily walkable!
Fellows Riverside Gardens (Youngstown): These gardens are enormous, and have so many beautiful spots to explore! The location features colorful flowers, fountains, cozy walking trails, manicured lawns, and panoramic views. *Extra fee applies.
Mosquito Lake State Park (Cortland): Mosquito Lake State Park contains a quiet lake with a drivable beach, woods, and pier. It's a bit of a drive from Cleveland, but well worth it!
Hiram College Campus (Hiram): This small college has a beautiful campus full of historic buildings and carefully manicured gardens. It is very quiet in the summer, making it perfect for an evening portrait session.
Wiegand's Lake Park (Novelty): Wiegand's Lake Park is a large park surrounding its namesake lake. A dock and picnic area make for great spots to explore here for portrait sessions.
Centerville Mills Park (Aurora): This park features wooded trails, rocky ledges, tall grass, and green space, and is next to Lake Paterek and a small event venue.
Shadow Lake (Solon): Shadow Lake is a quiet fishing lake in the Cleveland Metroparks. A wooded trail leads around the lake, complete with bridges and several small piers.
Nelson Kennedy Ledges State Park (Nelson Township): This forested park features hiking trails, interesting rock formations, and a waterfall, and is perfect for those looking for some adventure.
Bloom Hill Farm (Uniontown): This flower farm grows fresh, local, organic blooms and their flower fields are photographer friendly! The farm grows sunflowers, dahlias, and several other types of flowers. *Extra fee applies.
Northeast
Squire's Castle (Willoughby Hills): Squire's Castle is a well-known Cleveland landmark, and it makes for a great backdrop to all kinds of portrait sessions. The castle itself is surrounded by wooded trails worth exploring as well.
Headlands Beach State Park (Mentor): Mentor Headlands is the quintessential Cleveland beach on Lake Erie. It features a large sandy beach, dunes with tall grass, and a wooded area. No dogs are allowed, but families are welcome.
Sugar Pines Farm (Chesterland): Sugar Pines Farm is a Christmas tree farm in Chesterland, and it makes for a perfect wintery location for portraits with its gorgeous rows of evergreens. *Extra fee applies.
Veterans Park (Mentor): This wooded park in Mentor features forest, wildflowers, and a large lake with several small docks. Sunset over the water makes for gorgeous evening light.
Kenneth J. Sims Park (Euclid): Sims Park is a small beach in Euclid, and it has so much to offer! This part of the lakeshore features a small sandy beach, a rocky jetty, a walkable pier, shady trees, and lots of high grass.
Luvin Lavender Farm (Madison): Roam through fields of gorgeous lavender blossoms at this unique portrait location perfect for the summertime. Flowers are typically in bloom in the end of June and early July. *Extra fee applies.
Chagrin River Park (Willoughby): Chagrin River Park is a wooded metropark with several bridges, trails, and fields. It has a lot of variety in a small space, making it perfect for portrait sessions.
Chardon Square (Chardon): This colorful town square is perfect for portrait sessions. It is filled with trees and flowers, has a beautiful white gazebo at its center, and is surrounded by historic architecture.
Burton Wetlands & Nature Preserve (Chardon): Burton Wetlands contains a boardwalk around a beautiful marshland, as well as several wooded areas. It's a large area and has many options for portraits.
Holden Arboretum (Kirtland): Holden Arboretum, part of the Cleveland Botanical Gardens, is an expansive garden and forest with a plethora of options. It is filled with tranquil ponds, lush green forests, and carefully manicured flower gardens. Holden's Canopy Walk and Emergent Tower add architectural interest to this picturesque location. *Extra fee applies.
South, Akron, Canton, Kent
Hudson Springs Park (Hudson): This park in Hudson has a little bit of everything: trees, rolling hills, bridges, a lake and small pier, and even a disc golf course! It also features lots of play areas for small children.
Station Road Bridge & Brecksville Station (Brecksville): The Cleveland Metroparks meet the Cuyahoga Valley National Park at this scenic station stop next to the Station Road Bridge. The park features lush woods and several bridges.
Everett Road Covered Bridge (Peninsula): Everett Road Covered Bridge is a colorful covered bridge in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It crosses Furnace Run Stream and is surrounded by picturesque woods on all sides. *Extra fee applies for large groups.
Chippewa Creek (Brecksville): Less than a mile from Station Road Bridge lies Chippewa Creek. Chippewa Creek is a small stream running through the forest, and a small footbridge over it makes for a great setting for portraits.
Brandywine Falls (Peninsula): Brandywine Falls is the most well-known landmark in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. A short boardwalk leads through the woods to the impressive waterfall. *Photography with large groups, such as wedding parties, is not permitted.
Peninsula Depot (Peninsula): This area features lots of interesting architecture, natural spaces on the edge of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, as well as the depot for the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
Liberty Park (Twinsburg): This large park is full of gorgeous fields of tall grass and wildflowers that just glow during the evening golden hour. Liberty Park features a small stone amphitheater, a flower garden, lush forest, and wooded footbridges and boardwalks. The park's namesake ledges are located a few minutes' hike away from the entrance.
Indigo Lake Park (Cuyahoga Falls): Indigo Lake Park is a beautiful area and has lots of variety for portrait sessions, including a train station for the Cuyahoga Valley Railroad, grassy green hills, and of course its namesake lake.
Hudson Square (Hudson): Hudson's large central square is full of small paths and trees and it features a white gazebo and the town's iconic clock tower. Small boutique shops line the square, providing many options to explore during portrait sessions.
Franklin Mills Riveredge Park/Downtown Kent (Kent): The city of Kent has lots of great options for portrait sessions: wooded parks, interesting murals and brickwork, picturesque pedestrian alleys, and a train station next to the river. Franklin Mills Riveredge Park borders the Cuyahoga River and is next to a lot of wonderful walkable options downtown.
Kent State University Campus (Kent): Kent State has a beautiful campus, filled with both classic and modern architecture as well as lots of natural green space.
Rauh Christmas Tree Farm (Kent): This small Christmas tree farm is close to downtown Kent and has rows of pine trees to explore in front of a wooded backdrop. *Extra fee applies.
Lake Anna Park (Barberton): Lake Anna is a beautiful city park featuring a lake, gardens, and a white gazebo. In October, it hosts the annual Mums Fest and is full of beautiful flowers.
Green Leaf Park (Wadsworth): This small park in Wadsworth has lots of options for portrait sessions, including a picturesque pond, a log cabin, forest, and bleachers.
Price Park (North Canton): This family-friendly community park has a lot to offer: it features cultivated gardens, walking paths, a wooded bridge, duck pond, and two gazebos close by, all in a small and easily walkable area.
Gervasi Vineyard (Canton): This beautiful vineyard features numerous restaurants and opportunities for wine tasting in addition to its gorgeous grounds, which include a lake, rows of grapevines, willow trees, and walking paths. *Extra fee applies.
Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (Akron): This gorgeous location has an incredible amount of scenery, including various tudor buildings, reflecting ponds, gardens, terraces, a greenhouse, and more. Photography is not permitted inside Stan Hywet Hall itself. *Extra fee applies.
Hale Farm (Bath): Hale Farm is a living museum dating back to the 19th century and it is a historic property of the Western Reserve Historical Society. Hale Farm is a great place for portraits, as it is usually not very crowded and has many quaint and rustic buildings to explore, along with wooded trails and gorgeous fields of tall grass. *Extra fee applies.
Medina Square (Medina): This gorgeous square features a large gazebo and lots of greenery, and it's surrounded by fun and unique shops and restaurants.
Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park (Medina): This small park is perfect for portraits! It features a small lake, dock, walking trails, and small bridges through the nearby forest.
Twinsburg Square (Twinsburg): Twinsburg's historic center features a stage, monument, numerous trees, and several historic buildings nearby.
Wolf Creek Park (Wadsworth): This park features forested trails, bridges, and a lake, giving many options for portrait sessions.
Mansfield & Wooster
Ramseyer Farms (Wooster): This farm in Wooster is the place to go for flowers in the fall! Ramseyer Farms features gorgeous fields of sunflowers and other blooms, as well as lots of other fall photo ops. *Extra fee applies.
Kingwood Center Gardens (Mansfield): Kingwood Center Gardens is a beautiful estate filled with cultivated gardens and interesting architecture. It features stairways, brick walls, a duck pond, beautiful flowers, and much more. *Extra fee applies.
Mohican State Park (Loudonville): Mohican State Park is full of rolling hills, picturesque rivers, and natural woodland, and there is lots of space to explore!
Gorman Nature Center (Mansfield) : This natural preserve features trails, woods, and many more natural areas.
Richland Carousel Park (Mansfield): Take pictures amongst the animals at this classic yet modern carousel in the heart of Mansfield. *Extra fee applies.
Indian Mill (Upper Sandusky): This area features old mills, a variety of natural spaces, and a rustic charm.