⚜︎ Where should we take photos?
Ah yes… probably one of the biggest questions I get asked: “But where are we supposed to take our photos?”
And honestly? I get it.
Sometimes figuring out where to take photos can feel way more overwhelming than people expect. There are so many options, so many vibes, and somehow Pinterest suddenly has everyone questioning if they need a rooftop, a field, a coffee shop, and a horse all in the same session 😂
The good news? You absolutely do not have to have it all figured out.
Whether you’re envisioning romantic downtown city vibes, dramatic architecture, cozy coffee shop moments, quiet sunset views, nature, rooftops, open fields, or somewhere completely unique to your story, there are so many beautiful options around Missouri and Southern Illinois.
So, I put together a little guide of some of my favorite locations to help inspire you. First listing MO locations and then IL. Some are romantic and editorial. Some are cozy and casual. Some are dramatic. Some are simple. And some are just fun.
The biggest thing I always tell my clients:
Pick somewhere that feels like you.
Your photos should feel like your dynamic, not just a random pretty background. And if you still have absolutely no clue where to start after reading this? No stress. I’m always happy to help narrow things down based on the vibe you’re going for, outfit ideas, season, lighting, and what feels most like your story.
Now let’s find your perfect backdrop!
⚜︎
࿇ Missouri Locations ࿇
⚜︎ downtown St. Louis
Vibe:
Editorial ✦ Romantic ✦ City ✦ Dressy ✦ Fun ✦ Date Night Energy
Best For:
Engagements, couples, seniors, maternity, branding, or honestly anyone wanting a little extra personality and city charm in their photos.
Why I Love It:
If you love city lights, architecture, rooftops, cozy little corners, or a more dressed-up and editorial feel, downtown St. Louis is such a fun option.
One of my favorite things about downtown is the variety. We can go romantic and dramatic with skyline views, wander city streets, stop near iconic architecture, grab coffee, browse records, or lean into something that feels more like your favorite kind of date night. Want rooftop views with the Arch in the background? Absolutely. Obsessed with the idea of cute coffee shop photos? Let’s do it. Love a moodier, more cinematic vibe near historic buildings or the Fox Theatre? Even some fun at the zoo, I’m already here for it.
This location category works especially well if you want photos that feel a little elevated, playful, modern, or uniquely you.
Good To Know:
Downtown sessions usually work best later in the day for softer lighting and cooler temperatures (plus city lights just hit different). Some indoor locations may require prior approval or permission beforehand, but don’t worry, we’ll always plan ahead together.
⚜︎ tower grove park
Vibe:
Romantic ✦ Nature ✦ Historic ✦ Soft ✦ Versatile
Best For:
Couples, engagements, families, maternity, seniors, and honestly just about anyone wanting greenery with lots of variety.
Why I Love It:
If you’re someone who loves nature but still wants a little character and variety in your photos, Tower Grove Park is one of my favorite go-to locations.
Between the tree lined paths, historic architecture, open fields, bridges, stone details, little tucked-away corners, and seasonal greenery, it gives us so many different looks without needing multiple locations. One of my favorite things about Tower Grove is how versatile it is. We can keep things romantic and dreamy, playful and fun, cozy and casual, or even a little more dressed up and editorial depending on your vibe. It photographs beautifully in every season too, which makes it a solid option year-round.
Good To Know:
Tower Grove can get busy during weekends and peak seasons, especially when the weather is nice. I usually recommend evenings for softer lighting (because yes… sunset is my love language 😂), and comfy shoes are always a good idea since there’s usually a little walking involved.
⚜︎ Old Appleton Bridge
Vibe:
Rustic ✦ Romantic ✦ Historic ✦ Moody ✦ Small Town Charm
Best For:
Couples, engagements, seniors, maternity, and anyone wanting something that feels a little quieter, water, unique, and full of character .
Why I Love It:
If old bridges, small-town charm, nature, and a little bit of history are your thing — Old Appleton Bridge is such a hidden gem.
There’s something about this location that feels cozy and nostalgic in the best way. Between the historic bridge, natural surroundings, open space, and quieter atmosphere, it gives photos a really timeless feel without trying too hard. This spot works beautifully whether you’re wanting something romantic and dressed up or casual and laid back. It has enough texture and character to feel interesting while still letting the people in the photos be the main focus. It’s especially pretty during golden hour (because apparently I’ll always recommend sunset 😂), when everything gets that soft glowy light.
Good To Know:
This location is a little more relaxed and nature-focused, so comfy shoes are always a good idea depending on where we’re walking. Lighting here is especially beautiful later in the evening.
⚜︎ Jackson city park
Vibe:
Classic park setting, open greenery, timeless, relaxed, possible creek or water access, and versatile.
Best For:
Families, couples, maternity, seniors, playful kid sessions, and anyone wanting a natural outdoor backdrop without hiking trails or anything overly complicated.
Why I Love It:
Jackson Park is one of those locations that truly works for just about everyone. It has beautiful trees, open green spaces, walking paths, and enough variety that your session can feel relaxed while still giving us multiple different looks in one location. For families, it’s especially fun because kids actually have room to move, play, and just be themselves (which always makes for the sweetest candid moments). For couples or maternity sessions, it gives that soft, timeless greenery or rocky creek vibe without feeling too “woodsy” or overwhelming.
It’s simple in the best way, clean backgrounds, pretty light, and a location that photographs beautifully during multiple seasons.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind:
Jackson Park works beautifully during golden hour, but because it’s an open park, summer sessions can get warm earlier in the evening. Comfortable shoes are always a plus, especially if we’re wandering around to hit a few different spots throughout the park.
⚜︎ Dennis scivally park
Vibe:
Open fields, soft golden light, tall grass, dreamy sunsets, and a little bit of countryside charm.
Best For:
Couples, engagements, families, maternity, seniors, and anyone wanting that warm, outdoorsy feel without having to hike or go too far off the beaten path.
Why I Love It:
Dennis Scivally Park is one of my favorite spots when you want that soft, glowy, “running through a field at golden hour” kind of feeling. The open space gives us beautiful light, especially closer to sunset, and there’s enough variety to create images that feel relaxed, natural, and full of movement. If you love warm tones, pretty skies, and photos that feel a little romantic and effortless, this location photographs beautifully. It also tends to work really well for kids because there’s room to move around, explore, and just be themselves without feeling super posed.
One of my favorite things about this spot is how different it can look depending on the season, from vibrant greens to warm golden tones later in the year.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind:
This location definitely shines during golden hour (that last hour before sunset), so timing matters here! Since it’s more open, it can get warm in the summer and occasionally a little breezy, which honestly can make for some really pretty movement in dresses and hair.
Comfortable shoes are always a good idea if we’re walking around to explore different areas of the park.
⚜︎ honorable mentions
Other locations I love to use in the MO area:
Forest Park - STL ⚜︎ st. Mary of the barrens - national shrine - perryville ⚜︎ cape rock park - cape girardeau ⚜︎ Bollinger mill state historic site - Buford ⚜︎ pickle springs - new offenburg ⚜︎
࿇ Illinois locations ࿇
⚜︎ alto pass - cliff view park
Vibe:
Scenic overlooks, dramatic views, adventurous, romantic, and sunset magic.
Best For:
Couples, engagements, maternity, seniors, and anyone wanting a more adventurous or scenic backdrop with beautiful views.
Why I Love It:
If you’re someone who loves big views, sunsets, and a location that feels a little more adventurous, Alto Pass Cliff View Park is such a beautiful option.
This spot has some of the prettiest overlook views in Southern Illinois and gives sessions a totally different feel than your typical park location. It feels open, romantic, and just a little dramatic in the best way, especially as the sun starts to set. It’s the kind of place that photographs beautifully if you’re envisioning something a little moodier, more nature-focused, or simply want a backdrop that feels unique and scenic.
Whether you’re wanting something romantic and dressed up or more laid back and casual, this location photographs beautifully and gives us a lot of natural beauty without needing a ton of extra “stuff” around us.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind:
This location definitely shines around sunset (shocking, I know 😂). Since it’s more open and scenic, weather and lighting matter here a little more than some other spots. Depending on where we wander, comfortable shoes are always a good idea.
⚜︎ trail of tears state forest - Jonesboro
Vibe:
Woodsy ✦ Adventurous ✦ Peaceful ✦ Moody ✦ Nature-Focused
Best For:
Couples, engagements, maternity, seniors, adventurous families, and anyone wanting a more natural, tucked-away feel.
Why I Love It:
If you love the idea of being surrounded by nature, tall trees, quiet trails, and a location that feels peaceful and a little adventurous, Trail of Tears State Forest is such a beautiful option. This location feels a little moodier and more tucked away than a traditional park, which makes it perfect if you’re wanting something that feels organic, earthy, and relaxed. Between the wooded areas, changing seasons, and natural scenery, it photographs beautifully year-round and can feel completely different depending on the time of year. It’s especially pretty if you’re someone who loves a cozy, outdoorsy feel or wants photos that feel a little less “perfectly polished” and a little more natural and storytelling-focused.
Whether you’re dressing things up or keeping it casual, this location has a way of making sessions feel relaxed, intimate, and full of personality.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind:
Because this is a more nature-focused location, comfy shoes are definitely recommended depending on where we decide to explore. Lighting matters here too — evenings usually photograph beautifully with softer light filtering through the trees.
⚜︎ honorable mentions
Other locations I love to use:
Ferne Clyffe State park - goreville ⚜︎ Rendleman orchards - alto pass ⚜︎ horseshoe lake - olive branch ⚜︎ rock springs - Thebes ⚜︎
⚜︎ Still not sure where to go?
If there’s one thing I hope this guide helps with, it’s reminding you that there is no one “perfect” location, only the one that feels the most like you.
Whether you’re envisioning city lights, cozy coffee shops, scenic overlooks, open fields, dramatic architecture, playful family moments, or something completely unique to your story, there are so many beautiful options to choose from. And the good news? You absolutely do not have to have it all figured out before reaching out.
Honestly, some of my favorite sessions have started with: “Okay hear me out…” 😂
Whether you already have a dream location in mind or need help narrowing things down, I’m always happy to help guide you based on the vibe you’re wanting, outfits, lighting, season, and the overall feeling you want your photos to have. At the end of the day, the goal isn’t just a pretty backdrop, it’s creating photos that feel personal, intentional, and genuinely like your story.
