So you have booked your photography session with me; now let’s talk locations! The Kansas City metro is blessed with so many incredible areas that make for a fantastic backdrop, whether it is for a family, senior or engagement session. Here are my top 10 suggestions when I am asked, “What are the best locations in Kansas City for my photography session?”
The West Bottoms- This historic home to Kansas City’s Livestock Exchange is becoming a popular choice for photo shoots due to its diverse nature. From alleys filled with graffiti to gorgeous antique doorways, the West Bottoms provide so many unique backdrops. The architecture of the buildings and the famous 12th street bridge makes this landmark area a top spot when choosing locations! Unfortunately, due to the popularity of this area for photoshoots, some people have not been considerate towards the business owners in the area. We want to keep being able to use the West Bottoms so please be aware, no chalk drawing or confetti is allowed and if the signs say to stay off the property, please do. The best times to schedule for this area are weekdays and any weekend but the first weekend of the month. The first weekend of the month is when all the antique shops and small businesses open. Several food trucks also park in the area for those days. While it’s not a great time to take photographs it is a fantastic time to go on a shopping trip with your girlfriends. Something to keep in mind!
Downtown- How lucky are we that Kansas City is home to a beautiful downtown area? The revitalization of downtown along with our love for beautifully painted murals makes this another great location for photography sessions. The Western Auto sign is a Kansas City icon and lets everyone know you are proud to be from KC! Another fantastic spot is The Kauffman Center of Performing Arts, with its modern shell shape and glass walls, it provides for a very dramatic background. Something to keep in mind if you are using downtown murals as your backdrop is to make clothing choices that don’t compete with the colorful artwork; keep it simple! The best times to schedule are weekdays as the weekends can get crowded.
Loose Park– This 75 acre park just south of the Plaza is a beautiful spot to take photographs. The size of the park also allows for a multitude of different looking areas to shoot in. There are treed areas and even trees with branches low enough to pose while sitting on. The large duck pond also makes for a serene spot. But it’s the beautiful Rose Garden that you won’t want to miss out on, with over 4000 roses; it is one spot that is sure to wow when choosing a photography location. Since this is a public park, messes like paper confetti are not allowed, however, it would be a perfect place to bring natural confetti made from leaves. You can learn how to make it HERE. The best time to schedule is weekdays and Sundays. Weekends are possible but you may not be able to get into all the areas due to crowds which are especially heavy on Saturdays when the weather is nicer. A permit is required for photographers to shoot within the park but don’t worry, I have you covered! I always make sure I have one.
Watts Mill Park- On the busy corner of State Line and 103rd street is a fantastic gem. Hidden away is a beautiful creek area called Watts Mill Park. It used to be home to a large grist mill that provided ground corn and flour to the neighboring areas. Unfortunately, the mill is gone but a beautiful natural area remains. The park features scenic waterfalls and limestone rock. I love that this little area packs such a big punch for scenic backgrounds. It is also pretty easy to access if you have small children, however I would suggest bringing an extra set of hands (an adult) that will not be in pictures to help keep everyone safe with the running waters. The best time to schedule is anytime.
Union Station– For over 100 years, Union Station has sat at the heart of the city. Once a bustling train station, it is more popular now as a tourist spot with restaurants and attractions. The beautiful architecture and ornate ceilings make a striking backdrop for photographs. Inside it features everything from private nooks to incredibly large open spaces. Outside the station also provides for a variety of unique spots including a water fountain, a hidden bridge, and raised walkways that lead to businesses across the street. The best time to schedule is weekdays as weekends can get pretty crowded and it is the most common time the larger areas are closed for events. A $25 permit is required for photographers to shoot at this location except from Thanksgiving to Christmas when it is free. That is also when it is decorated with Christmas trees and twinkling lights, keep in mind that is also a busy time when scheduling.
Downtown Lee’s Summit- Looking for that warm, hometown feel to your photographs? Then look no further than downtown Lee’s Summit. The American Planning Association has named it America’s Great Neighborhood! This area of the metro offers a variety of backdrops with brick walled alleyways, a small train depot, public works of art, and murals. The best time to schedule is weekdays and Sundays. Saturdays can get quite busy with farmer's market and people running errands which makes parking an issue. After your photoshoot, you can treat the kids to Poppy’s Ice Cream and Arcade Alley
Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art– Another Kansas City icon is The Nelson. Home to some of the most amazing artwork in the world, it also features a spacious lawn full of sculptures. What is more Kansas City than posing with one of the giant Shuttlecocks in the background! Did you know the artists, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje Van Bruggen were inspired by the shape of the building itself, visualizing it as a huge badminton net with the large grassy area being the court? Another area that makes for a beautiful background is the two treed lanes that are on each side of the lawn. These long, shaded avenues with stone paths and street lamps are a favorite for photographers. Other features of the museum are the tall, stately columns in the front of the building and a water fountain complete with another Shuttlecock in the back. Keep in mind while there is no permit required and it is free to shoot in all the outside spaces; they do, however, require your photographer to sign in upon arriving. Failure to sign in might result in you being asked to leave. Also, there is no climbing or touching of the sculptures allowed. The best time to schedule would be anytime but keep in mind traffic to the museum is heavier on the weekends and during events. Parking can also be tricky. Oak Street just east of The Nelson is free to park but often filled. The parking garage is almost always available but there is a small fee. View Nick and Delaney's Wedding HERE to see more fun images from The Nelson!
Ironwoods Park- This Johnson County Park features wide open spaces, tree line trails, and a large pond. There is also an old, one-roomed schoolhouse which makes for a fun backdrop with its white wooden planks and a small front porch. This is a great location if you are looking for a natural, laid back feel to your session with many treed areas available. The wooden bridge going over a small creek is also a great place. The best time to schedule is weekdays and Sundays. Saturdays can get quite busy especially with activities going on at the amphitheater.
Berkley Riverfront Park– This downtown green space runs along the Missouri River making it a nice casual place for your photography session. It has wide paths lined with streetlamps with iconic Kansas City bridges in the vista. A large arbor filled with rocks and greenery sits across from the parking area and can provide the background to a variety of poses. As a dog friendly place, it offers the perfect spot if you are planning to include your furbabies in your session. The best time to schedule is weekdays and Sundays. This area is constantly expanding so as time goes by it will offer a more variety of backdrops.
Your Home- I can’t think of a more comfortable place for your family session than in your own home! The more comfortable everyone is, the more natural the photographs become bringing out your child’s true personality. It is also a great way to put a time stamp on this period of your lives; such as the way your children’s rooms are decorated at this age. Let them show off their childhood treasures while jumping on their beds or cuddling with their favorite pets. Being in your own home allows for your photography session to take a photojournalistic approach, documenting time as you bake cookies together or sip hot cocoa by the fireplace. The possibilities are endless and give a snapshot of a day in the life of your family. As the saying goes, home is where the heart is, take advantage of this by capturing memories in the place where your family loves the most.
Did you find more than one top 10 location in Kansas City for your session? To narrow it down try to choose the location that means the most to your family or will showcase your family's personalities best. No matter which location you choose either urban, iconic KC, or a laid-back casual spot, I would love to help you update your family portraits and commemorate your milestones. Need any ideas on what to wear? Here ya go!
How to Coordinate for Family Portraits
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