WASHINGTON COUNTY & SURROUNDING AREAS
Downtown Hartford – Hartford, WI
Downtown Hartford has a lot to offer when it comes to photo backdrops! This includes cream city brick, ivy-covered walls, the mill pond bridge, and rustic metal staircases. It is the perfect location to get a more urban feel without traveling to Milwaukee. Downtown Hartford is also a great location for nighttime portraits!
Richfield Historical Society – Richfield, WI
Richfield Historical Society in Richfield, Wisconsin is one of my favorite locations because of the huge variety of backdrops available. The northern section of the park has rustic red barns, a wooden bridge, and a gravel road through large trees. In the middle of Richfield Historical Society, you’ll find a shallow stream, a thicker forest, and grassy areas. A few of my adventurous clients have walked even into the stream for fun photos on a warm summer night. The southern end of the park is home to old-world cabins, a “Sugar Shack”, open fields, and an observation deck overlooking the nature park.
Holy Hill – Hubertus, WI
Holy Hill Basilica and Shrine located in the country hills of Hubertus, is a great location for natural beauty and the Basilica’s gorgeous architecture. The paved paths through beautiful forests, stone ledges, and fields overlooking the basilica are all ideal backdrops for portraits. Holy Hill is a great location if you are looking to feature classic architecture and shady forests. But keep in mind the grounds hold operating hours, and inside the basilica, itself is off-limits for photography to respect the prayer of its patrons.
Pike Lake Unit – Hartford, WI
Kettle Moraine State Park-Pike Lake Unit is located in Hartford, Wisconsin, and has a beautiful beach view of the sun setting over Pike Lake. The park also offers wooded trails through forests, fields, and cattails. The park does require a parking permit, which can be bought for the day or the entire year.
The Gardens – Allenton, WI
Despite being a wedding venue, the generous owners of the lush and stunning Gardens Wedding Center allow portrait sessions to take place on the ground with no additional fees! They do however ask that we coordinate dates so we do not conflict with any of their pre-existing events.
Camp Quad – Hartford, WI
Camp Quad located just outside of Hartford, is a gorgeous setting for portraits. With its trails, boardwalk, and pond it offers a great variety of backgrounds. Keep in mind that we need permission from Quad Graphics to use the property, so this option is typically for family and friends of employees.
Downtown West Bend
Downtown West Bend offers a gorgeous mix class brick and stone buildings as well as a modern and artistic backdrop courtesy of the Museum of Wisconsin Art.
Shimmon Sunflower Farm
Sunflower fields can be found blooming during the month of August.
Barn at Pioneer Acres
This countryside property in Richfield features a rustic barn, open fields, and a vintage iron bridge. On-site details include a classic tractor and an antique car, both available for photos. The space offers a mix of natural and vintage backdrops ideal for weddings and events. We will need to check availability with venue owners.
OZAUKEE COUNTY & SURROUNDING AREAS
Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve – Grafton, WI
Lion’s Den Gorge Nature Preserve is located right on Lake Michigan in Grafton, Wisconsin. The preserve boasts everything you could want for a nature-filled portrait session. Cliffs overlooking the lake, lush garden-like paths, wooden bridges, and beach access to Lake Michigan if you don’t mind the 20-minute walk being part of your session!
Downtown Cedarburg – Cedarburg, WI
Downtown Cedarburg is a collection of picturesque stone-walled shops and businesses. Not only does this location photograph beautifully during the day, but it is also a great spot for night time portraits.
Port Washington Marina – Port Washington, WI
The Port Washington Marina offers a gorgeous view of Lake Michigan right next to downtown Port Washington. It’s a fantastic place to mix waterfront and downtown backdrops!
South Beach – Port Washington, WI
South Beach is located in Port Washington right on Lake Michigan. It is a perfect beach location!
WAUKESHA COUNTY & SURROUNDING AREAS
Delafield Fish Hatchery – Delafield, WI
Delafield Fish Hatchery located in downtown Delafield, Wisconsin is a gorgeous sunset photo spot. Featuring a beautiful stone building, small pond, river bend, and tree-lined walking path this location is sure to please!
Menomonee Park – Lannon, WI
Menomonee Park is located in the small village of Lannon, Wisconsin, and the home of Lannon Quarry. The quarry is encircled by a drivable road and walking path. Along this walking path, you will have a variety of locations to choose from for your portrait session. The beach at Lannon Quarry, while not large in size does host beautiful sunrises. Menomonee Park is also home to a small climbable rock “cliff” overlooking the water, a wooden fence line, forest paths, and an old stone wall. If you would like your session here please keep in mind there is a per car entrance fee to this Waukesha County Park.
Downtown Menomonee Falls
Downtown Menomonee Falls offers amazing murals, ivy-covered buildings, and stunning brick walls. Also within walking distance of the Mill Pond and the Menoneee Fall “waterfall”.
Retzler Nature Center – Waukesha, WI
Retzler Nature Center is located in Waukesha, Wisconsin. It offers lines of towering pine trees, open fields, and forest paths. This is a stunning location if you are picturing yourself among the pines or walking a field for your portraits.
Lannon Sunflower Farm
Sunflower fields can be found blooming during the month of August.
Elmbrook Historical Society – Elmbrook, WI
Elmbrook Historical Society is located in Elmbrook and has gorgeous barn, flower fields and historic buildings. Approval to shoot at this location needs to be pre-approved by Elmbrook Historical Society.
Frame Park – Waukesha, WI
Frame Park features lush gardens and beautifully landscaped grounds. A wooden and stone pergola adds an elegant touch, making it a popular spot for portraits. The park’s walking paths and open green spaces offer a variety of natural backdrops throughout the seasons. Photo permits are not required, but will guarantee you get the location over other photo sessions.
MILWAUKEE
Milwaukee Art Museum, Discovery World & Surrounding Areas – Milwaukee, WI
What an urban Milwaukee location with a ton of variety? The Milwaukee Art Museum is the place to start. The art museum itself features gorgeous and unique architecture especially when its “wings” are open. Directly next to the art museum in downtown Milwaukee is “The Calling” known to many as the orange starburst sculpture. The Milwaukee Art Museum is also walking distance from Discovery World, Pier Wisconsin, Harbor House and the Lake Michigan break wall. Overall making this a very well rounded photo location!
Lake Shore State Park – Milwaukee, WI
Located along the Hank Aaron State Trail, Lake Shore State park is a nature oasis in the middle of the city!
Historic Third Ward & Milwaukee Riverwalk- Milwaukee, WI
If you are hoping for an urban Milwaukee downtown feel for your portraits. The Historic Third Ward is a must-stop. From skyscrapers to fun urban sculptures and the Milwaukee Public Market, you’ll find it all here. The Milwaukee Riverwalk offers a waterfront, beautiful staircases, and a boardwalk.
Black Cat Alley – Milwaukee, WI
One of my favorite locations in Milwaukee is Black Cat Alley. Tucked in behind unsuspecting businesses you will find an entire alley filled with giant murals perfect for a stunning portrait session!
Brewing District – Milwaukee, WI
Dreaming of gorgeous cream city brick and a parking garage roof top? Milwaukee’s brewing district is the location for you!
Fiserv Forum- Milwaukee, WI
Home of the Milwaukee Bucks, and a ton of fun photo backdrops 🙂
Lake Park- Milwaukee, WI
Lake Park is located in Milwaukee and features a small waterfall, a gorgeous staircase, and beautiful wooded areas.
Top of Building or Parking Garage – Milwaukee, WI
Tops of buildings or parking garages are gorgeous places just a few minutes before sunset!
Milwaukee Public Library – Milwaukee, WI
The entryway rotunda of the central Milwaukee Public Library has stunning architecture and gorgeous staircases. Pre-planned photo permits are required.
Swing Bridge – Milwaukee, WI
Located near Lakefront Brewery, this fun and unique location offers a gorgeous bridge over the Milwaukee River with a fun swing park!
Boerner Botanical Gardens – Hales Corners, WI
Boerner Botanical Gardens is a beautiful location full of flowering blooming plants and stone architecture. Please be aware there you will need to pre-register and pay a fee to hold your session at the gardens.
Marcus Performing Arts Center & Riverwalk – Milwaukee, WI
Marcus Performing Arts Center features gorgeous riverfront views and beautiful Milwaukee architecture.
GREEN BAY, OSHKOSH & SURROUNDING AREAS (travel fees apply)
Fonferek’s Glen & Pamperin Park- Green Bay, WI
Fonferek’s Glen located in Green Bay, Wisconsin is home to a beautiful waterfall, babbling brook, and gorgeous forest paths.
Pamperin Park located in Green Bay, Wisconsin offers unique architecture, streams, flower gardens, and other gorgeous photo backdrops.
MADISON & SURROUNDING AREAS (travel fees apply)
Capitol Building – Madison, WI
The Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison offers a variety of photogenic settings. Including, exterior architecture, featuring a prominent dome and intricate details, provides a classic backdrop. The capitol ground also include beautiful landscaping.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens – Madison, WI
Olbrich Botanical Gardens spans 16 acres of outdoor display gardens, including the Royal Thai Pavilion, Perennial Garden, Sunken Garden, and Herb Garden. It’s home to the only Thai Pavilion in the continental U.S. surrounded by a garden.
The Bolz Conservatory, a 50-foot glass pyramid, features tropical plants, a waterfall, free-flying birds, orchids, and food plants like banana and coffee.They do require planning ahead the purchase of a photo permit, you can find info at on the Olbrich Gardens website.
Memorial Union Terrace – Madison, WI
A well-known spot on the UW–Madison campus, Memorial Union Terrace is recognized for its iconic sunburst chairs, views of Lake Mendota, and lively seasonal events. Open from early spring to early fall.
When planning a session at Memorial Union Terrace, it’s essential to check for concurrent events to avoid large crowds that could impact your experience. Consult the Wisconsin Union’s event calendar for up-to-date information on scheduled events at the Terrace.
CHICAGO & SURROUNDING AREAS (travel fees apply)
Lincoln Park Zoo & North Shore Beach
Lincoln Park Zoo and North Shore Beach located in Chicago, offers stunning skyscapes, gorgeous architecture, and beautiful beach views!
