Kansas City Photographers and photography clients alike may not realize just how blessed they are to have such an awesome variety of locations and settings to choose from for their sessions. Whether you are looking for an urban backdrop with alleys, graffiti, and cool doorways or rolling pastures, and old barns you can find it all within a short drive. Manicured parks with fountains and gardens and rustic woods are both a hop, skip and jump away. Here is a list of some of my personal favorites. Some are no secret (as in you might be standing in a line of other photographers and clients waiting for the “hot spots”) but are dependable and often worth using again and again. You can find my business website with more of my work at: www.heathernealphotography.com

Burr Oak Woods

Located in Blue Springs just off 7 Highway, Burr Oak Woods is a beautiful location year round. Always changing with the seasons and with an enormous variety of backgrounds, it is easy to use over and over still create unique and personal sessions. The Evergreen forest is extremely popular and beautiful in every season.

Things to note:

• No pets are allowed at Burr Oak so this is not a location for pet sessions or family sessions that include Rover.
• Burr Oak Woods occasionally holds “managed hunts”. During these hunts the park is closed to non-hunters. You can check their website or call their conservation center to check on scheduled hunt times
• During peak photography times be prepared to work around other photographers and clients in the evergreen forest.

Lake Jacomo

Also located near Blue Springs, Lake Jacomo offers a wide variety of natural backgrounds and is a great location for those who are looking for a setting with water. The Marina offers docks, stairs, a blue “garage” door and some woods near the parking lot that have brilliant colored leaves in the fall. There is a second fishing dock in a cove that is a bit of a challenge to find if you aren’t familiar with the area but quieter and has a beautiful sidewalk that is tree lined on one side and the lake lines the other. There is also a great wooden staircase off of one of the shelter areas that leads to a tiny dock however it’s not always open to the public. I love scheduling to use sessions here but since it’s close to Burr Oak Woods, I also use it as a back-up location in case we arrive at Burr Oak and find it closed due to a managed hunt.

Things to note:

• Finding locations in Fleming Park/Lake Jacomo can be tricky so it’s sometimes best for photographers and clients to meet somewhere nearby and follow each other to the locations you want to use.
• Pet friendly!
• Bring some carrots and feed the buffalo and elk while you are here.
• Stop at the entrance off of Liggett Road for some good woodsy photos and occasionally hay bails

West Bottoms

The West Bottoms is easily one of the most popular “Urban” photography settings in Kansas City and with good reason. With colorful doorways, metal staircases, graffiti, rustic buildings and alleys full of brick and ivy around every corner, it is a fantastic place to find an overwhelming variety of backgrounds without even trying. Especially good for high school seniors, tweens and family sessions!

Things to Note:

• Check for events such as “First Fridays” that may be taking place at the time of your session. It brings in big crowds and parking and keeping people out of the background can be difficult.
• There are a ton of great backdrops in a small area but to get the most variety you will want to do some walking. Clients should bring some easy to slip on and off walking shoes if they might be wearing heels or uncomfortable shoes.
• Set aside some time before or after the session for some shopping while you are there! There are so many great shops in the West Bottoms!

Crossroads Art District

If you are looking for graffiti, the Crossroads Art District takes it to a whole other level. The graffiti in the Art District is…well, art! Huge murals, “graffiti alley” and other random alleys with amazing artwork are a photographer (and some clients’) dream come true! There are even hanging twinkle lights and a cool old camper.

Things to Note:

• This is another “walking” location so throw some comfy shoes or flip flops in a bag
• There are great locations spread out here all the way from the bridge that goes to Union Station to the 18th and Oak St. area so you might plan to park and drive between them

Loose Park

If you are looking for someplace new and original for your photo session…well, Loose Park isn’t your place. This park is more full of photographers and clients than anything else on most days, but with good reason. Think… rose garden, fountains, ponds, bridges, weeping willows, flowering trees, stone walls, majestic trees…need I go on? It’s central location in Kansas City also puts it near many other great locations so if you are thinking of using multiple locations you might consider making this one of them!

Things to Note:

• This is a BIG park. You can easily do an entire session around the rose garden if you are short on time or have clients who can’t walk far. But if you are wanting to hit all of the “hot spots”, be prepared to walk some.
• Parking is limited. There is a parking lot off of Wornall and another small one off of 52nd. On really nice weekend days they fill up quickly.
• Be prepared to wait your turn for the popular spots.

Belvoir Winery

Just South of Liberty, off of 291 Hwy you will find this hidden gem. Belvoir winery has a unique combination of nature and architectural elements that can be used for your photo session. It is a great spot for all types of sessions and the trees are beautiful in the fall. There is an open pasture and lots of green space surrounding the buildings and staircases, steps, ledges and all kinds of places on and around the main building for a great variety of posing!

Things to Note:

• Belvoir Winery hosts several events including weddings. They don’t mind photographers as long as there is not a wedding scheduled. You can check the calendar on their website for scheduled weddings and events…including ghost tours!

Old Red Bridge

I have only been to this location once for a family session and it was a rainy day so we didn’t do too much exploring but I loved Old Red Bridge. It’s a fairly unique location and doesn’t seem to be overused. You can leave a “love lock” on the bridge while you are there. Perfect engagement session! There is a park nearby which provides some green space as well.

Things to Note:

• Bring a lock!

Unity Village

Located just outside of Lee’s Summit, Unity Village offers beautiful fountains, a rose garden and amazing architecture. There are also trails around the buildings and lots of trees which provide green space or beautiful colors in the fall. They have recently implemented a policy requiring “commercial” photographers to purchase an “approved photographer badge” which is $100 for one day or $500 for the year. Their policy is a bit confusing since a commercial photographer is actually photography used to sell or market a product however on their site they have the following definition: *Unity considers a commercial photographer to be anyone providing photography services for a fee.

Things to Note:

• You may be charged $100 to shoot here. If you do not have a badge, they will give you a warning. Second violation states they may press charges for trespassing.

Union Station

Unless you are a studio photographer, there aren’t a whole lot of indoor options around Kansas City for photography use. Most photographers and their clients end up at Union Station. During the holidays it is beautifully decorated and there are a lot of great spots for photos (as long as you are wanting a Christmas theme). They do charge for a permit but waive that fee between Thanksgiving and New Year. Their fee is a bit confusing. Here is their policy:

FORMAL PHOTOGRAPHY

$75 facility fee. Our definition of “Formal” includes the occasions of weddings, engagements, graduations, and any event that includes more than 10 people. If the group is part of an event at Union Station, this fee is waived.

INFORMAL PHOTOGRAPHY

$25 facility fee. In the cases of Informal Photos being taken for private use, the fee is reduced. Our definition of “Informal” includes groups of less than 10 people (and waive it entirely between Thanksgiving and New Year).

Things to Note:

• You may be charged a fee to shoot indoors here
• Parking at Union Station is not free, however you can park at the Liberty Memorial for free and walk
• During the holidays you will have a hard time finding areas that aren’t decorated for Christmas.

After your session is over, get those images off your computer and onto your walls with Canvas on Demand!

**This blog contains affiliate links and I may be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.