Whether you're getting married, in a cap and gown for your senior year, or just want somewhere cute to snuggle up with your s/o for photos, here is a guide of some beautiful and sometimes less known spots in and around the Pittsburgh area. Of course, I am always a text or e-mail away to help you find the perfect spot to highlight your shine, but this guide can help you in the right direction and make choosing a spot easier for you and your loved ones.
(If they're coming along!)
With each location, I will also supply a Google Maps link and pictures when applicable. Hopefully as time goes on, I will be able to display pictures for them all. I need YOU to help me with that! If you have any questions about any of these locations, feel free to send me a message, because what am I here to do if not to inform and take pretty pictures? If you are interested in booking a shoot at any of these locations, or any that I may have missed, you can find pricing info here and send an inquiry here!
Alright, enough joking around. Lock in.
Hartwood Acres | Allison Park
I have to start this bad boy off with one of the most obviously beautiful places to take pictures around Pittsburgh. I always do my best not to overdo a location, especially in a short period of time, but Hartwood Acres is like a north magnetic pole, and I am the south. It's perfect for grads, weddings, engagements, families, couples, creatives, animals.... must I go on?
It's hard to run out of spots or ideas at a place like this. In Allison Park, roughly 20 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh and Monroeville PA, Hartwood Acres comes equipped with a 100 year old mansion, an amphitheater, wedding venue, trails, a flower field, horse stables, a dog park, walking trails, and even abstract art work. This park has tons of activities to keep everyone engaged. Especially in the summer! Check out their website for their event schedule!
I will stress that this gorgeous location hosts weddings, so it is always a good idea to call ahead and see what may be going on the day of your intended shoot! And make sure you're friendly with other photographers, because you'll see at least four sessions happening there at any given time. But alas, this space is big enough for all of us! Share the loveeeeeee!
You can check out an engagement shoot here, couples here, aaaaand here <3
Phipps Conservatory | Oakland
1 Schenley Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Alright, now bear with me because Oakland is CHOCK FULL of places to put your face in front of a camera. Basically a photographer, model, or Pinterest Mom's dream. I'm going to try to cover all my favorites, all the ones I've been to, and ones I am looking forward to getting to eventually. Feel so free to send in any that I've missed!
Phipps is one of the places I haven't gotten the pleasure of taking pictures at, but WILL get there eventually! Another common spot for me is right down the street among the one million and eleven acres at Schenley Park, but that is a different story for a different section of this post.
You are allowed to take pictures for free outside of the Conservatory in the gardens, but must pay a fee to shoot inside of the actual building. Although, I think every once in a while it would be more than worth it. Anyone who has been inside Phipps and enjoys flowers and plants in the slightest could imaging how absolutely gorgeous photos inside would be. As for the price of the fee, for I am not sure. But a quick call to the office would let you know! Make sure you reserve your spot in advance to ensure your entry!
Schenley Bridge | Oakland
Schenley Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Right outside of Phipps, connecting Phipps Plaza to Schenley Park is the cutesie patootsie Schenley Bridge. NOT to be confused with the Roberto Clemente or Panther Hollow bridge. No, for this bridge has much more charm and whimsey. It has become a romantic scene in Pittsburgh where thousands of couples have painted, engraved, and stoned their initials into locks, hooked them onto the railings, and sealed their bond by throwing the key into the gorge below. So if you not only want to preserve your love with affection filled images, but pair that with a steel lock on a bridge in the middle of Pittsburgh, this seems to be your place.
Here you can find some images how just how darling this location is. The ideal location right next to Phipps and the wonders of Schenley Park, the opportunities are endless here!
Schenley Park | Oakland
Schenley Park is another one of my favorites. I've shot there over a dozen times, and I still haven't experienced everything it has to offer.
My favorite is the Visitor's Center. It is road side parking (don't worry, there is literally a ton), and a very short walk to the center where you can veer off from the building, down a cobble stone path, and right into a beautiful photoshoot location. Or, multiple. In the Spring and Summer when the trees are full and green, this place is so lovely. You can 100% beef this lighting up too to make it just so warm and magical. If you walk down far enough, you will also reach a tunnel.
Off the cobblestone path, there is a hefty flight of stairs (please be careful) that leads you to more trails, bridges and so much greenery. At just the right time of day, the lighting down there is *chefs kiss*. I can't recommend enough. But the best part about it, is that the whole park is your oyster. So although, you can fill up your hour session time just in these two areas, don't be afraid to venture off and see what else there is to explore!
Westinghouse Memorial
W Circuit Rd
Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Also among the wonders of Schenley Park, sits the Westinghouse Memorial. Yes, it is definitely a big fat bronze statue, but even if you don't want George Westinghouse to photobomb your maternity shoot, the memorial is surrounded by big stone plates, and lays behind a pond. Behind the memorial itself, there are a ton of trees and high grass for those suburban field pictures you're looking for!
And aside from these two picture perfect photoshoot locations, Schenley Park itself is massive. I recommend taking a day with some friends (or yourself. thats fun too) to explore and see where you personally think you could make some magic happen! You could walk those walking trails and fields for miiiiiiiles.
Find an old shoot I did there HERE!
Mellon Institue | Oakland
Now you know I had to include the columns! I actually just shot here a few weeks ago for the first time, and it was lovely. It would be a little tricky to fill up a full hour here, so I would have a plan to walk around the surrounding streets or move somewhere else also in Oakland, but man, do these columns make for some lovely shots! The lines, oh the lines! You can't go wrong!
You can take photos inside as well, but you will need express permission prior to shoot inside the library, so be sure to get that covered before you go in trying to have your couple acting all cute on the desks. You must contact the library's Communications & Creative Services Department, reserve your time no less than 30 days in advance, and pay a (allegedly negotiable) rental fee of $225 per hour for a minimum of one hour. If you happen to be a Carnegie Mellon student, you are exempt from these rental fees but still must reserve!
Frick Park | Point Breeze
1981 Beechwood Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15217
Another location full of stone and greenery. Is it a coincidence, or do I love stone and greenery? That's for me to know and you to find out if you're all that curious, cat!
In the summer, this site offers gorgeous gorgeous colorful flowers and bright green leaves and grassy areas. A little further back, you're even able to find a small shed for a little bit of a vintage look. In the fall, which is when I shot there, the trees are everywhere and perfectly orange and yellow. Definitely, do not sleep on this location!
And I guess my final tip for this location is to not be like me because I can't find my shoot from here! Ahhh! Feel free to check out their website though to see for yourself what the park looks like, and all the events it has going on!
Seldom Seen Greenway | Beechview
970 Saw mill run blvd, pittsburgh, pa 15220
This location I discovered via a friend almost ten years ago (am I getting old), and I have not visited it enough. Along with your typical greenery and trail aesthetic, this 100 acre hidden gem is begging to be discovered. Located right by the Red White and Blue thrift store, you can park in the small lot and venture in through the main tunnel entrance, and have yourself a photoshoot. Or a day, depending on your schedule.
Around this land you can find tunnels, stone walls, graffiti, streams, trails, and railroads. If you're looking for a little bit more of an edgy look to your outdoor photos, the Seldom Seen Greenway is the perfect place to explore and see what you can create.
I'm going to be a little vulnerable here and insert some photos from about nine years and four camera bodies ago. Enjoy! :)
Station Square | South Shore
125 W Station square dr, pittsburgh, pa 15219
Now, this location isn't exactly a hidden gem like above, but that doesn't negate the gorgeous scenes you can provide for any senior or portrait session. It's fully equipped! It's a perfect place to have the city line behind your subject, along with a big fountain, a walking path, and even a look out you can walk up the stairs/use the elevator to get an even better view of our lovely city line and the gorgeous gorgeous and not brown at all. Any senior session I have here is almost guaranteed to make that trip up that lookout.
Once, we even caught one of the trains passing through, and if you lower your shutter speed during a portrait session... again... *chefs kiss*
If you start walking to the right behind the restaurants (which, the Grand Concourse makes for a beautiful background, believe it or not) closer to sunset, when the lights in the back turn on, it makes for crazy ambience and optimal opportunity to work with that lighting and be creative with your subject! The world is your oyster here. And you can even grab a bite before or after your session. A photographers gotta eat too.
The Color Park | South Side
1 S 6th st, pittsburgh, pa 15203
Another location for ya if you're looking for more of a creative spot to shoot. It is hard to find a place here that isn't covered in art work from people throughout the years. On the walls, the ground, and any structure in or around the walking path, but it is a lovely place to go on a warm day if you're down for a bit of a walk during your session!
Go here if you're trying to get some cool shots of your subject spray painting something. And then you get to leave your mark! It is a really fun time, tbh.
It ALSO comes with another crazy view of the city! You can't go wrong. Use this as your chance to up your colors and contrast if you're into that kinda thang.
Theater Square Parking Garage | Downtown
667 Penn ave, pittsburgh, pa 15222
Alright, now, as much as I have shot in a parking garage, this next one comes with disclaimers. I can't list every downtown Pittsburgh parking garage that I've shot in or else I'd be here forever, but I can say proceed with caution! When I was going to college downtown, parking garages were my go to. And without fail, every time, me and my friends would get kicked out. It seems to be a pretty universal thing for all of them, because we didn't last long in any before security guards were coming around asking us what we were doing, and even telling us to leave.
Now, it's totally a safety thing, which I also understand. With this shoot I'm going to show you here, our crew actually drove in and parked in this garage, so they were a liiiitttlle more lenient with letting us shoot there as we had all paid to park in the garage. But they were on our tails the entire time, and eventually told us we had been there for too long. SO please, go into parking garage shoots with the understanding that people generally aren't super excited about the idea of photoshoots in the garage, and BE CAREFUL of incoming traffic! And I would definitely recommend paying and parking in the garage just so they may give ya a little bit of leeway. I would hate to see your shoot cut short!
This shoot, I actually worked with a local brand called Protected Collective by a friend of mine. These were for a promotional shoot, and if you're interested in some sick, heavy duty, and inspirational workout, or even comfy every day, gear, check them out! I'll link him down below.
www.protectedcollective.com | Protected Collective Instagram
The Point Fountain | Downtown
A Pittsburgh classic. This location isn't hidden or hard to stumble upon by any means, but nonetheless, it is a gorgeous spot to take pictures. Although highly frequented during the warmer months, which could potentially make shooting a little tricky (or at least in post LOL), on a bright sunny day, the point fountain is just one of the amazing spots in downtown Pittsburgh for your next photo session.
Walking trails, huuuuge fountain, river and city view, big tunnel, open grassy area, the point fountain is a lovely choice. It is one of my favorite spots as well because everything in downtown is walking distance. So you can get so many backgrounds and scenes in one shoot all 5-10 minutes (walking!) apart! Super nifty for a client wanting a few different vibes. The images speak for themselves. (Also, don't hurt me now for the screenshotted photos, they're mine I swear. SEE. But I'm not in the same building as my hard drive right now!)
Market Square/PPG Plaza | Downtown
1 Third Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Another downtown gem. Simple and very well known, but beautiful and unique nonetheless when executed right. In PPG Plaza, you will find towering glass buildings and a big monolith smack dab in the middle, surrounded by water park-esque mini fountain water squirty things (when its warm) (do not run in the water) (they will yell at you)
Just a couple steps away from that make shift water playground that you're not allowed to play in, you will find market square. A hustling and bustling little area with restaurants and little community games. The area has changed a lot over the years, and is home to a lot of downtown Pittsburgh's small events, but such a nice little area for community and some cute pictures.
Three Rivers Heritage Trail | North Trail
At this location, walk down this waterfront trail with a view of the city for some gorgeous opportunities. Optimal on a warm day, although probably busy, there are plenty of places to explore and capture the love of a family, or the success of an upcoming graduate! The trail leads you under the Clemente, Warhol, and Carson street bridges, providing you with opportunity to walk along them as well. Although shooting on a bridge has always been terrifying to me, sometimes they will shut down the Clemente during Pirates games and let people walk along it! This would be a fantastic time to shoot on the bridge without risking being clipped by a car, but just be warned, there will be TONS of people.
Along this trial, the Pittsburgh Redbud Project has planted soo many redbud trees along the riverfront that supply gorgeous gorgeous blooms in the spring! And see if you can find the hidden mural around the Andy Warhol Museum ;)
West End Overlook | Crafton Heights
Marlow St, Pittsburgh, PA 15205
I haven't been here in a few years, but just another one of a million beautiful overlooks of the city that Pittsburgh has to offer! And it is pretty close to Mt. Washington. (We will get to her.)
Grandview Overlooks | Mt. Washington
136-160 Grandview ave, pittsburgh, pa 15211
Alright, we got to her. I have almost never once heard someone refer to this place as Grandview Overlooks. For the longest time, I thought the actual overlooks were called Mt. Washington. Turns out, thats just where they're at. Nonetheless. In my humble opinion, men take notes, Mt. Washington could be a great place for proposal pictures. I've seen my fair share of them, and maybe I just really love the city line, but they are always nice. Just don't... drop... the ring..
There are a few platforms to walk to that all come with a perfect view!
Opya Studios | South Side
2402 Sidney St, Pittsburgh, PA 15203
So, I know studio photography isn't everyone's cup of tea (trust, it isn't mine either. Only because I generally dislike messing with any lighting other than natural), but by far, my favorite studio I have shot in when I had to is Opya! I have never had a bad experience with them, it is easy to get to, non-complicated parking, huge beautiful and bright space, and the customer service is so quick and fluid. They make it super easy to book and work in their space.
Opya is available to book photo sessions, and also an event space where you can host whatever event you've been planning! Personally, I have never hosted an event there, but I have seen plenty go off without a hitch with a plethora of space for all of the attendees and decor.
The studio, at 2,600 square feet, provides most tools you would need to have a successful shoot, as well. There are professional lights, props, stools, chairs, couches, different colored back drops, and even a 17 foot wide cyclorama wall. The skylight helps create a stunning, well lit studio during the day. You can rent the studio by the hour, or book for half/full days! For my studio minis, this is definitely my go-to studio for usually a half day session!
This does not even begin to scratch the surface of rentable, gorgeous studios in the Pittsburgh area, so make sure you do some research and find the studio that is perfect for you, your client, and their interests!
Carnegie Museum of Natural History | Oakland
4400 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
AHHH how I want and need to do a photoshoot here. Anyone who grew up in or around Pittsburgh has been here at least 15 times for elementary/high school field trips and family outings. I never appreciated it when I was younger, I just liked leaving school. But now in my mid 20s, not only do I respect and recognize the beauty, art, and history inside of this building, but it is insanely gorgeous for sessions when it matches the vibe your client is going for.
If anyone is getting married here, or looking for some high-end looking engagement photos, feel free to hit my line riiiiight here.
In order to shoot in this space, you would have to purchase passes for you and everybody in your party, but with none of the ticket prices going past $25, it is well worth it for the images you will be able to capture in this building.
Bicycle Heaven | North Side
1800 PREBLE AND COLUMBUS AVE, PITTSBURGH, PA 15233
Located in the Casey Industrial Park, Bicycle Heaven is a vintage lover or collector's dream. Packed (and I mean jam.. like jam packed) of bicycles from far before we were born, to modern day bikes. It is home to 17 out of 30 (in the world) Bowden Spacelander bikes. The very first fiberglass bike to ever been made. Their website states they have over 6,000 bicycles!
If you're looking for a very unique and niche indoor spot to shoot, there ya go! Admission is $15 and does not require reservations!
Amazing Books & Records | Shady Side
5430 Walnut Street, Pittsburgh
If you or your client are book and/or record enthusiasts, definitely take time to check out this really cool library in Shady Side. Recently relocated from Downtown, and also with a location in Squirrel Hill, they are probably the coolest book store around. They have wine nights, and offer a free book or record for every three that you purchase. Not to mention, a free beer on Thursdays or Saturdays after sunset. (off the clock, of course. be responsible, and bring your I.D.!)
Randyland | North Side
1501 Arch St, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
This is a spot you don't want to miss. Even when you're not behind the camera. At the Randyland Art Museum, you'll find an eccentric man named Randy, and all his crazy items set up outside of his home.
Randyland is probably the most colorfully chaotic area in Pittsburgh, and is nothing short of enchanting and whimsical. If you're lucky, you'll get the chance to meet and talk with Randy himself who has always been such a kind and passionate artist. It is an outdoor wonderland open from 10 AM to dusk, and free to enter, but donations are always appreciated and encouraged! If you want to check out this beloved Pittsburgh spot before you venture out, feel free. You wont be disappointed.
Mellon Park | Shady Side
1047 Shady Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Located in the Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media, it is just another one of Pittsburgh's many large, green, and beautiful parks to capture someone's sparkling personality in! It's an important part of Pittsburgh's history, and even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. AND, YOU CAN BRING YOUR DOG!
Make sure to check out the Pittsburgh Center for Arts & Media website link I provided above to check out all their events as well!
Fall Run Park | Glenshaw
187 Fall Run Rd, Glenshaw, PA 15116
Fall Run Park is like most other green parks, excellent for family photos, but with an exciting addition! From the lower/main parking lot, about half a mile away is a waterfall. Who doesn't love a waterfall?! But always proceed with caution, and dress accordingly! As you do half to walk a little to get to this site, and trails may be fairly muddle after a good rainfall. Remember to think about the recent weather as well, as if we are in a bit of a dry spell, the waterfall will not be at its peak flow.
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden | North Fayette
799 Pinkerton Run Rd, Oakdale, PA 15071
Beautiful and vibrant greenery in the spring and summer, with cute little bridges as well. There is both an entrance fee and a photo fee, which you can read about on their website.
Boyce Mayview Park | Upper St. Claire
1551 Mayview Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15241
In the summer, this is a perfect location for gorgeous greens, endless fields, and high grasses for the mystical magical photoshoot of your client's dreams. In the fall, prepare for beautiful yellows and oranges. There is also a wooden education building for a slight change in scenery.
This location also comes with sports fields, playgrounds, batting cages, trails, and more! Check them out!
Mill 19 | Hazelwood
4427 Lytle St, Pittsburgh, PA 15207
This interesting discovery workplace is nestled in the Hazelwood Green development plan, and is home to the Manufacturing Futures Institute and the Next Manufacturing Center. Pay parking is available at the Hazelwood Green parking lots at Beehive and Lytle and at Blair and Eliza Streets! There is also a shuttle that moves between the industrial building, and Carnegie Mellon University.
If you are going for an industrial look, and interested in shooting at this location, you may have to contact them in advance to get permission, and check for any events that may be going on. Image grabbed from the RIDC site!
The Pennsylvanian Rotunda | Downtown
A downtown staple with beautiful architecture, its a hard picture spot to miss and makes for an amazing engagement or senior spot! This is yet another gorgeous Pittsburgh, PA landmark listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Aren't we cool? With beautiful terra cotta archways and hand-laid brick flooring, it's almost like you can't help but stop and admire by framing it permanently in some of your works.
Most photos I've seen taken at the Pennsylvanian have been outside in the Rotunda, but I know there is a gorgeous interior that can also be rented out for weddings. And if you think this spot is gorgeous in the day time, try some nighttime photography when the lights are all lit up. It is breathtaking.
The only images I have from this location don't give a sliver of justice to how gorgeous the architecture is, but I'm putting them out there anyway. It looks as though I have to make a stop back and show my growth as a photographer since I was last shooting there almost 5 years ago. Time to step my game up!
Point Park Library | Downtown
201 Wood St, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
With this location, it seems we are throwing it back to my alma mater. Aside from being one of Pittsburgh's universities best for their connections and programs, Point Park surely has some gorgeous architecture. With its campus basically being downtown Pittsburgh, there are so many places to wonder around and see. The library has a gorgeous marble staircase in the back that I had taken my fair share of images on during my attendance there, but I am not sure of the permissions you would need in order to shoot inside, considering it is a school building. If not just walking inside and asking the front desk for permission, you can find the library's e-mail here, which may be a more secure way to make sure you will in fact be able to get inside and snap photos of what you are looking for!
Just a short walk from the library building down towards the river, is also a stone, manmade wall fountain by the school's coffee shop and inside an outdoor study area, where you need no permissions to catch the perfect, mystical photo or two.
SO there you have it folks! A little old list of some spectacular well-known and less known spots in and around Pittsburgh, PA for any and all of your photoshoot needs.
This is by no means a full and comprehensive list, and there are a million and seven places out there to go and explore and add to your repertoire. Eventually, I fully plan on doing another more extensive list later down the line, but for now, go out! Explore! Take photos! Make friends! And let me know how it goes! ;) <3
are you here because you're looking for a passionate, pittsburgh photographer?!
Let's work together! If you have a question about any of these locations, or are interested in booking a photoshoot at one, I encourage you to send over a message and we can get to it!
