Best locations for a family session in St. Louis | Family Photographer St. Louis

Best locations for a family session in St. Louis

Best locations for a family session in St. Louis, you ask? I am here to help! One of the critical components, in my opinion, for a successful family session is location. I am very particular about when and where I shoot. Light, texture, size, and colors all play into the look I have in my photos. Unfortunately, not every location will create the same vibes I adore for my photos. I spend a lot of my downtime finding unique and beautiful places throughout the St. Louis area. For my clients, this sometimes means spending a little extra time in the car for travel time, but it is SO worth it! Let’s dive in.

Fields

If you are looking for my go-to spot, it would be an open field any time of the year. Fields are some of the best locations for a family session in St. Louis. The perks are that it looks great in winter, spring, summer, AND fall. The texture of the grasses, the magical light, big skies, and room to run make this an excellent option for most families. Lastly, fields can be found throughout the extended St. Louis area, so finding a spot closer to your home is a bit easier. If you do not like bugs, I suggest opting for late fall or very early spring for a field location.

Urban

Looking for something different for your family session, try an urban location! Exploring downtown St. Louis, Downtown Kirkwood, Clayton, or even your local neighborhood can be a fun and different adventure! The key for these sessions is shooting at the correct times for light and crowds. Urban family sessions can be a fun twist on the typical family session and offer a chance to explore some different styling options.

Riverside

A perk to being near so many rivers is that it offers multiple locations to shoot at! Shooting near water at sunrise or sunset is one of my top location choices. The river location above has gorgeous rocks that add texture and depth to photos, plus they are enjoyable to play and sit on! This location is best for families for they don’t mind possibly getting a little muddy or sandy and are up for an adventure!

Another river location I love also has unique rocks and a view of the river vs. standing in the river. The significant advantage of this location is there is a gorgeous field nearby, so you get the best of both worlds! The river spot below is great for older families, maternity, or families with one child.

Flower Field

Are you dreaming about running through a gorgeous flower field at sunset? Me too! This has to be one of my favorite locations! It feels so magical when you enter the field that you can’t help but want to run and play. This is an excellent location for families with little ones who love to pick flowers and explore. The flower fields I typically shoot at produce the most amazing skies that help create an authentic piece of art for your family. The downsides are these fields are very short-lived and usually only last a few weeks during the spring.

Lakeside or Creek

Nothing says summer like splashing in the water! If you and your family are up for some fun and don’t mind getting a little wet, then these locations are for you! Kids LOVE these locations as much as the adults, and no one will be complaining about how hot they are. Plus, the sunsets are incredible at the lake and provide beautiful colors and reflections. The creek offers fun with rocks and climbing, so outdoor families are sure to love that location too. I suggest bringing towels and a change of clothes for the ride home. These locations are not for families afraid of the water or getting dirty/wet.

Sunrise forest and field

Do you have an early riser and are worried about the late start of the sunset, but you still want that light? This location is for you!!! This location is gorgeous most of the year but really shines spring, summer, and fall. The spring and summer bring beautiful blooms, and fall pulls out all those golden tones I adore. There is an open field nearby to provide variety for your family session. Parking is very easy, so great option for families of little ones.

Your home

Saving the best for last! One of the best locations in St. Louis for a family session in your home! Yes, that’s right! No matter how big or small, your home is an incredible spot to have a family session. You spend your days raising your children here, making memories with them, so why not have images to remember this time. With an in-home session, you don’t have to worry about travel time, late sunsets, naps, weather, or snacks. Most children are very comfortable in their homes, so I can quickly capture their real personalities. Lastly, you do not need a Pinterest perfect house to have a gorgeous in-home family session. I have never found a home I haven’t been able to shoot a session in. Trust your home is perfection.

So, where are you hoping to have your next family session? Photographers, what are your favorite locations to shoot at? I can’t wait to hear!

-Angie