The Ultimate MN Photo Location List!!


The location of your session sets the tone for your photos, from the colors to the backgrounds, to the sentimental value the location may hold! Here are my favorite photo locations in Duluth, Minneapolis, and the surrounding areas, sure to make any photo session truly magical.

Duluth photography Locations:

Park Point Beach


Everyone's favorite, the beach! The great thing about Park Point specifically is that it has so many great backgrounds! From the tall grasses to walking along the shore (maybe even getting in the lake!), there are so many different photo opportunities. I also have a few different spots at Park Point that we can visit depending on what you're looking for!


Option 1: The first option is closer to Canal Park, which is great if you have little ones or don't want to trek to the very end of the point! It has a gorgeous tree, beautiful tall grasses, and a boardwalk.

Option 2: The second location is just after the first stop sign along Park Point. It looks best at sunrise and has the largest field of beach grass. It's pretty incredible!

Option 3: The third option is at the very end of the point. There is a long boardwalk, and you can also access two sides of the lake. If it happens to be windy that day, I usually suggest this location as it's much calmer on the other side! This location also has the coolest vantage point (in my opinion) when you're in the beach grass. You get everything in one photo! The nature, grasses, and the lake, it's pretty cool. The beach photos also looks the best at this location in my opinion.

Person wearing white stands in tall grass during golden hour sunset as sunlight filters through a large tree.
Family of four walking together while holding hands along a scenic beach shoreline on an overcast day.
A series of photos showing a person in a pink dress walking and posing on a sandy beach at sunset.

Lester Park


This is the perfect location if you're looking for natural backgrounds and amazing lighting! There are multiple spots, including a beautiful bridge, steps, and a gorgeous river! And all within about a minute's walk of each other, this location is ideal for kiddos. There is also a playground to play on after your session :)

A person in a white knit sweater and jeans poses outdoors by rocky water in a natural setting.
Family wearing coordinated casual outfits stands together on a dirt path with green trees and golden sunlight behind them.
Person in white dress stands on rocky creek bed surrounded by lush green forest on sunny summer day.

The Ariel Lift Bridge


Probably the most well-known landmark in Duluth, this is a classic spot for senior portraits! It has beautiful lighting and some amazing architectural backdrops.

A person in a navy blue t-shirt poses under a bridge structure on a sunny day.
Young woman in blue floral sundress poses outdoors near a bridge on a sunny day.
Standing in casual summer attire on an empty road beneath a white steel bridge structure with architectural details.

Canal Park


Another very popular spot in Duluth and a great location for senior portraits! With a variety of different urban backgrounds, you'll get a little bit of everything at this spot.

A person in a light blue button-down shirt and white pants stands in a casual pose against an industrial background.
A person in a black tank top and white wide-leg pants walks confidently along a wooden boardwalk on a sunny day.
A person wearing a white floral print shirt leans against a brick wall on a sunny day.

The Field at the end of Park Point


The iconic field. This has to be my second favorite photo location in Duluth. It's right next to the beach, which makes it seamless to add on as an additional location! The golden hour shots are pretty amazing too.

Someone in a white sundress poses in a golden wildflower field during sunset creating a dreamy summer portrait.
A person in a pink ruffled dress sits among tall grasses during golden hour sunset.
Light blue dress flows in a summer meadow at golden hour as tall grass and wildflowers sway in the breeze.

Brighton Beach


Another classic Duluth spot! I always ask my clients, "Do you want cool rocks or sand and beach grass?" This is the main difference between my two favorite beach locations! Brighton has some pretty epic golden hours too.

Person standing on coastal rocks overlooking a misty ocean at sunset while wearing casual summer clothing.
A couple walking hand in hand along a rocky Lake Superior shoreline during autumn with fall colors in the background.

Tischer Creek


Early afternoon at Tischer Creek has got to be one of my favorite spots. There's this patch of light that hits the creek, and it's absolutely magical.

Person standing on coastal rocks overlooking a misty ocean at sunset while wearing casual summer clothing.
A couple walking hand in hand along a rocky Lake Superior shoreline during autumn with fall colors in the background.
A sequence of photos shows someone sitting on a fallen log by a stream in a sunlit forest setting.

Enger Tower


If you're looking for versatility, Enger is your spot! There are easily 10-15 different backgrounds, each with its own unique style. The fall colors are also amazing!

A person in a yellow summer dress poses outdoors with long dark hair and a gentle smile in a garden setting.
Young person in a navy button-down shirt and white pants poses confidently against a stone wall.
Two friends share joyful laughter while wearing cozy sweaters and jeans among autumn leaves in a sunny park setting.

Downtown/Fitgers Area


The iconic red fence! This spot offers a wide variety of backgrounds, all with amazing lighting. The colors are perfect at golden hour, and you'll get the Lift Bridge and Canal Park in the background. I mean, it's the best of both worlds!

Young woman in black top and light jeans sits cross-legged on wooden boardwalk near water at sunset.
Portrait of young woman with long blonde hair wearing a navy polka dot top against a white background.
Young woman in black tank top and jeans stands by red railing at waterfront on overcast day.

Lester Park Fields


There are two great wildflower fields in the Lester Park area! With tree coverage, these locations are perfect at anytime of day.

A person in a white dress poses in a shallow stream with a small waterfall and rocky outcroppings in the background.
Two friends embrace and smile in front of a stone bridge and waterfall during autumn with golden foliage in background.
A person in a white dress lies in a sunny meadow filled with bright yellow wildflowers on a summer day.

Seven Bridges Road


This is THE photo location for families. It has this perfect slanted rock that everyone can stand on. The people in the back can see me, and I can see them; it works great. It's also gorgeous for all session types, especially seniors!

A person in a white dress poses in a shallow stream with a small waterfall and rocky outcroppings in the background.
Two friends embrace and smile in front of a stone bridge and waterfall during autumn with golden foliage in background.

Glensheen Mansion


My second most popular location is Glensheen, and for good reason! It offers endless photo opportunities and has a mix of architecture and natural backgrounds, all with amazing lighting! Glensheen is open from 9-5 PM and has a $5 entry fee for the grounds. Please consider this when choosing your locations!

A person in a navy blue dress poses next to an ornate white fountain in a garden setting.
Person in a white sundress walking on a garden path with a red brick building in the background.
Portrait of someone in a white dress with long hair standing near water in a natural outdoor setting with soft lighting.

The Rose Garden


I absolutely adore this location for girly girls! The roses add a touch of magic and you also get a great view of Lake Superior! The lighting can be a bit bright so I would recommend this location closer to sunrise or sunset.

A group in matching black outfits pose together during sunset in a garden setting.
Smiling blonde in emerald green tank top poses outdoors against colorful summer foliage backdrop.
Woman in floral romper poses among colorful roses in a garden with lampposts and city buildings in background.

Chester Park


If you're looking for a magical forest, this is absolutely your spot. There is a wide variety of backgrounds, including root-covered floors, logs to sit on, and of course, the beautiful creek! This spot looks best mid-morning or early afternoon.

A group in matching black outfits pose together during sunset in a garden setting.
Smiling blonde in emerald green tank top poses outdoors against colorful summer foliage backdrop.
Woman in floral romper poses among colorful roses in a garden with lampposts and city buildings in background.

Lincoln Park Craft District


If you're looking for something urban with neutral coloring, I would recommend the craft district! It offers a great variety of backgrounds, all within 5 minutes of each other. And you can get a coffee while you're there :)

Person wearing a brown fur coat and pink pants leans against railing outside urban building in winter setting.
A fashionable pink dress contrasts with a tan fur-trimmed coat against a dark brick wall in dramatic sunlight.
Stylish winter fashion look with beige fur trimmed coat and pink outfit against white architectural backdrop.

St. Louis County Courthouse


A great location for classic backgrounds and great colors! There are many different posing opportunities with steps, benches, and a water fountain.

Young person in blue patterned button-down shirt and dark pants poses confidently outdoors in warm sunlight.
A person in a floral dress sits by a window on a cloudy day, with a moody atmosphere.
Woman in black top and light jeans sits casually on brick steps in warm outdoor lighting.

Minneapolis & St. Paul photography Locations:

State Capital


I mean, this spot is THE engagement photo location!! With beautiful interiors and stunning architecture, this spot looks amazing at pretty much anytime of day. Perfect for more formal looking photos.

Young person in blue patterned button-down shirt and dark pants poses confidently outdoors in warm sunlight.
A person in a floral dress sits by a window on a cloudy day, with a moody atmosphere.
Woman in black top and light jeans sits casually on brick steps in warm outdoor lighting.

Irvine Park


This spot has it all! A beautiful fountain, gorgeous old homes, and lamp posts that bring the magic to life. Perfect for engagements, families, and senior photos! This spot looks great at any time of day.

Young person in blue patterned button-down shirt and dark pants poses confidently outdoors in warm sunlight.
A person in a floral dress sits by a window on a cloudy day, with a moody atmosphere.
Woman in black top and light jeans sits casually on brick steps in warm outdoor lighting.

Cedar Lake


The greens at this location are amazing! The plant-covered floor gives it that magical fairy tale feel, only 10 minutes outside of the city. Perfect for all session types!

Young person in blue patterned button-down shirt and dark pants poses confidently outdoors in warm sunlight.
A person in a floral dress sits by a window on a cloudy day, with a moody atmosphere.
Woman in black top and light jeans sits casually on brick steps in warm outdoor lighting.

Arneson Acres


My #1 pick for family photos! With a variety of backgrounds, plenty of tree coverage, and lots of space to run around, you can't go wrong. Perfect at anytime of day!

Young person in blue patterned button-down shirt and dark pants poses confidently outdoors in warm sunlight.
A person in a floral dress sits by a window on a cloudy day, with a moody atmosphere.
Woman in black top and light jeans sits casually on brick steps in warm outdoor lighting.

University of Minnesota Campus


If you're graduating from the U of M, you're taking your photos on campus because it is absolutely stunning! Endless background options, perfect golden hour lighting, and amazing colors, there's truly nothing better for a Cap and Gown session.

Young person in blue patterned button-down shirt and dark pants poses confidently outdoors in warm sunlight.
A person in a floral dress sits by a window on a cloudy day, with a moody atmosphere.

Purgatory Park


The most magical tree exists at Purgatory Park! Along with endless fields and beautiful trails, this spot is perfect for seniors and families!

Young person in blue patterned button-down shirt and dark pants poses confidently outdoors in warm sunlight.
A person in a floral dress sits by a window on a cloudy day, with a moody atmosphere.
Woman in black top and light jeans sits casually on brick steps in warm outdoor lighting.

Lake Harriet


Another classic senior photo location! We'll stand on the docks, get pictures in front of the boats, and end with a magical golden hour shot by the flowers.

Young person in blue patterned button-down shirt and dark pants poses confidently outdoors in warm sunlight.
A person in a floral dress sits by a window on a cloudy day, with a moody atmosphere.
Woman in black top and light jeans sits casually on brick steps in warm outdoor lighting.

Lyndale Rose Garden


This has to be one of my favorite locations in Minneapolis! It's extremely versatile and always has amazing lighting. Perfect for all session types!

Young person in blue patterned button-down shirt and dark pants poses confidently outdoors in warm sunlight.
A person in a floral dress sits by a window on a cloudy day, with a moody atmosphere.
Woman in black top and light jeans sits casually on brick steps in warm outdoor lighting.

Noerneberg Gardens


One of my favorite spots for engagements! A great variety of backgrounds and perfect golden hour lighting.

Young person in blue patterned button-down shirt and dark pants poses confidently outdoors in warm sunlight.
A person in a floral dress sits by a window on a cloudy day, with a moody atmosphere.
Woman in black top and light jeans sits casually on brick steps in warm outdoor lighting.

I'm always on the hunt for more great locations, so don't hesitate to suggest other ideas!


Questions about any of the locations above? Send me a message!