Montissippi Park - Monticello & Nearby Areas
With the tall trees, open field, dirt road, and riverfront beach, this park allows for lots of variety in photos.
Parking is free. There are Porta-potties at this park, but if you prefer to use the changing tent, I always have it!
Hanover
If you're looking for a bridge in your photos, I highly recommend this area! There are some other fun spots to stop along the way and its usually not super busy, which is a plus.
Elk River
One of my favorite parks for photos is in elk river. Late summer there are tons of flowers that bloom, but it is beautiful all year round! There is some access to the river as well. Do keep in mind that this area can sometimes be kind of buggy.
Millenium Gardens - Plymouth
The Millenium Gardens allows for a large variety of photo spots in a small space. We will need to sign up for our session spot in advance, which is nice, because only a certain amount of photographers are allowed here each night. This location is usually best on week nights, as weddings are somewhat common here on weeknights.
This location is in the backyard of the Plymouth Community Center, which means there are clean bathrooms right inside if you need to use them!
Como Park Conservatory
The Como Park Conservatory is a beautiful place to take photos and it has easily become one of my favorites! The thing with this location is that we will want to schedule a morning shoot before it gets busy. Session times usually begin between 7am and 8am here. There are gorgeous flowers all over the place and some really cool architecture!
Eden Prarie
This is such a fun park if you are going for more of a country vibe. There is also a lake nearby which makes for some beautiful sunset photos! I will have to check in advance if there is an event happening here as we will have to reschedule if something is booked!
Saint Anthony Main - Minneapolis
This is one of the more popular locations for seniors, and often you see more photographers here than anyone else! The photo opportunities are endless. If you prefer a morning session, this is a great spot.
Finding a public bathroom can be a little tricky. There is one that we have used a couple of times, otherwise I always have my changing tent handy:) Parking is a few dollars.
Anoka
Anoka brings lots of variety for photos. We will do some walking here as my favorite spots are a few blocks away from each other. We will also want to be aware of any events happening in Anoka on the day we schedule! It can get pretty busy if there is something going on.
Centennial Lakes - Edina
This is a beautiful public park that stretches about 1.5 miles around Centennial Lake. We will encounter many other people here who are walking around the path. I recommend going here any other day than Thursday as this is when their farmer's market takes place (soooo busy).
There is a public bathroom here for changing and parking is free.
Downtown Stillwater + Nearby Field
Downtown Stillwater is always flooded with photographers as this is a perfect spot for senior photos. Each block has such a different feel, which gives a huge variety.
There is a public bathroom in the downtown area and parking is a few dollars. The nearby field has free parking, but does not have a changing room (changing tent it is)!
Wayzata
Another popular location for photographers! I absolutely love taking photos here. We will want to schedule your session here around events happening in Wayzata, as it can get really busy!
Parking is free and there is a public restroom.
Eden Prarie Bluffs
- As of fall 2025, this location has been shut down in order to restore the land (this is awesome but also makes me so sad!). It is expected to take 3-5 years according to the city of Eden Prarie's Website.
This is one of my favorite locations and the view is spectacular, especially around sunset time. There is also a nearby lake, where sunset photos are stunning.
There is no restroom/changing room at the bluffs, so we will need to use my changing tent here. Also keep in mind that it is about a 10 minute walk from the car to the spot where we will take photos. At the nearby beach, there is a changing room. Parking is Free.
Places I want to shoot at!
Do a quick Google search and you'll see why I want to do a session here!
- Munsinger Gardens in Saint Cloud. Only open for photography certain hours/day.
- Father Hennepin Bluff Park. I've heard it's a bit of a hike, but it brings you to a beautiful view of the stone arch bridge
- Gateway Park, Minneapolis. Look up the ING building in Minneapolis and tell me that wouldn't be an amazing location. Beautiful architecture and lots of greenery.