19 Top Places to Photograph In Ohio
Are you looking to book an amazing photo session; Maybe one for your family, or an engagement session? Or maybe you’re a photographer, and your client asked where you think the best location is to take their photos. I know sometimes picking a location has me stumped, whether it be for my photos or for a client’s. I’m scratching my head and racking my brain trying to think “Where have I not gone in a while?” After noticing that I wasn’t the only person with this issue, I decided it would be beneficial to put together a list of some of the best photo session locations in Ohio. Mainly, the best locations in Cincinnati, Ohio- but there are a few gems in other parts of the state as well. Check out some of the blogs I’ve linked with examples of all of the amazing photos you can take at these locations!
1.) Alms Park
Located in the Mt. Lookout/Columbia-Tusculum area, Alms park offers you a great view of the Ohio River, along with the rolling hills of Northern Kentucky. You will also find a beautiful pavilion in the park, but do be mindful that it is often where events are hosted. For more information you can take a look at Cincinnati Parks website. Check out the links below for inspiration!
Alms Park Family Session - Samantha Sandy Photography
2.) Ault Park
Also located in Mt. Lookout, Ault park is the 4th largest park in Cincy. It is most known for its gorgeous pavilion that is often used as a venue for a variety of events, so be sure to check the Cincinnati Parks calendar before you go. Surrounding the pavilion are pathways through Ault’s wonderful garden that are begging you to get lost wandering for hours. Take a look at the links below for inspiration on the magic waiting for you at Ault park.
Engagement Session - Kaitlin Ann Photography
Engagement Session - Savannah Linn Photography
Photo taken by Karly Christine Photography
3.) Bender Mountain
Bender Mountain is one of those miraculous hidden gems tucked away on the southwest side of the city. You want to be sure to wait for heavy rainfall the day before to get the water flowing over the rocks, or if you’re looking for just rocks, woodsy trails, and mountain edges- this is the place for you! Be sure to check out the links below for more inspiration.
Photo taken by Savannah Linn Photography
4.) Covington, KY- Riverside Drive
If your end goal is a breathtaking view of the Cincinnati Skyline, then you definitely want to cross the river over into Covington, KY for these epic photos on riverside drive. After getting that skyline photo, be sure to wander through the streets in the area for dreamy city neighborhood vibes. You could even stroll up to Hotel Covington if you’re feeling adventurous! Take a look at the links below for more inspiration.
Photo taken by Bare Moments Phototraphy
5.) Daniel’s Peace Memorial Park
Did someone say wildflowers? Located in Germantown, OH, Daniel’s Peace Memorial Park pays tribute to a family’s lost beloved son. Open year round, the family hopes that people visiting also find the peace that they are seeking. Take a look at the Daniel’s Peace Website and also links to photo inspiration below.
Photo taken by Heather Colley Photography
6.) Deer Creek State Park
Deer Creek State Park is located just shy of Columbus, OH. Going to Deer Creek gives you the wonderful opportunity to capture those coveted beach photos. There may not be crashing waves, but opportunities are endless at Deer Creek nonetheless. Take a look at the galleries below for more inspiration!
Photo taken by Karly Christine Photography
7.) Downtown Cincinnati
Downtown Cincinnati offers you the opportunities for not only glorious rooftop photos, like those pictured here on the roof of the Walgreens at 4th and Main, but you can also find yourself strolling the streets for hours and never getting bored of what you find. Take a look at the links below for more information, and I encourage you to get exploring downtown ASAP!
Photo taken by Karly Christine Photography
8.) Downtown Hamilton
Downtown Hamilton is the perfect location to get similar city street vibes without having to venture into the land of the skyscrapers. Coming soon from Collectively Jamie will be a link to her gallery for more inspirational photos.
Full gallery link coming soon from Collectively Jamie!
Photo taken by Collectively Jamie
9.) East Fork Lake
This state park in Batavia, OH is definitely a summer favorite. There are few places in Ohio to get those coveted beach photos, and the sunsets here are absolutely to die for. Check out the links below for more inspiration!
Photo taken by Heather Colley Photography
10.) Medina Airplane Hangar
Is anyone else getting Top Gun vibes? Nope? Just me? Okay, cool. The photo opportunities at the Medina Airplane Hangar are endless- check out the links below for more ideas!
Photo taken by Whitney K Photography
11.) Mount Airy Forest
Trails, creeks, treehouses oh my! You can find all of that and more at Mt. Airy Forest. Coupled with an absolutely beautiful sunset behind the Aboretum, you really can’t go wrong with this location. Take a look at the links below for more ideas!
Couple’s Photos - Savannah Linn Photography
Photo taken by Savannah Linn Photography
12.) Newport on the Levee
Another great location if you’re looking for those Cincy skyline views- head over to Newport on the Levee. Many people know it as a shopping center, but photographers know it as an amazing photo session location. Check out the links below for more ideas!
Couple’s Session - Samantha Sandy Photography
13.) Over-The-Rhine (OTR)
The streets of OTR in Downtown Cincinnati are definitely straight out of an adorable hipster’s dreams. Dip into Taft’s for some inside brewery shots, or pop on up to one of the various rooftop garages for that skyline view. There is so much room for creativity in OTR, you could go every day and find new spots for photos! Check out the links below for more ideas.
Photo taken by Ashley Hoehn Photography
14.) Rentschler Forest
Looking for pine trees? Rentschler Forest has you covered! Take a hike through the trails for some awesome woodsy photos, and then have a cute little picnic between the trees to end the day. Check out the links below for more inspiration!
Photo taken by Ashley Hoehn Photography
15.) Smale Park
Smale Park is the wonderful little location surrounding the Roebling Bridge. If you want bridge photos, this is the place for you to go for sure! Check out the links below for more details on what wonders Smale has to offer.
Couple’s Session - Samantha Sandy Photography
16.) Vinoklet Winery
If you’re looking for gorgeous stretching vineyards and a dreamy sunset, Vinoklet winery may be exactly what you need! It does cost $20 to get in, so be sure to prep for that, but the views are absolutely worth it. Check out the session links below for inspiration!
Photo taken by Julie Davis Family Photographer
17.) Voice of America Park
Voice of America Park in West Chester offers one of the most dreamy golden hour locations that I have ever found. There are plenty of opportunities throughout the park to chase that golden sunset, coupled with a pier overlooking the small pond if you’re dreaming of water as well. Check out the links below for more inspiration!
Photo taken by Karly Christine Photography
18.) Wildflower Field
Ohio is no stranger to sprawling wildflower fields. You can find them juuuuuuust about everywhere in the summertime. The link below is to one specific poppy field, but if you drive around for long enough you can find tons of different wildflower field locations.
Photo Taken By Victoria Siebe Photography
19.) Yellow Springs
Yellow Springs is located in Geene County, Ohio - northwest of Cincinnati. The village is home to a small population but a large number of gorgeous photo opportunities, such as Glen Helen Nature Preserve, Little Miami Scenic Trail, and John Bryan State Park. Check out some of the photos below for more ideas!
Photo taken by Bare Moments Photography