One of the most frequent questions I get from my clients is: what location would you recommend for my photos? While I always encourage my clients to choose a location they resonate with, I always love to give suggestions based on some of my favorite locations to shoot!
In this list, you’ll find 24 of my favorite locations for photo sessions in and around the Pittsburgh area! All of these locations are either in, around, or North of the city. While I’m sure there are many beautiful locations in the South Hills, the North Hills are my stomping grounds and the areas I frequent most!
If you have questions about any of these locations, please feel free to email me directly at jhidingerphotography@gmail.com
MORAINE STATE PARK
Moraine State Park has so many beautiful features - forest, pathways, a lake, docks, and fields all make it a great spot with lots of variety for photo sessions!
Location: Butler County, in Portersville
2. MCCONNELL’S MILL STATE PARK
McConnell’s Mill features forest, large boulders, the mill itself, a covered bridge, pathways through the woods, and lovely areas down by the river that runs through it.
Location: Butler County
3. MELLON PARK
Mellon Park is a favorite location among photographers and pedestrians alike! It features beautiful historic architecture, archways, black iron gates, an ornate fountain, and brick walls. In the Spring & Summer, there are beautiful flowers that decorate the walkways! Specifically, the walled-garden area is very popular.
Be advised: this location is very busy with photographers in the evenings, and if there is a wedding happening in the walled-garden area, pedestrians and photographers will be asked to leave.
Location: Allegheny County, in Shadyside
4. HARTWOOD ACRES MANSION
Another favorite among photographers, Hartwood Acres Mansion is one of the most unique (and popular!) locations for photoshoots in the Pittsburgh area. The Hartwood Mansion is large and features historic stone architecture, stairways, archways, doors, pathways, and interesting nooks and crannies. There is also a large garden located on the property, which is beautiful in the Spring & Summer. In addition, there are also lots of foresty areas. You really do get so many backdrops to work with here!
On any given night at Hartwood, you’ll find a plethora of photo sessions taking place. On the weekends, they also host weddings. They do ask pedestrians and photographers to vacate the property during private events. I would recommend calling their office in advance to check for upcoming events while planning a photo session! (If you are a client of mine, note that I will call for you in advance! :) )
*Note that Hartwood Acres Mansion is closed through May of 2022 for construction & renovations.
Location: Allegheny County
5. NORTH PARK
A lovely spot for those looking for a photo session featuring nature! North Park has a beautiful lake, foresty areas, and an area with a large wood bridge that crosses to a small island.
Location: Allegheny County, in Allison Park
6. POINT STATE PARK
Located within walking distance of downtown Pittsburgh, Point State Park is the perfect mix of a little bit of nature and a little bit of city! You can see some of the yellow bridges from the park. But the best part might be the large Point State Park fountain, located at “the point.”
In the summer time, this spot is SUPER busy with tourists and pedestrians.
Location: Allegheny County
7. NORTH SHORE RIVERWALK
One of the most picturesque Pittsburgh locations for photos! The North Shore Riverwalk is right along the river near PNC Park. The Roberto Clemente Bridge (closed for two years beginning in February of 2022) and the Andy Warhol Bridge are both right on the Riverwalk. You can also use the streets around the Riverwalk for some cool shots. I recently found a brightly painted wall a few streets back from the Riverwalk, too!
This location is VERY busy on PNC Park game days. Generally, it gets a lot of traffic in the summer as well.
Location: Allegheny County
8. THE STRIP DISTRICT
This has become a new favorite of mine! If you want that grungy Pittsburgh look, this might be a good spot for you. There are LOTS of brick walls and brightly colored scenery in and around the Strip District. I usually like to begin at the Terminal, and go from there! There is also a parking garage nearby that has a beautiful view of the city right at sunset.
I would recommend planning a shoot here on a non-Saturday. The Strip gets tons of traffic on Saturdays!
Location: Allegheny County
9. HISTORIC HARMONY
Arguably one of the best spots for photos (in my opinion!). Historic Harmony is a small German town that’s gotten a facelift in recent years. There are beautifully painted brick walls, colorful doorways, a nearby bridge, and lots more located here!
But please note: you DO need a permit to be able to shoot at this location, and you can purchase one from the Harmony Museum. Even then, there are some buildings that you will be able to use, and others that you will not be able to use. Ask the Harmony Museum for information regarding what locations they allow photos to be taken at. And if there is another building that you’d like to take photos in front of, make sure you check with the owner before doing so.
If you are a client of mine, note that I will cover the permit fee to shoot at this location. I love shooting there so much, that it’s worth it for me to eat the cost!
Location: Butler County, north of Cranberry Township
10. ZELIENOPLE
If you’ve never heard of this town, you’re going to be pleasantly surprised at what you find here! Zelienople is a bustling small town with many restaurants and shops along its main street. It has lots of adorable spots for photos, and has a nice urban feel (without having to go all the way into downtown Pittsburgh! ;) ). It’s also very close to Historic Harmony (they are neighbor towns!). There is a nearby park (Zelienople Community Park) if you want to also get some nature-esque photos!
Location: Butler County, north of Cranberry Township
11. MELLON INSTITUTE
You might have seen this grand building with its beautiful columns in some Pittsburgh wedding photos. It’s a popular spot for couples to have wedding portraits taken, but it makes a great backdrop for any type of portrait session! It’s also a great location to use in case of rain. It gets great natural light, but is covered from inclement weather under the columns!
Location: Allegheny County, in Oakland
12. CATHEDRAL OF LEARNING & PITT CAMPUS
A lovely spot with a nice pop of color! The Cathedral of Learning is a large building on the University of Pittsburgh’s property that houses lots of classrooms. Post-covid, only University of Pitt students are allowed to enter the building, but the outside makes for an incredible backdrop with its historic architecture! The pop of color I mentioned earlier comes from the large red door on one side of the building. It’s iconic!
Location: Allegheny County, in Oakland
13. PHIPP’S CONSERVATORY
Note: there are differences here between the indoor and outdoor areas at Phipp’s. You cannot walk into Phipp’s, buy a ticket, and have a professional photo session. You do need to reserve one of their available rooms in advance (available in 45 minute increments). Anyone can, however, shoot outside of Phipp’s. They have an area off to one side with a cute little garden, small fountain, benches, and a beautiful building that can be used freely, and free of charge. Indoors, they have beautifully curated rooms that make perfect backdrops for photos, if you’re willing to spend a little extra money!
Location: Allegheny County, in Oakland
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14. SCHENLEY LOCK BRIDGE
This bridge is located right next to Phipp’s Conservatory in Oakland! It features a variety of beautiful locks, left by lovers… and makes for an interesting and unique backdrop!
Location: Allegheny County, in Oakland
15. CLELAND ROCK
Technically, Cleland Rock is considered to be a part of McConnell’s Mill, but it’s about a 12 minute drive from the “main” McConnell’s Mill area. It features large fields (which are sometimes cut down, sometimes not… it just depends!), a lovely tree line, and a beautiful overlook. This spot is best later in the day, closer to sunset. And note that it does tend to look very different throughout the different seasons!
Location: Lawrence County, ~10 minutes from McConnell’s Mill
16. HIGHLAND PARK
Highland Park is located near the Pittsburgh Zoo. It has some nature areas, along with a little bit of architecture. They sometimes have flowers in their garden area, too! It’s a fairly busy place in summer months.
Location: Allegheny County
17. ALLEGHENY COMMONS PARK
Located on Pittsburgh’s North Side, this park features bridges, a small lake, a stone war monument, and even a view of the city! This is a great location to pair with the following location, the Mexican War Streets.
Location: Allegheny County, North Side (near the Aviary)
18. MEXICAN WAR STREETS
This is a super fun location to shoot! The Mexican War Streets feature lots of beautiful and colorful buildings. The streets themselves are even pretty for photos… you might just be dodging some traffic! I love to pair this location with Allegheny Commons Park.
Location: Allegheny County, North Side (near the YMCA)
19. LAKE FOREST GARENS
This location is super unique… it is a Christmas tree farm! It features rows of beautiful pine trees. However - you do need advance permission to shoot here, as it is private property, and there is a small fee associated with shooting there.
If you are a client of mine, note that I will cover the permit fee to shoot at this location. I love shooting there so much, that it’s worth it for me to eat the cost!
Location: Butler County in Fombell
20. CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY PARK
This is a very simple location that gets the job done! Cranberry Township Community Park doesn’t have a ton of different spots for photos, but it does make for a solid simple, natural backdrop. There’s also large log that can be used for posing!
Location: Butler County in Cranberry Township
21. ADAMS TOWNSHIP COMMUNITY PARK
This simple park has a few backdrops to work with, including an old white schoolhouse and small buildings. It can be a nice spot for those located out near the Mars area who may not want to travel far from home for photos!
Location: Butler County in Mars
22. THE FRICK PITTSBURGH
A lovely spot with lots of historic, stone architecture to work with! The Frick Pittsburgh is located right across the Street from Frick Park, which also has some beautiful backdrops for photos!
I would recommend calling the Frick in advance about any photo sessions that take place on their property. They host outdoor events from time to time and like to make sure that nothing will interfere with what they have planned!
Location: Allegheny County
23. SUCCOP NATURE PARK
Succop Nature Park has lots of features, including: a willow tree, pond, red and white barn, old lamp posts, and an old mansion type building! It’s a pretty unique spot.
I would always recommend calling prior to a shoot here. They do sometimes have events where they close down the property for private use!
Location: Butler County
24. SCHENLEY FOUNTAIN
Schenley fountain is in the heart of Oakland! It’s a small fountain right out front of the Frick Fine Arts building on Pitt’s campus.
Location: Oakland, University of Pittsburgh’s campus
