On-Location Choices

Let me start out by saying that most of the time, the location doesn’t matter…  You don’t have to choose an enormous location or a park with lots of different options. I’ve found that I can get great shots in small pockets with great lighting; that’s really the key to a great location. I’m always excited to find new pockets around town and welcome clients with new ideas. I like adventures! I would love to have a discussion with you regarding your clothing choices and family personality to help put together an awesome session! If you don’t have an idea, here is a list of places I’ve had lots of experience with and I know you’ll be thrilled with the outcome. If you are scheduled for a Keepsake Session, those options are at the top, noted with **.

 

**Amity Woods Nature Trail… (152 and N. Amity)

–walking trail

–green areas

–mulch trail

–small location, few distractions

 

**Oak Grove Park…  (Gladstone)

–park

–walking trail

–pond

–large trees

–playground

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**Briarcliff… (169, just north of Downtown Airport)

–pond with fountain in the middle

–rock walls

–walking trail

–wide open grassy, treed area

–large rocks to sit on

–some flowers

–pretty private location

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**Fox Hill Outdoor Classroom… (off of 106th Street and Woodland)  evening or weekend only

–train car

–flowers (seasonal)

–wooden fence

–treed area

–small walking trail

–small bridge

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**Fairfield Park… (Cookingham and N. Charlotte)

–concrete walking trail

–wood/metal bridge

–large rocks

–lots of trees and grassy areas

–small location, few distractions

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**The Trail of Heroes and Shoal Creek Round-About…

–small location, few distractions

–mulch trail

–wooden benches

–canopy of trees

–stone archways with stone benches within driving distance

 

**Bridge Point Park… (Barry Road and Maplewoods Parkway)

–concrete trail

–large rocks

–shallow river beds

–large logs

–bridge

–wooden fences

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**Anne Garney Park...

–tall grass

–walking trail

–trees

–non-crowded

–sunset appointments only

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Downtown Smithville…

–urban alternative to the West Bottoms

–small, clean location

–cute and colorful storefronts

–abandoned buildings

–church

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**Maple Woods Natural Area...

–great mid-day location

–small bench

–wooded area

–bridge close to parking lot

–small creek

–non-paved walking trail

–huge log to sit on

–wooden "stairs"

 

Smithville Lake…

–small beach areas

–piers

–water

–hay bales

–large, tall grassy areas

–deserted gravel roads

–few to no distractions

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Line Creek Trail...

–paved walking trail

–small waterfall

–large grassy areas

–log fences

–benches

 

North Kansas City...

–old abandoned buildings

–neat textures on buildings

–staircases

–delivery docks

–clean urban setting

 

Prairie Creek Greenway… (Platte City)

–walking trail

–large rocks

–bridges

–small fences

–native grasses

–small location, few distractions

 

Liberty Square…

–great urban alternative to the West Bottoms

–stairs

–brick buildings

–park benches

–fountain

–grassy area

 

Shoal Creek Living History Museum… (152 Highway and Shoal Creek Parkway)

–1 bridge

–lots of old buildings (church, school, bank, barn, house…)

–a lot of natural props (stairs, barrels, white fence, rocks, some flowers)

–about ¼ mile walk from the parking lot to where all of the stuff is (a stroller or wagon is recommended with little ones!)

–additional fee for permit required

 

Loose Park (Rose Garden)…

–stone structure with benches and stairs

–ivy growing up stone

–fountain

–park benches

–roses (seasonal)

–stone pillars

–stone stair case

–$25 permit fee and 5 days notice required

 

Loose Park (pond side)…

–pond with fountain in the middle

–3 bridges

–park benches

–wide open grassy areas

–rock walls

–can be crowded on the weekends, making lots of distractions

–$25 permit fee and 5 days notice required

 

Downtown Parkville…

–shabby chic type buildings

–wooden staircase

–park benches

–white fence

–brick buildings

–small rock/brick walls

–have to work around people and parked cars

 

Downtown Kearney…

–urban alternative to the West Bottoms

–small, clean location

–exposed old brick

–abandoned church building

–older looking storefronts

 

Antioch Park… (Merriam, KS)

–several bridges

–2 ponds

–rose garden (seasonal)

–walking trail

–lots of trees

–small stone walls

–wooden fences

–park benches

 

West Bottoms… (a few stipulations apply)

–old abandoned buildings

–graffiti

–old doors and windows

–deserted streets

 

Hodge Park Athletic Field…

–Baseball fields

–large grassy areas

–large wooden bridge

–mulch walking trail

–large logs

–wild flowers (seasonal)

–tall grasses

–small location, few distractions

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English Landing Park...

–walking trails

–large rocks

–shallow river beds

–big mature trees

–bridge

–benches

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The Crossroads District…

–interesting alleys

–safe graffiti

–rustic storefronts

–brick walls

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Watkins Mill…

–mulch trails

–old buildings

–beautiful fall color

–tall grassy fields

–non-crowded

–wooden fences

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Hobby Hill Park...

–playground

–walking trail

–trees

–tall grassy fields

–non-crowded

–great morning location

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Other options

Anita B Gorman Park… Northland Fountain

Liberty Memorial…

Red Barn Farm…additional charge

Downtown KC…

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Kauffman Gardens no longer allows professional photography sessions.

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**Petite Session options.