Orlando photography for maternity, families, and content creators. 

Inquire 

arrow

Photography Blogs

Top Orlando Photography Locations

May 25, 2023

Hi, I'm carolina.
Hi there! Welcome to the Caro Montes blog, a journal about our photography. Stay a while and say hello!
Learn more
arrow
Search
FREE DOWNLOAD
family photography style guide
Sign up for emails to download our free family photography style guide.
DOWNLOAD

Top Orlando Photography Locations

Orlando is undeniably an awesome place to be, bursting with energy, excitement and an unparalleled sense of adventure. It’s a city where dreams come true and lifelong memories are made! With its world-famous theme parks like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios, Orlando has established itself as a top global destination for families and thrill-seekers alike. But there’s so much more to this dynamic city than just rollercoasters and fairy tales.

Orlando’s rich cultural diversity, thriving arts scene, and exceptional dining experiences make it a haven for foodies and art enthusiasts. Add to that the natural landscapes, beautiful lakes, and lush green spaces, and you have the perfect recipe for an incredible place to live, work, and play. In Orlando, there’s always something new to explore, and I’m constantly inspired by the city’s unique charm and endless opportunities for adventure.

As your photographer, I want to make sure we create stunning images and unforgettable memories that truly capture the essence of this vibrant city. Let me introduce you to my top photography locations in Orlando. Together, we’ll explore romantic spots for couple sessions, edgy urban environments for fashion shoots, and serene landscapes for those who crave a touch of tranquility in their photos. My expertise and local knowledge ensure we’ll find the ideal setting for your photoshoot in Orlando!

Park Avenue (Winter Park)

Park Avenue is beautiful! Here you’ll find enchanting oak trees draped in Spanish moss, creating a dreamy canopy that adds a touch of romance to your photos. The charming brick streets and European-style architecture are perfect for capturing everything from intimate couple moments to stylish fashion shoots. While we explore the avenue, you’ll find trendy shops, restaurants, and art galleries that lend a chic, urban vibe to your images. Plus, the nearby Central Park offers a serene setting for the most beautiful nature-inspired photographs in Orlando.

Lake Eola Park

Lake Eola, nestled in the heart of downtown Orlando, is a remarkable location for your photoshoot. The serene lake, surrounded by an impressive skyline, offers a captivating backdrop that captures the essence of the city. As we walk around the lake, the iconic Lake Eola fountain is a striking centerpiece, adding a touch of elegance to your images. The park’s lush greenery, vibrant flower beds, and charming swan boats provide endless opportunities for creative, nature-inspired photos. The picturesque walking paths and artistic sculptures scattered throughout the park lend an air of sophistication and culture to your photos, making Lake Eola an ideal choice for a truly memorable photo session.

Downtown Orlando- Church Street

Downtown Orlando’s Church Street is an exceptional location for your photo session, boasting a perfect blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy. As we explore this iconic street, you’ll be captivated by the beautifully restored historic buildings, providing a unique and timeless backdrop for your images. As a key location in the heart of the city, Church Street also offers easy access to other nearby attractions, such as the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts and the Amway Center, providing a diverse range of backdrops for your photo shoot in Orlando.

Lake Nona Town Center

Lake Nona Town Center offers a modern, stylish setting in a thriving, master-planned community near Orlando. This lively area features a mix of upscale shops, restaurants, and inviting public spaces, adding a sense of sophistication and urban charm to your photos. You’ll be captivated by its contemporary architecture, vibrant murals, and visually striking art installations, all providing unique and eye-catching backdrops for your images. With its innovative design and artistic atmosphere, Lake Nona Town Center is an ideal choice for a photo shoot location that captures the essence of Orlando’s contemporary spirit.

Lake Runnymede

Lake Runnymede Conservation Area is a serene and picturesque location for your photo session, offering a natural oasis amidst Central Florida’s urban landscape. This easy-to-navigate area has winding trails, fields,  wooden boardwalks, and a pristine lake that provide idyllic backdrops for capturing intimate, nature-inspired moments. As we explore this beautiful area, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, towering trees, and diverse wildlife, creating a tranquil and scenic setting for your images.

Dickson Azalea

Dickson Azalea Park is a hidden gem in Orlando, providing an enchanting setting for photos. This charming park, adorned with blooming azaleas, offers a colorful and vibrant atmosphere that adds a touch of magic to your images. As we wander the park, you’ll find quaint stone bridges, winding paths, and a babbling stream, creating picturesque backdrops for capturing intimate, nature-inspired moments. The park’s canopy of mature trees and abundant greenery provide shade and a sense of seclusion, perfect for romantic couple photos, personal branding photos, or relaxed family portraits. It’s such a beautiful place!

Rollins College

Rollins College, situated in Winter Park, is an excellent location for photos, boasting a beautiful campus with striking architecture and well-manicured landscapes. As we explore this historic institution, you’ll be impressed by the Spanish-Mediterranean-style buildings adorned with elegant archways and intricate details. The campus grounds feature lush green spaces, stately oak trees, and enchanting fountains, providing various backdrops for capturing candid and posed moments. Rollins College is an ideal choice for creating captivating and memorable photographs that reflect the beauty and elegance of Orlando’s historic architecture.

Harry P. Leu Gardens

Harry P. Leu Gardens is a magnificent location for a photo session, presenting a lush botanical feel showcasing Orlando’s natural beauty. The 50-acre garden is surrounded by an incredible variety of plants, colorful flowers, and towering trees, offering a vibrant and enchanting atmosphere for your images. The winding pathways, elegant gazebos, and serene water features are easily accessible, so it’s a great place for families and if you have any older adults in your photos. When it comes to Orlando photography locations, this is a great choice if you want a garden paradise feel!

Wekiva Springs

Wekiva Springs, located within the Wekiva Springs State Park, is a beautiful natural oasis just north of Orlando. This stunning park is known for its crystal-clear, 72-degree year-round spring waters that form the headwaters of the Wekiva River. It’s a quiet, remote, and fantastic place to take photos, especially at sunset. The park covers approximately 7,000 acres; it’s huge! Be prepared to do a bit of walking to get to the different areas for photos. In addition to the natural beauty, Wekiva Springs State Park has picnic areas, playgrounds, and a campground, making it a perfect spot for a family outing or a weekend getaway.

Kelly Park Springs

Kelly Park Springs, located just northwest of Orlando, offers a picturesque and refreshing setting for photos. The park’s centerpiece, Rock Springs, is a natural, clear water spring surrounded by lush greenery and shaded by a canopy of trees, providing an enchanting backdrop for your images. Photos taken in the water are stunning! The gentle, winding spring run creates a serene environment perfect for capturing intimate moments, whether it’s a romantic couple’s session, a maternity session, or a family portrait. The best time for photos here is at 8 AM for the best lighting conditions.

Lake Louisa

Lake Louisa, situated within Lake Louisa State Park southwest of Orlando, is a captivating and serene location for photography. I think it’s perfect for romantic couple photos, family photos, and kids photos. The park’s largest lake, surrounded by rolling hills and diverse natural habitats, creates a picturesque backdrop that showcases the beauty of Central Florida’s landscape. The park has sandy shores, tranquil forests, and open meadows. For those looking to extend their stay, Lake Louisa State Park has a variety of accommodations available, including fully equipped cabins and a full-facility campground.

Disney’s Boardwalk Resort

Having a photo session at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort is a truly magical experience, capturing the charm and whimsy of the vintage Atlantic City-inspired boardwalk. As we wander the lively promenade, you’ll be surrounded by colorful storefronts, charming street entertainers, and a dazzling array of lights, which gives so many looks to the photos. The picturesque waterfront makes it feel like you’re in another time! Having your photos taken at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort is an extraordinary experience that will leave you with captivating and memorable images filled with the magic of Disney. It’s one of my favorites Orlando photography locations!

Kraft Azalea Garden

Having a photo session at Kraft Azalea Garden is an enchanting experience! Nestled along the shores of Lake Maitland, the garden boasts a lush 5.22-acre expanse of azaleas, towering cypress trees, and verdant greenery. Walking under the shaded pathways under the canopy of trees is a calming experience, and there’s an amazing stone monument called the Exedra, often used for wedding ceremonies. It’s a quiet and not too well-known park, but parking is limited, so give yourself a little extra time to park and stroll the grounds.

Mead Botanical Garden

Mead Botanical Garden is a lush 47-acre oasis of tranquility and natural beauty in the heart of Winter Park. There are so many different places to take photos! No matter where you go, you’ll be surrounded by a rich tapestry of plants, blooming flowers, and picturesque settings that create an enchanting atmosphere for photos Meandering pathways, charming wooden bridges, and serene ponds provide idyllic backdrops for capturing intimate moments. The garden’s butterfly garden, greenhouse, and amphitheater are additional unique settings that can be incorporated into your photo session. Mead Botanical Garden is an exceptional location for creating beautiful and memorable photographs that celebrate the natural splendor of Central Florida.

Baldwin Park

Baldwin Park is an exceptional location for your photoshoot in Orlando, offering a harmonious blend of urban charm and picturesque natural beauty in the heart of Orlando. The park features a stunning lakefront setting, with the calm waters of Lake Baldwin and its tree-lined shores providing a manicured and expansive green space for photos. The heart of Baldwin Park is its Village Center, featuring a mix of shops, restaurants, cafes, and professional services. The center’s charming architecture and pedestrian-friendly streets are fantastic for influencer photos. If you love an urban look, you would also like photos’ versatility in a  green recreational space or near water. Baldwin Park is situated on the former site of the Orlando Naval Training Center and spans over 1,100 acres, including its beautiful parks and lakes.

Downtown Celebration

Downtown Celebration in Florida, often known as simply Celebration, is a picture-perfect location for your photo session. Designed by Disney, this charming and idyllic community offers a blend of quaint small-town charm and modern sophistication. Stroll down Market Street, and you’ll find a vibrant center filled with colorful shops, picturesque boutiques, and delightful eateries, offering a lively urban backdrop for your photos. Just a short walk away, Celebration’s scenic lakeside park provides a serene setting with its winding walking paths, charming bridges, and peaceful waterfront views. From the iconic, pastel-hued Post Office and the iconic Celebration Hotel to the well-manicured residential streets lined with dreamy Victorian and Colonial-style houses, Celebration provides a variety of enchanting locations for your photo session.

St. Cloud Lakefront Park

St. Cloud Lakefront Park in Florida offers an abundance of beautiful spots for your photo session. Situated on the southern shore of East Lake Tohopekaliga, this park offers stunning water views and a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for capturing quiet, natural moments. The park’s expansive green spaces, dotted with tall palm trees and well-maintained walking paths, add a lush and tranquil backdrop to your images. The picturesque lighthouse and the charming wooden pier extending into the lake provide unique architectural elements that enhance the diversity and beauty of your photos. From sunrise to sunset, St. Cloud Lakefront Park presents a multitude of beautiful views and vistas and is the perfect place to capture the beauty and tranquility of Central Florida’s landscape.

Downtown Sanford

With its blend of historic charm and modern amenities, Downtown Sanford offers a wealth of picturesque settings for your photo session. Brick-lined streets, antique lampposts, and various architectural styles lend a timeless quality to your images. The central area, known as Casa Feliz – Winter ParkMagnolia Square, is an open, inviting space with greenery and a delightful water fountain, perfect for capturing intimate moments. Moving towards the marina, the Lake Monroe waterfront provides a beautiful backdrop, complete with a classic lighthouse and an array of boats. The historical alleys, quaint boutiques, unique eateries, and the vibrant art scene in Sanford’s downtown also offer diverse urban environments for your photos.

Downtown Winter Garden

Downtown Winter Garden, with its charming historic ambiance and lush green spaces, provides an array of lovely locations for photography sessions near Orlando. The city’s heart, the vibrant Plant Street, is lined with beautifully restored buildings, shops, and delightful cafes that add a touch of vintage charm to your images. With its distinctive architectural style, the iconic Winter Garden Theater provides a stunning backdrop for dynamic urban photographs. Moving towards the West Orange Trail, the expansive green spaces, bike paths, and the beautiful pavilion present a serene and natural setting for capturing candid and relaxed moments. Just a short walk away, the Winter Garden Farmers Market is a bustling spot with colorful produce stands, vibrant flowers, and local vendors.

Casa Feliz- Winter Park

Casa Feliz, nestled in the heart of Winter Park, Florida, offers an exceptional and truly unique setting for your photo session. This beautifully restored Spanish farmhouse, with its distinctive red brick masonry, sweeping archways, and elegant tile roof, provides an air of old-world charm and elegance. The lush, manicured lawns and gardens offer a serene and naturally beautiful backdrop for outdoor photographs. A permit is required to photograph inside, where you will find a vintage interior with rustic woodwork, exposed brick, and antique furnishings. This is a perfect location for couple photos or engagement photos! 

Southern Hill Farms

Southern Hill Farms is a vibrant and charming location for your photoshoot session in Orlando, offering a slice of rural beauty within the Central Florida landscape. The farm, known for its rolling blueberry fields, provides a vast expanse of lush greenery and vividly hued fruit, creating a picturesque and unique backdrop for your photos. Whether standing amidst a sea of blueberries or posing beside the stunning sunflower fields, the farm’s natural beauty adds a sense of tranquility and joy to your images. The farm’s classic red barn, with its rustic aesthetic and sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, provides another gorgeous setting. And let’s not forget the idyllic tree-lined paths and the charming wooden fences, each adding a touch of rural charm to your photos.

Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek

Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek offers a unique and engaging setting for your photo session, taking you on a journey through time to Central Florida’s past. The village, a meticulously recreated 19th-century settlement, presents a variety of charming backdrops. Historic buildings, such as the old schoolhouse, the general store, and a selection of picturesque pioneer homes, provide a timeless quality to your photos. The wooden fences, vintage wagons, and the rustling leaves of the majestic oak trees further add to the rustic charm of the village.

Winter Park Public Library

Winter Park Public Library in Florida offers a unique and modern environment for your photo session in Orlando. This architecturally significant building, with its large windows and sleek lines, provides an interesting and dynamic backdrop for your images. The interior spaces are bathed in natural light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for indoor photographs. Whether it’s posed shots against the library’s impressive bookshelves or candid moments in the cozy reading nooks, this space lends a certain intellectual charm to your photos. Outside, the library is surrounded by lush, well-maintained green areas and mature trees, adding a serene and natural element to your session. Additionally, the library’s proximity to Martin Luther King Jr. Park provides an opportunity for water views and picturesque natural backdrops just a short walk away.

Lakefront Yurt

Lakefront Yurt in Florida is a unique and charming place among Orlando photoshoot locations, offering a one-of-a-kind and captivating setting for your session. Nestled on the tranquil shores of a serene lake, this yurt adds a touch of rustic elegance and a hint of adventurous spirit to your photos. The wooden structure of the yurt, with its circular form and latticework, provides an interesting architectural backdrop for your images. Its large windows offer generous natural light for beautifully lit, intimate indoor shots. The surrounding environment enhances the charm of this location with its lush greenery and calm waters reflecting the vast Florida sky. Whether it’s a shot from the yurt’s entrance looking out to the lake or a cozy scene within its inviting interior, Lakefront Yurt offers a distinctive and memorable setting for your photo session.

UCF Campus

The University of Central Florida (UCF) campus offers diverse settings for your photo session, combining modern architecture with beautiful green spaces. The heart of the campus, the Reflecting Pond, is a water feature that provides a serene backdrop for your images. With its distinctive brutalist architecture, the Millican Hall creates a dynamic urban setting for your photos. The Memory Mall provides a lush and tranquil environment with its expansive lawn and tall palms. Walkways lined with shade trees, charming footbridges, and unique sculptures scattered throughout the campus add character and diversity to your photo session.

Bonnet Springs Park

When it comes to finding exceptional Orlando photography locations, Bonnet Springs Park in Florida is a treasure worth exploring. Nestled in the heart of Lakeland, this expansive urban park boasts a beautiful blend of preserved natural areas and innovative park amenities. The park’s namesake, the Bonnet Spring, offers a tranquil waterscape, providing a serene backdrop for your images. The scenic walking trails that wind through the park’s lush landscapes, over charming wooden bridges, and along the shimmering lakefront present a wealth of opportunities for capturing intimate moments amidst the beauty of nature. Unique elements such as the historic roundhouse, the grand lawn, and the groves of mature oak trees lend character and variety to your photo session.

Great Photo Locations Within A Day’s Drive of Orlando

While these locations are a trek from Orlando, they are worth the drive for your photo session! Each provides distinctive backdrops and atmospheres that will add a special touch to your photos. The journey to these locations is part of the experience, adding adventure and excitement to your photography journey.

Bok Tower Garden

Bok Tower Garden is nestled on Iron Mountain, one of the highest points in Florida. This historic garden is renowned for its lush landscapes and the iconic Singing Tower. The meticulously manicured gardens, vibrant flowers, tranquil reflecting pools, and charming pathways offer an idyllic backdrop for your photos. The Singing Tower, a majestic art deco and neo-Gothic masterpiece, lends an air of grandeur and timelessness to your images. The serene woodland trails and the window by the pond, a secluded stone bench surrounded by nature, offer tranquil and intimate settings.

Maitland Art Center

Maitland Art Center in Florida offers a unique artistic and historic location for your photoshoot near Orlando. Recognized as a National Historic Landmark, the center showcases a unique Mayan Revival style architecture with intricate sculptures and bas-reliefs adorning its buildings, which provides a dynamic and interesting backdrop for your photos. The art center’s lush and tranquil gardens, interspersed with beautiful sculptures and fountains, make for a location with many excellent photo opportunities.

Cocoa Beach

Cocoa Beach, on Florida’s beautiful Space Coast, offers an expansive natural setting for your photo session. This classic Florida beach, with its vast stretches of soft sand. The iconic Cocoa Beach Pier, with its lively atmosphere and panoramic ocean views, adds another dynamic setting for your session. The contrast of the rustic wooden structure against the endless ocean creates a beautiful juxtaposition. Whether you’re seeking a casual beach vibe or a romantic seaside setting, Cocoa Beach offers a captivating environment for your photography location.

New Smyrna Jetty

New Smyrna Jetty, located on the beautiful east coast of Florida, provides an incredible seaside setting for your photoshoot near Orlando. This location is notable for its iconic jetty, a rugged stretch of rocks extending into the Atlantic, offering a unique and dramatic backdrop for your photos. The jetty environment offers a variety of visually compelling scenes for family photos, engagement photos, or couple photos. The surrounding beach area, with its soft sand, dunes dotted with sea oats, and picturesque views of the Ponce de Leon Inlet Lighthouse in the distance, adds more natural beauty to any photo.

Washington Oaks Park

Washington Oaks Gardens State Park in Florida offers a versatile and picturesque setting for your photo session. The park is renowned for its formal gardens, where vibrant flowers bloom amongst a canopy of majestic live oaks, creating an enchanting backdrop for your photos. The park’s less cultivated areas provide equally stunning settings, such as the shore of the Matanzas River or the exotic bird habitat. Perhaps most distinctive is the park’s beach, famous for its unique coquina rock formations. These ancient, wind-swept formations create a dramatic and unique seascape, perfect for memorable images.

Historical St. Augustine

Historic St. Augustine in Florida offers an enchanting and richly textured setting for your photo session. As the oldest city in the U.S., its beautifully preserved Spanish colonial architecture and cobblestone streets provide a unique, old-world backdrop for your photos. 

Landmarks such as the Castillo de San Marcos, with its ancient coquina walls and the vibrant, bustling St. George Street, offer a variety of dynamic settings. The picturesque Aviles Street, America’s oldest street, with its art galleries and quaint cafes, adds charm to your images. Meanwhile, the beautiful Matanzas Bay offers a scenic backdrop with panoramic views of the water and the Bridge of Lions. From its historical landmarks to its picturesque waterfront, St. Augustine provides many stunning settings for your photo session. Make a weekend getaway in this fantastic city!

Have Camera, Will Travel!

Orlando photography for maternity, families, and content creators.

Each one of these Orlando photography locations holds a unique charm and atmosphere, capable of transforming your photos into something extraordinary. Whether you are drawn to the serene lakes, vibrant cityscapes, lush gardens, historic architecture, or the picturesque Florida coastline, I am here to help you capture these moments in the most beautiful way possible. 
Reach out to schedule your photo session at any of these stunning locations. Let’s embark on this visual storytelling journey together and create memories you’ll cherish forever. I can’t wait to hear from you and start planning our adventure together!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

reader faves

Browse
Categories

browse by category

photography news

photography blogs

free resources

welome to my blog

Hi there! Welcome to the Caro Montes blog, a journal about our photography. Stay a while and say hello!

Learn more

arrow

Search

get our free

family photography style guide

Let's stay in touch!
Sign up for emails and receive our free Family Photography Style Guide.

submit

© caromontphotography 2023

photos by carolina montes

|