Large family of five running through grassy meadow at Queeny Park in St. Louis, surrounded by lush green trees and golden natural light.

Session Locations: Where the Magic Happens

Photo Experience

Choosing a location for your session is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. The right backdrop doesn’t just look beautiful; it sets the entire tone for your experience. It’s where light plays, where you feel comfortable, and where your family’s story unfolds most naturally.

I’ve spent years exploring St. Louis and beyond to find the spots that work beautifully for sessions–places with character, flexibility, and that special something that makes moments feel magical. Here are my very favorite locations, organized by region so you can pick the one that speaks to you.

Chesterfield & West STL County Photo Locations

Faust Park


Close to home with so much character. Wooded trails, a historic village, a governor’s mansion, and a stunning pebble path–this one has it all.

Teen leaning against a wooden column on a tree-lined path at Faust Park, with golden fall foliage in the soft-focused background.
Two boys walking together on a gravel path at Faust Park, surrounded by warm golden trees in autumn light.
Family of five walking hand-in-hand down a tree-lined path at Faust Park in fall, with golden leaves covering the ground and trees glowing in the late afternoon light.


Queeny Park


A little bit of everything: white barn, brick paths with seasonal flowers, open meadows, an old greenhouse, and mature trees. One of my most versatile spots where you can find your vibe no matter what season or style you’re going for.

Large family walking together through a wildflower meadow at Queeny Park in St. Louis, with lush green trees and golden hour light filtering through the canopy.
Pregnancy photos Chesterfield - expecting couple standing in open green field at golden hour with sun star bursting through tree canopy, mother in pink lace gown
Family portraits near the greenhouse at Queeny Park, a favorite St. Louis photography location
Natural light maternity photos in the open meadow at Queeny Park, Ballwin Missouri
Father holding a toddler on his shoulders while standing with two other children in his arms, surrounded by green trees and golden late-afternoon light at Queeny Park.

Eberwein Park


My best-kept secret! A former farm with open prairie, wildflowers, big rocks, and a sweet white picket fence. No playground means it stays wonderfully calm and intimate (and is perfect if your kiddos are distractible like mine). Dog-friendly too!

Two girls hugging and laughing together in front of green shrubs at Eberwein Park, with golden hour light filtering through the trees.
Pregnant woman in a teal floral maternity dress standing in a grassy field at Eberwein Park in St. Louis, cradling her belly with trees glowing in the background.
Young boy in a burgundy plaid shirt leaning against a white wooden post at Eberwein Park, with green grass and trees behind him.
Family of five holding hands and playing together in an open grassy field at Eberwein Park, with mature trees and golden evening light surrounding them.


Drace Park


Evergreens and rustic buildings create a moody, intimate feel. If you want something quieter and more sheltered, this spot delivers character and coziness.

Family of four walking together down a gravel path at Drace Park in St. Louis, with evergreen trees and fall foliage visible in the background.


Young boy in an olive green sweatshirt sitting on a wooden bench at Drace Park, smiling at the camera with autumn trees softly blurred behind him.
Parents lifting their toddler up together in front of lush green ivy-covered greenery at Drace Park, all three smiling and engaged in the moment.
Girl in a black and white striped dress sitting on a wooden bench at Drace Park, with soft green foliage and natural light in the background.

St. Louis City Photo Locations

Lafayette Square Park

The most beautiful urban park in the city. An iconic iron bridge, lush plantings, and a romantic, almost European feel. This is where the city shows its most elegant side–perfect for those who want to feel transported without leaving St. Louis.

Mother in a cream floral dress lifting her baby up on grand stone steps at Lafayette Square Park in St. Louis, with manicured hedges and ornamental spheres framing the elegant architecture behind them.
High school senior girl in a light blue dress standing in front of a striking arched brick doorway with wooden doors at Lafayette Square Park, showcasing the neighborhood's historic architectural details.
Family of five walking together on a winding path surrounded by lush green trees and foliage at Lafayette Square Park, with golden evening light filtering through the canopy.


Forest Park

Stunning architectural elements that scream St. Louis, but my favorite spots here are the wild ones. The rocks near Art Hill and the wildflowers at the Naturescape are where the magic happens. Full sessions get the best of both worlds: you move between the dramatic and the dreamy, between urban and natural.

High school senior girl smiling in a wildflower meadow at Forest Park, St. Louis, golden hour session
Senior girl in a blue dress posing under the chandelier colonnade at Forest Park's World's Fair Pavilion
Senior portrait in a pink floral dress on the path near the Art Museum at Forest Park, St. Louis


Missouri Botanical Garden


Stunning year-round with intentional plantings and gorgeous backdrops. If weather’s turning colder or you want an indoor option, the garden has beautiful sheltered spots and architectural details that photograph beautifully. A sophisticated choice with endless variety. This spot closes at 5pm (so is ideal for late fall sessions when golden hour is earlier). Admission is $6 per person (if STL County or City resident).

Family of four laughing together in front of historic brick archways at Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, with lush green foliage and golden light filtering through the ancient architecture.
Teen standing on grand stone steps with an ornate black metal railing at Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, with manicured grounds and trees visible in the background.


Tower Grove Park


Stunning wildflowers and fields, plus one of my absolute favorite spots: the ruins. There’s a gorgeous weeping willow right next to it that filters the sunlight just so, creating a mood that feels almost dreamlike. If you want something romantic and a little moody, this is it.

Teen in a periwinkle tiered dress standing between two tall stone columns at the ruins at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis, with lush green foliage and bright daylight framing the romantic architectural detail.
Teen in a burgundy floral dress standing beneath a graceful weeping willow tree at Tower Grove Park in St. Louis, with golden evening light filtering through the cascading branches creating a dreamy, moody backdrop.


St. Louis County Photo Locations

Oak Knoll Park (Clayton)


Classic and timeless. Stone architecture, a gorgeous fountain pond, and 150-year-old oaks create a sense of history and elegance. Beautiful light at golden hour–this spot never disappoints. Also I got married in the sunken garden many (many!) moons ago, so this one has a very special place in my heart.

Family of three holding hands and walking together under towering oak trees at Oak Knoll Park in Clayton, with golden afternoon light filtering through the mature canopy.
Woman sitting on rustic stone steps at Oak Knoll Park in Clayton, with golden trees and natural light creating a timeless, elegant backdrop.
Couple standing together against stone architecture with evergreen shrubs at Oak Knoll Park in Clayton, with golden hour light and soft foliage in the background.

STLCC Meramec Campus (Kirkwood)


A gorgeous garden path winds through landscaped grounds, offering multiple backdrops in one location. Perfect if you want variety without traveling far– manicured gardens mixed with natural light.

Mother kneeling with three young children in a manicured garden path at STLCC Meramec Campus in Kirkwood, surrounded by colorful flowering shrubs and golden autumn light.
Two children embracing on a stone pathway at STLCC Meramec Campus in Kirkwood, with lush golden foliage and garden beds creating a warm, intimate backdrop.
Parents walking with their young daughter down a garden pathway at STLCC Meramec Campus in Kirkwood, with purple flowering plants and soft golden evening light surrounding them.


St. Charles County Photo Locations

Busch Conservation Area


The pine forest here is unlike anything else in St. Louis. If you want to feel like you’ve escaped the city entirely, this is your spot. The towering trees and natural landscape create a completely different world–perfect for families who want something adventurous and wild.

Parents and their adult children together on sandy ground in an open meadow at Busch Conservation Area in St. Louis, with tall pine forest visible across the natural landscape behind them.
Woman in a flowing cream dress standing alone on the forest floor at Busch Conservation Area in St. Louis, surrounded by towering pine trees creating a moody, woodland atmosphere.

Klondike Park

This one is a further drive, but it’s worth it for scenery that feels like you’ve been transported to Lake Tahoe. This location boasts big rocks for seated shots, tall evergreens, and a gorgeous lake with a white sand beach. My favorite sessions here end up with some or all of the family splashing in the lake. Because this spot is small and gets busy, Klondike is only available for weekday sessions.

Family of five standing together on rocky shoreline at Klondike Park, with a calm lake reflecting tall evergreens and golden hour light creating a peaceful lakeside atmosphere.
Couple standing on a white sand beach at Klondike Park with a flowing rust-colored fabric billowing in the breeze, with calm lake water and evergreen trees mirrored in the background.


Ready to Choose?


Each of these locations has taught me something different about light, about people, and about what makes a session feel like home. I know them intimately–where the best light falls at different times of day, which corners feel intimate and which feel open, how to move through them with intention.


When you book with me, you’re not just getting a photographer–you’re getting someone who knows these places like old friends and knows exactly how to capture your family’s story in them.


Can’t wait to find the magic with you.


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