One of the most common questions I get from clients is where to shoot. Minnesota has no shortage of stunning backdrops, from the wooded trails and open fields around the Twin Cities to the river bluffs and downtown architecture of the Eau Claire area. After years of scouting and shooting across the Midwest, these are the locations I come back to again and again because they simply work.
The right location doesn't just look pretty. It sets the mood for the entire session and should reflect your personality. Someone who loves the outdoors and golden hour feels different than someone who wants an urban, editorial vibe. Here's a breakdown of my favorites by style so you can find what fits you.
Twin Cities Area: Minneapolis & St. Paul
One of the most iconic spots in the Twin Cities, and for good reason. The waterfall itself is a stunning backdrop, but the wooded trails and creek paths surrounding it are where the real portrait magic happens. It shoots beautifully in every season. Lush and green in summer, golden in fall, and dramatic and icy in winter. Go early morning on weekends to avoid crowds.
Northeast Minneapolis has evolved into one of the most visually interesting neighborhoods in the state. The murals, brick warehouses, and industrial architecture create a naturally editorial environment that works especially well for senior photos, brand shoots, and anyone who wants something that doesn't look like every other portrait session. The color and texture variety means we can shoot for hours without running out of interesting backgrounds.
Tucked along the Mississippi River in St. Paul, Hidden Falls is one of those spots that feels like a secret. The tree canopy creates beautiful dappled light through most of the day, and the river views add depth and atmosphere. It's especially stunning during golden hour in fall when the leaves turn.
Eau Claire & Western Wisconsin
Phoenix Park sits right along the Chippewa River in downtown Eau Claire and gives you a mix of open waterfront, tree-lined paths, and architectural elements all in one spot. It's one of my go-to locations for clients who want variety without driving all over the city. The bridge and riverwalk especially photograph well in the evening light.
The open fields on the outskirts of Eau Claire are underrated as a portrait location. When the light hits those fields during golden hour, especially in late summer and early fall, the results are genuinely breathtaking. This kind of location works beautifully for senior sessions, couple portraits, and anyone who wants that open, airy, film-inspired feel.
Downtown Eau Claire has more visual texture than people give it credit for. The brick alleys, painted walls, and mixed architecture between Water Street and Barstow Street create a compact shooting environment where we can move quickly and get a lot of variety. Great for editorial-leaning sessions and anyone who wants something a little moodier and more urban.
Tips for Choosing Your Location
- Think about the vibe you want, whether natural and soft or urban and editorial, before picking a spot
- Golden hour (the hour after sunrise and before sunset) flatters almost every location. If you're flexible on timing, always shoot then
- Consider the season. Some locations peak in fall while others are best in summer green or winter white
- If you have a location in mind that isn't on this list, send it to me. I love scouting new spots
Not sure which location is right for you? That's what the planning process is for. When you reach out to book, we'll talk through your vision, your vibe, and the season. From there I'll recommend the spot that fits best. The location should feel like an extension of who you are, not just a pretty background.