Secret Spots & Scenic Gems: Your Go-To Central Florida Photoshoot Guide
So, you’ve just booked your photoshoot with me, or maybe you’re window shopping for photographers and not sure on what location to choose for your portrait session. A lot of my clients are from out of State and sometimes need a little guidance on photoshoot locations in the Central Florida area —Don’t worry friends, I’ve got you. I’ve put together a list of local spots that I think you’ll love. So, without any further ado, let’s get into my list of amazing photoshoot locations in the Central Florida area that I love the most and highly recommend.
Cypress Grove Park in Orlando.
Address: 290 Holden Ave, Orlando, FL 32839
Hours of operation: 8:00AM-8:00PM
First up is this wonderful location that I just know you’ll love, especially if you’re a big extended family coming in from out of town, staying in the Kissimmee or Orlando area. Cypress Grove Park is a huge ninety-acre park around a 1920's mansion & lake. Imagine towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, a beautiful white mansion straight out of a Southern fairytale, with stunning lakeside views that make every photo look dreamy (Especially at sunset). This is my go-to location for large families, family reunions, and family vacations because of the abundance of space and diversity you can add to your collection. It’s also fun for the little ones with tons of space to run around and enjoy themselves. Cypress Grove Park is perfect for all types of photoshoots though — Maternity photos, Graduation photos for Orlando locals, Engagement photos, and even Weddings!
Best time of day for photos at Cypress Grove Park.
Spring and Summer: 8AM-9AM or 6PM-8PM (An hour before sunset)
Fall and Winter: 9AM-12PM or 4PM-6PM
Lake Runnymede Conservation Area
Address: 4600 Rummell Rd, St Cloud FL, 34771
Hours of operation: 7AM-8:30PM
Let me introduce you to my absolute favorite photoshoot location in Central Florida which is also a HUGE favorite with my clients. Lake Runnymede Conservation Area. This fourty-three acre preserve is located along Lake Runnymede and neighbors East Lake Tohopekaliga in St. Cloud. And why is it my favorite location? Because it’s gorgeous at any time of day, that’s why! It seems like no matter what time of day I shoot here, the lighting is always stunning. It is especially gorgeous an hour before sunset— Think light filtering through the trees, giving off the perfect sun flare… just, chef’s kiss! If you like the long grass at sunset vibe, Lake Runnymede Conservation Area has a grassy area behind the trees that looks amazing on photos!
This location is perfect for any type of photoshoot —Family portraits, maternity photos, graduation shots, couple’s & engagement photos, elopements, you name it! I’ll let the images below speak for themselves.
Shingle Creek Regional Park — Steffee Landing
Address: 4280 W Vine St, Kissimmee, FL 34741
Hours of operation: 8AM-6PM
Are you looking for something quiet and lowkey? Steffee Landing at Shingle Creek is just that. Located smack bang in the middle of Kissimmee, you’d think this place would be busy but it really isn’t. In fact, the atmosphere here is very laid back and it’s a great option for people living or visiting Kissimmee, FL and don’t want to drive too far. It’s close to Disney and the tourist area.
This location is perfect for:
Family photos (For smaller sized families)
Couples & engagement photography
Graduation photos
Maternity sessions
Mead Botanical Gardens
Address: 1300 S Denning Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789
Hours of operation: 8AM-7PM
Welcome to another one of my favorites and one I wish more people would give a chance.
If you’re looking for a photoshoot location that feels like a wild adventure through nature’s most beautiful secret corners, Mead Botanical Garden is the place! It’s a sprawling 47 acres of lush greenery, blooming flowers, and winding pathways that make every turn a little magical. Whether we’re capturing sweet moments by the butterfly garden or taking epic shots under the shade of towering trees, this place has so much variety. We can even adventure over to the little creek where several of my clients have even taken their shoes off and gone for a splash before! Super cute for photos and gives you a chance to cool off in Summer. Located in Winter Park, it is about a 30-40 minute drive from the Disney area (Depending on traffic) but it is totally worth the drive in my opinion.
Mead Botanical Gardens is perfect for:
Family photoshoots
Maternity photoshoots
Graduation photos
Couple’s & engagement photos
Saint Cloud Lakefront
Address: 1104 Lakeshore Blvd, St. Cloud, FL 34769
Hours of operation: 7AM-8PM
Saint Cloud Lakefront is a small beachy area that is a lovely option for those living in or visiting Central Florida who want to go for the for the beach vibe, but are too tired to drive all the way to the coast. Is the water blue? Not exactly — It’s a lake afterall, however I am happy to do my editing magic on it.
Tip: Lakefront is located not even five minutes away from Lake Runnymede Conservation Area. To add some spice and variety to your collection, we can split our session between these two locations.
Lakefront is great for:
Maternity photos
Couple’s & engagements
Family (Small or large)
Graduation photos
Elopements
Celebration, FL
Location: Kissimmee
Celebration, FL is like stepping into a picture-perfect postcard! With its charming streets, colorful homes, and beautifully maintained parks, this town feels kinda like a dream that is sure to wow anyone from out of town. Definitely a fan favorite. Designed with a blend of classic small-town vibes and a touch of Disney magic, it offers endless photo-worthy spots, whether it's the romantic lakeside views, quaint bridges, or charming downtown storefronts. The mix of elegance and whimsy makes Celebration a top pick for capturing everything from family portraits to engagements. Every corner feels like a movie set, making your photos stand out with timeless, scenic beauty! If you’re staying in the Disney / Reunion area then you’re right around the corner.
Tip: Hit up Starbucks or the local ice creamery and add some Lifestyle-type photos to your collection!
Celebration is a great option for:
Family photos
Lifestyle photos
Maternity sessions
Headshots
Engagement photoshoots
Elopements
Kraft Azalea Garden
Address: 1365 Alabama Dr, Winter Park, FL 32789
Hours of operation: 8AM-7PM
This cozy little park is tucked away on the shores of Lake Maitland and is a popular choice for photographers and their clients. The towering cypress trees covered in Spanish moss give it that ethereal, otherworldly vibe, making every photo feel like a work of art. It’s especially amazing for golden hour, when the sun filters through the trees, casting that soft, golden glow on everything. It’s perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your portraits! I love bringing clients here because it feels peaceful, secluded, and full of natural beauty. You can literally feel the magic in the air, and your photos will reflect that. It’s a true gem for anyone wanting timeless, breathtaking shots! If you like to avoid the heat, this location is very shaded. If you want soft glowy photos, you’ve got it. If you want dark and moody shots, guess what? You’ve also got it. This location is very diverse and pleasant to work out of.
This location is best for:
Family photoshoots (Small or large)
Maternity photos
Engagement
Graduation shots
Weddings
Headshots
Ralph V. Chisholm Regional Park
Address: 4700 Chisholm Park Trail St. Cloud, FL 34771
Hours of operation: 8AM-5PM
Chisholm Park is one of those hidden gems that I love bringing clients to for photoshoots! Nestled on the shores of East Lake Tohopekaliga in St. Cloud, it’s got a little bit of everything: sandy beaches, wide-open fields, tall palm trees, and a dock that stretches out over the water—perfect for those dreamy sunset shots.
One of my favorite things about Chisholm Park is its versatility. You want beachy vibes? Done. Tall, dramatic palms? Got ‘em. Open grassy areas perfect for kids to run around in family sessions? Absolutely! And the best part? You’re never competing with crowds here, so it feels like your own personal, peaceful slice of Florida beauty.
Perfect for:
Maternity shoot
Family sessions
Engagement sessions
Downtown Lake Nona
Okay, so let’s step away from the woods for a minute and switch things up with a more urban vibe. If you’re looking for something modern, clean, colorful, and effortlessly cool, Downtown Lake Nona is a fantastic choice.
With its contemporary architecture, bold murals, colorful details, and stylish public spaces, Lake Nona feels like a giant modern playground for photographers. There’s plenty of variety here, making it easy to capture everything from polished, professional portraits to fun, candid moments. It’s perfect for sessions that feel fresh, energetic, and full of personality.
Perfect for:
Personal Branding
Headshots
Couples
Small families
Individual portraits
Downtown Winter Park
Yet another favorite of mine, I absolutely love Downtown Winter Park. It’s the perfect mix of urban and scenic, giving you plenty of variety without having to travel all over Central Florida for different backdrops.
From modern coffee shops and charming storefronts to leafy parks, beautiful streets, and the SunRail Station park, there are so many little pockets to explore. It has that relaxed downtown feel while still offering plenty of greenery and open space for more natural-looking photos.
It’s also a great option for families with little ones. You can get those cool, downtown-inspired portraits while still having a kid-friendly environment where everyone can move around and have fun. Whether you're after polished portraits, playful family moments, or a little bit of both, Downtown Winter Park makes it easy to capture a session with plenty of personality.
Choose this location if you want:
Small family photos
Maternity photos
Headshots
Branding photos
Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek
Address: 2491 Babb Rd. Kissimmee FL 34746
Open Every Day, 10AM – 4PM
If you’re looking for something with a little more character and a lot less “typical park,” Pioneer Village at Shingle Creek is such a fun option. Tucked away in Kissimmee, this spot has a rustic, old-Florida feel that makes your photos look completely different from the usual Central Florida backdrops.
With historic buildings, wooden fences, wide-open grassy areas, and plenty of beautiful natural scenery, there’s so much variety packed into one location. It has that charming, nostalgic feel without looking overly staged, making it perfect for families who want their photos to feel relaxed, authentic, and a little bit different.
And if you have kids, this is a particularly fun location because there’s plenty for them to explore. You can move between the historic village and the surrounding natural areas, giving you a gallery full of different looks without having to drag everyone from location to location. It’s a great choice if you want a little old Florida charm mixed with natural beauty.
Your Home (Or rental)
If you’re from out of town and simply too tired or too overwhelmed to drive to a location, I’m totally down for an in-home, lifestyle-type photoshoot at your rental. In fact, I do that a lot, mainly for large families who are renting an Airbnb and have had a long few days at the theme parks and do not wish to drive more than they have to. It may not give off the same outdoorsy or urban vibe as some of the other locations but it’s something we can rock! No time limits, more flexibility on booking because we aren’t avoiding the sun. It's a fun and it’s an easy option. Easier for little ones, meaning, easier for the grown ones!
If you’re looking for a family photographer in Orlando, I’d love to help you capture the season of life you’re in right now. The real smiles, the little personalities, and all the moments that change far too quickly. I photograph families throughout Orlando, Kissimmee, Celebration, and surrounding Central Florida areas, creating relaxed sessions that feel natural rather than overly posed.
Ready to plan your own family photos? Explore my Orlando family photography sessions, view more of my work, and get all the details about booking your session.