Top 10 Engagement & Portrait Photo Locations in Central Florida
As a wedding and portrait photography team, we capture countless couples, engagement, families, graduations, and maternity sessions in and around the Orlando area. One of the most common questions we are asked is, “Where should we take our photos?”. We always respond by firstly saying, “Yes, of course we do!” and secondly, we personalize the experience & location to fit you, your fiance, your family, your vision, and your style.
Central Florida offers a variety of engagement and portrait session spots that we love and have detailed below (in no particular order). Before we dive in, here are a few other helpful questions and answers to know when booking your photo session.
When is the best time of day to take photos?
For portrait photography, the best time of day to take pictures is during “the golden hour”. What is the golden hour of sun, you ask. This timeframe is up to two hours before sunset and the two hours following sunrise. Besides the warmth and natural beauty this time of day offers, the light flatteringly shines at an angle without casting shadows on your face and creates a softer effect in your photos.
What should we wear to our photo session?
First and foremost, wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident! Let’s be honest, few people are naturals in front of the camera so wearing what helps you feel your best will show in your photos. Opt for wrinkle free clothing that allows you to breathe, walk, move, sit, stand, twirl, kiss, and hug wearing! We also suggest a second outfit for variety of looks and bringing any important items that we can incorporate into your photos.
Should we consider professional Hair & Makeup prior to our session?
Absolutely! Looking and feeling your best will guarantee that you will enjoy your experience, smile brighter, and stand up straighter which will all translate into your photos! We will happily share our list of Trusted Hair & Makeup partners with you.
Can we bring our dog?
We love furry friends! If the venue allows animals, absolutely let them come along! We do suggest bringing a friend / family member / hire a vendor that will be able to help with your pup when not participating in the photos.
Contact Us Today to Book your Wedding, Engagement, Couples, Family, Maternity, or Graduation Photo Session!
1) Disney’s Boardwalk
Reasons we love Disney’s BoardWalk:
1) Timeless, colorful, vintage charm sprinkled with the magic of Disney
2) Quarter-mile circular promenade of restaurants and fun photo backdrops
3) Open to the public including non-Disney guests & free to enter
Address:
2101 North Epcot Resorts Boulevard
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Phone: (407) 939-5100
Entrance Fee: None
Parking Info: Validated parking offered at the Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, BoardWalk Inn, and Swan & Dolphin Hotels with a dining reservation. Otherwise, self parking and valet is offered at all the hotels listed above. Complimentary busses are also available from Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, & Disney Springs.
Pets Allowed? Only service animals permitted
2) Downtown Winter Garden
Reasons we love Downtown Winter Garden:
1) Historic, small town that supports local businesses & the community
2) Centered around the 22 mile West Orange Trail, DTWG offers unique shopping, dining, Crooked Can Brewery & Plant Street Market, Fridays on the Plaza, an incredible Saturday Farmer’s Market, and well-organized special events
3) Family friendly with splash pad and turfed lawns for kids to play
Address:
320 Windford Court
Winter Garden, FL 34787
Phone: (407) 656-4111
Entrance Fee: None
Parking Info: Complimentary street and garage parking
Pets Allowed? Leashed pets permitted
3) Harry P. Leu Gardens
Reasons we love Leu Gardens:
1) 50 acre botanical gardens including 40 different Collections of temperate & tropical plants. Greenery galore!
2) The Leu House Museum located on the property is on the National Register of Historic Places and was home to four families before opening to the public.
3) Numerous gorgeous photo opportunities and a beautiful place to say “I Do”
Address:
1920 North Forest Avenue
Orlando, FL 32803
Phone: (407) 246-2620
Entrance Fee & Info:
Adults $15
Children (4-17) $10
Children (3 and younger) Free
Admission is free on the first Monday of every month
Open Daily from 9am-5pm (no entrance after 4pm)
Parking Info: On-site and included in entry fee
Pets Allowed? Pets not permitted
4) Lake Louisa State Park
Reasons we love Lake Louisa State Park
1) Perfect for all outdoor, adventure lovers with horseback riding, segway tours, canoeing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and hiking. Glamping also available.
2) The incredible sunrises and sunsets!
3) Diverse wildlife could photobomb your session including deer, tortoises, and the bald eagle.
Address:
7305 U.S. Highway 27
Clermont, FL 34714
Phone: (352) 394-3969
Entrance Fee & Info:
$5 per vehicle (2-8 people)
Open Daily from 8am until sundown
Parking Info: On-site and included in entry fee
Pets Allowed? Leashed pets permitted
5) Oakland Nature Preserve
Reasons we love Oakland Nature Preserve:
1) A 128 acre preserve that promotes environmental education, conservation, and ecotourism activities
2) Quaint and quiet hidden gem with Boardwalk and trail to Lake Apopka
3) Native Florida photo experience with restrooms
Address:
747 Machete Trail
Oakland, FL 34760
Phone: (407) 905-0054
Entrance Fee & Info:
No fee
Open Daily from 7am-7pm
Parking Info: On-site and complimentary
Pets Allowed? Pets not permitted
6) Bending Branch Ranch
Reasons we love Bending Branch Ranch:
1) This incredible private and tucked away venue offers rustic-chic, Southern charm perfect for weddings, events, and photo sessions
2) The sights and sounds of nature will make you forget you are only 15 minutes from the beach!
3) Luna (the horse), Blue (the donkey), and Oliver (the cat) always make cameo appearances
Address:
1711 Martin Dairy Rd
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
Phone: (386) 679-0166
Entrance Fee:
Sessions must be scheduled with the (amazing) owners
Parking Info: On-site and complimentary
Pets Allowed? Leashed pets permitted
7) Smyrna Dunes Park
Reasons we love Smyrna Dunes Park
1) Well, because we LOVE the beach!
2) Incomparable Atlantic, Indian River, & Ponce de Leon Inlet views
3) Amenities include a fishing pier, dog-friendly swimming beach, restrooms, and picnic pavilions
Address:
2995 N. Peninsula Ave.
New Smyrna Beach
Phone: (386) 423-3300, ext. 18072
Entrance Fee & Info:
$10 per vehicle
$20 annual inlet parks pass
Open Daily from 6am-check for closing time here
Parking Info: On-site and included in entry fee
Pets Allowed? Leashed pets permitted on the inlet shore beach area only (not Atlantic Ocean Beach). Pets not allowed on the elevated park boardwalks after 10am.
8) Lake Nona Wave Hotel
Reasons we love Lake Nona Wave Hotel:
1) This eclectic hotel minutes from the Orlando Airport was designed for the contemporary art enthusiast
2) From the Sculpture Garden to the Lively Living Room, every space screams photo op!
3) Trendy, funky, stylish, and high tech…you have to see it for yourself!
Address:
6100 Wave Hotel Dr
Orlando, FL 32827
Phone: (407) 675-2000
Entrance Fee:
Requires an outside media form with approval from the hotel
Parking Info: Complimentary garage parking
Pets Allowed? Leashed pets permitted for a fee
9) John’s Lake Conservation Area
Reasons we love John’s Lake Conservation Area:
1) Classic Florida style with wildlife sightings
2) Surprise sunsets peek through the giant oak trees
3) Amenities include fishing pier, boat launch, picnic pavilion, and hiking trail
Address:
880 Avalon Road
Winter Garden, FL 34787
Phone: (407) 836-1400
Entrance Fee:
No fee
Open Daily from 7am-8pm
Parking Info: On-site and complimentary
Pets Allowed? Leashed pets permitted
10) Orlando Rental Studio
Reasons we love Orlando Rental Studio:
1) Centrally located creative environment in Downtown Orlando
2) Large windows and multiple set walls make this a great indoor photo space to escape the Florida heat and afternoon showers.
3) Amenities include lounge area, hair & makeup area, & restrooms
Address:
643 Lexington Ave
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 454-7926
Entrance Fee & Info:
$50-$65 per hour with a 2 hour minimum
Reservation required
Open 24 hours
Parking Info: Complimentary street parking directly in front of the studio
Pets Allowed? Pets not permitted
Now that we’ve told you all of our favorite places to take photos in the Orlando area, we hope this helps you find the perfect spot for your portrait session and even gather some photo inspiration / ideas. Whether you are into classy, outdoorsy, artsy, beachy, or sprinkled with magic, Central Florida boasts amazing locations for Engagement photos, Family photos, Maternity photos, Graduation photos, and more for everyone’s personality and taste.
Have any fave spots that we can to the list?
Let us know here!
