Outside Headshot/Portraits in University Circle, Cleveland Ohio

So you are looking to take some outside pictures in Cleveland, whether it is a headshot, a portrait or an engagement before the snow, but you want to go to locations that are close to each other, but have some variety. Here are some suggestions of a few areas where I have done some pictures.

The University Circle area, which is an easy drive from downtown and the garden. There is a lot of diversity within University Circle, including the Museum of Natural History for outdoor portraits or engagements, and Severance Hall for those looking for architecture-type shots. Some other popular spots are Wade Oval, Uptown District, and Little Italy for Italian-style photography with its narrow cobblestone streets and old-fashioned restaurants making it perfect for romantic photos or family portrait shoots. Furthermore, there is also the Cleveland Botanical Garden which has many areas to provide excellent picturesque scenes full of vibrant colors - this would be perfect for nature lovers who want their picture taken in.

University Circle

Cleveland Museum of Art

A very popular place is, The Cleveland Museum of Art which also provides stunning photographic backdrops. Their grounds and gardens are full of amazing photo spots, from a lovely pond with water lilies and swans or the stunning architecture of their buildings. This can also be an excellent spot for wedding photos, especially if you would like something that looks like a European vibe. Here are some portrait examples that I have done. These were shot at the back of the museum. There are great steps and some large iconic doors that make a great backdrop. If you walk a little south, there is a beautiful fountain that overlooks Wade Lagoon. On the west side of the museum, there are some nice grassy hills and if you plan it right you will be able to get the sun setting behind the picture. There is also some interesting architecture with great sight lines on the west side of the building.

Cleveland Cultural Gardens

Portrait at Cleveland Cultural Gardens

So you got some headshots and portraits done, but you want more. All you have to do is hop on Martin Luther King Drive and in less than 5 minutes you are at the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, it is truly a unique place for photography in Cleveland. Drive down MLK on a Saturday and you will see many limos and party buses, stopping for wedding parties to get some pictures. It has so much history within its walls, with different cultures represented through its sculptures and monuments. The garden's natural beauty provides outdoor locations for portrait photographs or engagements on the banks of the lake surrounded by tall trees with plenty of foliage in the springtime. Here are some examples of my work here. The gardens represent the various cultures and nationalities that are in Cleveland. The Italian garden is comprised of two levels with a fountain, two winding staircases, and an amphitheater on the lower level. The Hungarian garden is located by the Italian garden making it easy to stop and take more pictures. There is a large fountain with a wrought iron gate that leads to a terrace

Lake Erie and the Pier

Sunset Portrait

If you plan it right, just head north on MLK and you are at Lake Erie. There is an entrance on the west side of the street which goes into a Metropark where people launch their boats, but I think the best part there are restrooms so you can change clothes. I use an app called Sun Seeker which uses your GPS coordinates and will tell you when the sun sets and gives you the time of golden hour. If you plan it right, you can get 3-5 locations in an afternoon ending with a beautiful sunset!

If you want some incredible backgrounds that are unique, whether it is for your headshot, portrait, or engagement photo. Get in touch with us!

Back of Cleveland Museum of Art