- LOCATION IDEAS -

Many people are seeking lifestyle, natural, in-action portraits for their personal, branding or social media content these days but often wonder - where? Don’t worry, we’ve got lots of ideas! Several ideas are - your home office, a cool Airbnb, cafe, rentable co-op space, rentable studio-space, The art museum, libraries, urban outdoor street setting, Cleveland Skyline, “Cleveland” Signs, parks, shopping malls, hotel lobby, a friends cool house, a Realtors awesome listing, and so many more ideas - depending on what your brand is. Below are samples of locations we’ve used or recommend with prices, pros & cons and all the details! Want a consultation on the perfect location for you, give us a call today to start the process of creating the perfect branding session for you! *Check directly with business for current rates/ policies

INDOOR OPTIONS

LSP - Home Studio - Richfield, Ohio - Indoor/ Outdoor

FREE We offer a mid century modern studio space to our clients looking for traditional paper backdrops. The space does not really allow for much even natural lighting options - but studio lighting option samples are below. We offer a variety of paper backdrops including white, black, grey, beige, pink (pictured below) and vintage vignettes. Our photo studio has a variety of funky, vintage & classic seating options - plus props! Check with us for our current or custom options available. We also offer custom backdrop designs for an added fee.

$$ Plum Hill - Lakewood, Co-Op Space - Indoor/ Outdoor

RENTAL FEE FOR SPACE - $80/hour Monday-Thursday 8:30-5 pm OR $100/hour after 5 pm and weekends *2 hour minimum=$160-200
Bright, natural light, colorful, contemporary, modern, funky wall paper backdrops, props to stage with, multiple areas to photograph in and you get the place all to your self! Not a super large space, but sufficient for solo shoots and perhaps up to 3 people. IDEAL SHOOT TIME FOR LIGHTING 11am-1pm

$$ Suite 266 Studio, Cleveland, Ohio - Indoor - all year round/ all day long

Inside 78th Street Studios - 1305 W 80th St. STE 226Cleveland, OH 44102

RENTAL FEE -$95/ 1 Hour OR $140 2/ Hours (*Background Paper Rolls/ colors EXTRA FEE - white walls/ moving black wall included!)
This huge studio, rented solely for YOU, has so much beautiful natural light with access to modern, neutral props of all sorts, tables, chairs, couches, a bed, large factory pained windows and vintage light wood flooring. You can even rent a selection of beautiful painted & neutral color backdrops for an additional fee(below you’ll see a sample of the painted and burnt orange add-on options). It has a changing room, wardrobe rack, mini fridge, vanity and more! CONS: You must be completely packed up & wrapped up to be out ON TIME as this amazing space is often booked back-to-back with photographers. There’s also a set of stairs to climb so come prepared for that if you’re bringing a lot of props/ wardrobe. Check out their website for most current rates & booking IDEAL SHOOT TIME FOR LIGHTING 10-2 (basically mid day)

$$ Akron Art Museum - Akron, Ohio - Indoor/ Outdoor

ADDRESS - 1 S High St, Akron, OH 44308
RENTAL FEE FOR SPACE - $250/ 2 Hours
Natural light with plenty of seating options, colorful backgrounds, iconic steps, cafe vibe area, industrial/ modern and an iconic Akron urban city street vibe outdoors + more. The main atrium and some side hallways is what’s accessible. You will have some foot traffic to work around, but the staff are supportive of the shoot - because they are making profit if you rent the atrium. Must be during open hours - contact the museum for current rates/ hours/ restrictions. IDEAL SHOOT TIME FOR LIGHTING 10-2 (basically mid day)

Cleveland Art Museum - Cleveland, Ohio - Indoor/ Outdoor

11150 East Blvd, Cleveland, Ohio
FREE in their beautiful gardens or main atrium/ lobby during open hours. WIDE OPEN Spaces, modern and classic backdrops, impressive architecture, beautiful natural light, RED walls (great if that’s your brand or fave color) a variety of timeless furniture and seating options, and gorgeous scenes inside & out. IDEAL for corporate business feel, but also a nice solution for family or senior sessions in the winter! Con’s - you will have to share the space with guests and other photographers, shooting inside must be during open hours. You cannot shoot in the galleries - only the atrium - but it’s still enough options to get diverse and incredible backgrounds. IDEAL SHOOT TIMES INDOORS - midday 10-2. IDEAL SHOOT TIMES OUTDOOR 1-2 hrs prior to sunset (1 hr prior during sunny days will yield the beautiful yellow blurred lights in background)

Pop- Life Wellness Center - Cleveland EAST - Indoor/ Outdoor

ADDRESS -15619 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland Ohio
Fees may apply, contact to find current rates. Pros - this is beautiful, bright, neutral - mostly white walls which is ultra flattering when it comes to lighting. There’s even rainbow paper that creates a rainbow light effect at certain times. There’s a beautiful mural and other pops of color & design that would work well with most brands. This space is really set up perfectly for anyone whose brand includes yoga, wellness, health, spirituality or if you’re just looking for a simple fresh shooting location. CONS this is not typically offered as a photo rental space, although it’s worth a try to get in touch and see what they will let us arrange. I would describe it as a beautifully designed hidden gem in Cleveland! IDEAL SHOOT TIMES mid-day 10-2

Ritual Juicery (below Pop-Life) - Cleveland EAST - Indoor/ Outdoor

ADDRESS - 15619 Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, Ohio
FREE just buy a delicious treat after your shoot & tag them to show your gratitude! This place is filled with color pops, mod furniture and decor, bright light and a crazy fun exterior! There’s also an old bank vault you can grab pics in. The outside is funky painted backdrop that’s a bonus. If bright colors match your personality or brand palette - this is a great spot! Con’s - you must shoot during open hours & work around other guests, although we’ve never been there when it’s super busy. IDEAL SHOOT TIME FOR LIGHTING 10-2 (basically mid day)

$$ The Hyatt - Downtown Cleveland - Indoor/ Outdoor

ADDRESS - 420 Superior Ave E, Cleveland, OH 44114
RENTAL FEE’S May apply. The Old Arcade or the Hyatt offers one of the best indoor scenes for senior photos to take indoors if it’s freezing out! The architecture offers beautiful staircases, classical architecture, dramatic and glamorous sets with gold and grand balconys throughout. The pros to this location are that’s heated in winter, divers in beautiful architecture, offers large natural light through the windows on roof and grand scenery. The cons are that you are not technically allowed to shoot without purchasing a photo pass. You will find many photographers daily though sneaking in their photoshoots. You can always contact the Hyatt to purchase a photo pass for a guaranteed beautiful set that’s all yours! IDEAL SHOOT TIME FOR LIGHTING 10-2 (basically mid day)

$$ An Airbnb of your choice!

RENTAL FEE’s apply. Today there are tons of Airbnb’s across the globe that offer amazing designs and can be the perfect place for your photoshoot backdrop! TIP: CHECK THE LISTING BEFORE BOOKING, SOME DO NOT ALLOW COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHY! Although most people are happy to rent the space knowing they won’t have much clean up or bedding to wash, so it’s worth it to inquire. CHECK THEIR SITE FOR LOCAL LISTINGS. IDEAL SHOOT TIME FOR LIGHTING 10-2 (basically mid day)

OUTDOOR OPTIONS

F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm - Akron, Ohio - OUTDOOR ONLY - FREE

ADDRESS - 1828 Smith Rd, Akron, OH 44313 - website
This fairy-tale like nature location is FREE! There are several trails, a pond, herb garden with small waterfall, beautiful fall berry trees, and the incredible ivy covered gazebos. There’s also a long bridge (but it is a hike that eats up shoot time, so the other nearby options usually suffice). It’s open every day from 6am-11pm, which allows for sunset photos and golden hour portraits. There’s also just small fields scattered through out for pretty nature scape backgrounds to your photoshoot. The only downside is there are a lot of other people enjoying the park during peak hours, so you have to work around other guests. BEST SHOOT TIME 1-2 hrs prior to sunset.

Downtown Chagrin Falls, Ohio - OUTDOOR ONLY - FREE

POPCORN SHOP ADDRESS - 53 N. Main Street, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022

This picturesque downtown offers a variety of backdrops including quant shops, a river, waterfall, nature settings, flowers (in season), gazebos and the famous Pop-corn Shop! This is extra special if you grew up in this town for senior portraits. Con’s are that it can be PACKED -- especially during nice days or if there’s a concert. IDEAL SHOOT TIME 1-2 hrs prior to sunset.

Lock 29 Trail Head & Bike Path - Peninsula, Ohio - OUTDOOR ONLY - FREE

ADDRESS - 1648 Mill St W, Peninsula, OH 44264
Lock 29 Trail head is one of our favorite Senior Portrait locations to shoot! It has so many scenic options all in one location including Rail Road tracks, multiple bridges, pathways, woods, train cars (sometimes!), an old train station, a lock with cool stone & ivy walls, a large creek, boulders and more! The pros are the amazing diversity in backdrops, it’s free and open to the public. The cons are this is a busy bike path and you sometimes have to wait for bikers to go around you especially when shooting on the bridge itself, also the parking lot get’s full - but not to worry there’s additional parking in an over-flow parking lot beside Terry’s Lumber. It’s centrally located in Peninsula, Ohio between Akron & Cleveland in the heart of the Cuyahoga National Park behind the Winking Lizard Tavern. A favorite spot for summer a fall senior portrait sessions! (see samples of the photo scenes below)

Edgewater Beach - Cleveland - OUTDOOR ONLY - FREE

ADDRESS -6500 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway, Cleveland, OH 44102

This spot is amazing for sandy beach senior portraits or fashion shoots during the golden hour. It provides a simple skyline with beach and water, willow trees, and 2 skylines including Clevelands iconic downtown buildings. There’s also boulders and large trees which provide a variety of settings all in the same location! Pros to this location are that it’s free and you get a mix of backdrops including water, nature, a massive willow tree, beach and the famous Cleveland skyline! This is also a great location for classic nighttime photo session if you’re lucky enough to get a colorful sunset! Cons are it can be crowded during warmer months and the bugs and sand can be a nuisance but are well worth the results if the sun is shining. This location is ideally shot within 2 hours of sunset if you’re willing to work around nature and sometimes crowds.

$$ Stan Hywett Gardens - Akron (rental fee’s may apply) - MOSTLY OUTDOOR ONLY

ADDRESS - 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303
Stan Hywett may be the most iconic senior portrait backdrop in Akron, Ohio. There’s almost no place more grand or dynamic in backdrops which include - multiple flower gardens, the infamous white birch bath, incredible grape vineyard row, Japenes gardens, English mirror pooled gardens, the incredible Manor, balconies, views of the valley and so much more! The pros are that the scenery is so grand and diverse you feel like you’re in a movie. The cons are that there’s both admission fees, people to work around and if you do not buy their photo pass (additional $200-$250) you may be asked to leave the premises! Overall it’s one of the grandest places to shoot especially if your budget allows you to cover the rental fee.

Huntington Beach - OUTDOOR ONLY - FREE

GPS ADDRESS - 28492-28648 Lake Rd, Bay Village, OH 44140
Huntington Beach is a beautiful location for family portraits in the Spring, Summer and Fall. The backdrops include cliffs, rocks, Lake Erie Beach, trees, fences, swings & stair cases. The backdrops are highly dynamic and look best shot within 2 hours of sunset. The cons to this location are that the sand can be a nuisance, weather needs to cooperate and sometimes you have to wait for people to exit your shot. But overall this is an amazing West Side of Cleveland location for family or children portraits.

West Bank Cleveland - Heritage Park - OUTDOOR ONLY - FREE Except parking $

ADDRESS - 1284 Riverbed St, Cleveland, Ohio
The West Bank in downtown Cleveland is a Senior Portrait favorite! It offers a diverse set of metal truss bridges, large arched white bridges, water canal ways, iconic Cleveland skyline’s, urban & industrial vibes, ivy covered buildings, historic cabin and even some beautiful trees to tie in a nature vibe! This location will provide a wide-variety of Senior backdrops for any model looking to capture divers settings all in one place. Centrally located by other photo hot-spots if you’re looking to do more than one location. Pros - free admission other than meter parking, a variety of photo backdrops, nature & urban scenes and less populated than other areas. Cons to this area are that the bridge is a high-risk shoot area and depends on car-traffic which can present some challenges.

The Flats - Downton Cleveland - OUTDOOR ONLY - FREE, Except parking $]

ADDRESS - 1086 W 11th St, Cleveland, OH 44113
The Flats is an iconic Cleveland location to shoot urban, industrial, edgy senior portraits. It includes train tracks, industrial old doorways, urban sky-scapes and iconic bridge, sunset and waterway backdrops for your senior session. It’s located near other photoshoot hotspots if you’re looking to add additional locations to your senior session. Pros to this location are the divers doorways, brick/ stone/ urban backdrop walls, sunsets on the water, boats, bridges and train track backgrounds. Cons are it can be busy with people and traffic to work around and parking can be $10-15 per vehicle. Overall it’s a fun location with a lot of great scenes to capture in our iconic Cleveland city!

Rent an Airbnb for the night & you’ve got endless options! - Indoor/ Outdoor

$$ Steelyard Commons - Train yard (rental fee’s may apply) - MOSTLY OUTDOOR ONLY - FREE

ADDRESS - 2800 W 3rd St, Cleveland, OH 44113
The Trainyard near the Steelyard commons gives an incredible unique backdrop that goes back in time and includes industrial, urban and backdrops galore! For a donation to the Midway Railroad foundation, you can gain access to some of the best kept secrets in Cleveland. The train yard is filled with incredible scenery and backdrops. Pros - you get unique scenery that most people have Never seen. Con’s you have to pay a donation fee and it’s a bit dirty! One of our top choices for high-fashion unique settings for senior pictures in the Northeast Ohio Region.

Voinovich Bicentennial Park - Downtown Cleveland great for sunset! - OUTDOOR ONLY - FREE, Except parking $$]

ADDRESS -800 E 9th Street Pier, Cleveland, OH 44114
This location is awesome for sunsets! You also get amazing City-scape backdrops, Lake Erie backdrops, The famous “Cleveland” sign, steps and even some trees! Pros - it’s great for backlit images and has diverse scenery. Cons - there’s a small parking fee and it can be crowded.

$$ Sunflower Field - Avon (best in earlier September - depends on yearly crop - rental fee’s may apply)- OUTDOOR ONLY

ADDRESS - Jaycox Rd, Avon, OH 44011
This location is like a dream! Where else can you find endless rows of iconic sunflowers to pose near?! This location is beautiful for any senior session. Pros - it’s like a magical movie set - you’ll love it. Con’s it’s unpredictable if it’s in bloom, it can be crowded with photographers, there’s a photo fee involved ($50+), it’s season - so limited on time of year.

The Old Collesium - Richfield, Ohio - OUTDOOR ONLY - FREE

ADDRESS -2923 Streetsboro Road Richfield, OH 44286
This is one of the most natural and beautiful fields for sunset senior portraits! This gorgeous location blooms different flowers throughout the seasons and provides dramatic natural field backdrops which really shine at sunset for any senior portrait session. The pros to this location are that it’s pretty isolated and free with no admission fees. The cons are that it’s limited to fields backdrops and one tree - albeit - beautiful, there’s no bathroom for changing, no parking lot but blent of curb site pull-off room along the field. This is one of those iconic spaces that captures nature in it’s purest form at sunset for senior pictures!

Glenwillow Trains & Fields - Near Solon, Ohio [OUTDOOR ONLY - FREE]

ADDRESS - 29765 Pettibone Rd, Solon, OH 44139

Glenwillow offers a wide variety of country, nature and history for a memorable senior portrait session. There’s often old trains parked, tracks and an old train station as a great vintage backdrop. There’s also fields, tall trees and nature around to get a mix of photos. The pros are that it’s free and easy to park with diversity in backdrops. The con’s are that the tracks are live - and you have to be mindful of trains. Overall it’s a great mix of scenery with no admission fees.

Your home office! - Indoor/ Outdoor

FREE - We can FaceTime or text photos to see if it will work! Often we can stage the space & arrange the shots towards big windows to light the space.