After a few years of scouting Cincinnati family photo locations, it’s hard to pick a favorite, but I have been finding myself gravitating more and more to the same spots. There are already plenty of decisions you have to make when you’re getting your family ready for portraits. It’s hard to choose where to do them, so I thought it might be helpful to break down these spots based on their location and features.

I will say, there are so many factors I think about when choosing locations. It’s about so much more than “pretty” backdrops. I’m thinking about the direction of the light during the time of day we are shooting, whether or not there is anything diffusing the light like low hanging leaves on a tree, and how much open sky there is to reflect clean light back onto my clients’ faces. But if I’m being honest, almost any location can be magical. I love challenging myself to find new spots and ultimately my focus isn’t on the background, it’s on YOU!

With that said, here are my go-to spots!

Central Cincinnati Family Photo Locations

French Park

Fields forever and ever! During the summer months you’ll see a beautiful green field on the hillside and in the fall it transforms into golden wheat-inspired backdrop

Oakley Square

Looking for headshots or more of an urban feel? This one is a fun spot and as a bonus you can grab ice cream at Aglamesis right after!

Northeast Cincinnati

Sharon Woods

From large trees to small waterfalls, this is a great spot for some natural beauty

Kelley Nature Preserve

This is a beautiful field near Loveland and provides a good amount of privacy, unlike the fields that are more central

Northwest Cincinnati

Glenwood Gardens

Friends, this one is a show-stopper. There are wetlands, a prairie, structured formal gardens and mature trees overlooking a rolling hillside. Not to mention a gorgeous gazebo structure and pergolas

Mulhauser Barn

I usually reserve this spot for weeknights or Saturday mornings since it is a wedding venue, but it has a beautiful sunrise, a hillside with a field, and across the street is a quaint lake with a walking path

Westside of Cincinnati

Mt. Echo Park

Another park with an elegant pavilion, rolling hillsides and mature trees

Mt. Airy Forest

There is a beautiful arboretum here that I love to take families to

Downtown Cincinnati

Eden Park Overlook

This one is simply stunning at sunset, with views of the river valley and a sweet bridge and willow trees. Keep in mind this one gets very crowded, so if you want privacy, another place might be better

Roebling Bridge

While beautiful, the Roebling Bridge session is best done during sunrise when there is little to no traffic.

Eastside of Cincinnati

Ault Park

Known for it’s lush gardens, Ault Park provides plenty of variety for portrait backgrounds, as well as some beautiful architectural features. During wedding season there may or may not be a tent set up at the pavilion, so know that you may have to work around it!

Northern Kentucky

Devou Park

Known for it’s overlook of the Cincinnati skyline, Devou is a treasure! I love taking families there not just for the overlook, but also for it’s mature trees and rolling hills

Tower Park (Ft. Thomas)

This spot is fun because we can combine some beautiful tree photos with some cute “downtown” photos in Fort Thomas if you want more of an urban feel

Bonus Locations

My Secret Field

This one is a special location I’ve reserved just for my clients. It has rolling hillsides, a small field, gorgeous trees, and the most stunning sunset. Located centrally, it’s always a go-to when a client doesn’t know where they want to go

Your home

Friends, sometimes the most meaningful place to do family portraits is in your own home. I love making memories with my families when they are surrounded by familiarity, whether it’s the big oak tree in your yard, the charming historic features, or the newly renovated kitchen that you worked so hard on, all that really matters is that you and your family are together

Cincinnati family photographer

Ashley Conrad is a light and airy photographer specializing in family, newborn and maternity portraits in the Greater Cincinnati Area, including Northern Kentucky.

My goal is to create a portrait experience that allows you to truly enjoy our time together. I provide a style guide and optional wardrobe to help point you in the right direction and ease the pain of choosing outfits, as well tips on how to prepare your little one for a fun, breezy session that results in beautiful portraits and sweet memories that will last a lifetime.

Click here to see more of Ashley’s family photography portraits.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your own portraits, check out my inspiration page for ideas!

Interested in scheduling a session? Contact Ashley!