You've chosen the photographer and date of your next photography session. You're working on finding the perfect outfits that coordinate but don't match {easier said than done}. Now you have to decide on the perfect location around Kansas City and Johnson County for your session.
Over the years I have shot at tons of locations around the city and have complied a list of my favorite spots below.
1. Heritage Park
Located in Olathe near 159th and Pflumm, Heritage Park has so many different spots throughout the park for a family, maternity or senior session. The park has several lakes/ponds, tons of walking trails, bridges & open grassy areas, and 10 shelters with beautiful treed backdrops.
2. Antioch Park
In northern Johnson County Antioch Park is a popular location for a photo session, especially in the fall. It is a huge park with a pond with tons of bridges and step stones, a rose garden and a playground and the historic Dodge City play town for the kids to explore after the session.
3. Ironwoods Park Located off of Mission Rd at 147th St is Leawood, Ironwoods Park is a smaller park but has great trails, trees and beautiful evening light. The small pond and surrounding green space are the perfect settings for a relaxing family session.
4. Mahaffie Stagecoach Olathe's Mahaffie Stagecoach is a fun alternative to the traditional park location. Home to farm animals, the site has several buildings and tons of nooks and crannies to use for the backdrop of your next session. And I love the tall natural grasses out front.
5. Black Hoof Park On the west side of Johnson County is Black Hoof Park at Lake Lenexa. This small park has 3 different size playgrounds, a great shaded area with trails and bridges and a huge open field with a beautiful fence lining the path. There are tons of versatility here if you want a location that has it all.
6. West Bottoms In total contrast to the nature locations listed above, if you want a more urban feel for your portrait session, check out the West Bottoms. With tons of graffiti walls, dozens of alleys and amazing colors, this location is so fun if you're up for exploring a bit. Around each corner is something different to explore.
7. Heatherstone Park Driving down Pflumm Rd past 127th St in Olathe, there's a park on the top of the hill. After driving by it several times, I had to find out how to get to this park and I finally figured out that Heatherstone Park is located directly adjacent to Heatherstone Elementary School. It's tucked away so it's not too crowded and has trails, a pond, open fields and tons of wildflowers in the spring.
8. I-Lan Park I-Lan Park is located on Nall south of 119th St in Leawood. Though it's a rather small park, it's a great option with fun backdrops. I especially love the evening light filling the park with a golden glow. Would you believe the photo on the right below was taken right outside the bathroom door?! The partition was perfect and the sun shining in created a magical photo opportunity.
9. Museum at Prairie Fire Have you been to the Museum at Prairie Fire? The iconic glass building is hard to miss as you drive along 135th St in Overland Park near Nall Ave. The museum sits next to a cute outdoor shopping center and cinema. But behind the building is an oasis of natural grasses and sunflowers with a paved path winding through it all. A session here will be full of color and excitement!
10. Loose Park Not far from the Country Club Plaza, Loose Park is a huge park with a walking trail, pond, bridges, rose garden and more. You can't ask for much more with this location!
11. Lake Olathe Even though Lake Olathe is currently under construction, I mention it here because it was a great location before and I imagine after all the improvements are complete it's going to be even better. I can't wait to see it and I hope these beautiful pink trees will still be around!
12. Your home
Can't decide on the perfect location? Don't want to get all the kids dressed, into the car and to a certain location on-time? Is it freezing out but you still want to document the current phase of your life with a family photo session? Your home is always a great option and works equally well for maternity, newborn or family portraits and lifestyle images. The kids (and Dad) will probably be more relaxed at home and I promise you don't have to have the Pinterest-perfect {or even a clean} house to end up with beautiful images of your family.
Next on my list of locations to explore is Shawnee Mission Park. If you know of any hidden gems, please let me know in the comments. I love exploring new places and providing my clients with fun, unique locations.