Hey there, fellow Pittsburgh photo lovers! When planning your family photoshoot, the most important factor to consider isn’t just finding a pretty backdrop- it’s choosing a location that holds special meaning for your family. These photos will become a time capsule of your life right now, preserving not just how you looked, but the places that shaped your family’s story.

A Complete Guide to Pittsburgh Photoshoot Locations

Children especially connect with familiar places. Watch how excited they get pointing out “their” swing at the neighborhood park or the ice cream shop where they always order rainbow sprinkles. These meaningful Pittsburgh photoshoot locations trigger genuine emotions and memories that translate into authentic, heartfelt photographs. When your kids look back at these images years from now, they’ll remember not just the day of the photoshoot, but all the special times your family shared in that place.

With my photography sessions, you’ll always experience the best of both worlds- a relaxed documentary portion where I capture your family naturally interacting, followed by some gently guided portraits once everyone is comfortable. This approach ensures you receive images that truly reflect your family’s unique personality and connections.

Now, let’s explore 30 amazing places to get family photos done in Pittsburgh that will make your pictures truly special!

Stunning Outdoor Photoshoot Locations in Pittsburgh’s Parks

1. Point State Park – Take a walk through this iconic park to the fountain where the three rivers meet. The skyline views and fountain make for stunning backdrops. Let the kids splash in the fountain on hot summer days for authentic joyful moments, or capture them running along the pathways with the city behind them. In autumn, the changing leaves add a gorgeous pop of color to complement your family portraits.
2. North Shore Trail – Stroll along the riverfront with those gorgeous city views behind you. The yellow bridges and PNC Park in the background create that unmistakable Pittsburgh vibe. And there is lots of beautiful greenery along the way! Bring bikes or scooters for the kids to ride along the trail for natural action shots, plan on playing on the abstract colorful steel structures along the way, or stop to watch the boats or geese wander around. In the summer the water steps are perfect for little ones to play in- if you don’t mind getting a little wet, of course! 🙂
3. Phipps Conservatory – Both the outdoor gardens and indoor rooms offer year-round beauty, though any pictures taken indoors will require purchase of admission for yourselves and your photographer (and no external lights or tripods are allowed there). Indoors let your children explore the butterfly exhibit or the kitchen play area, or marvel at the train set… and of course the outdoor children’s garden offers hands-on fun that translates to lots of candid pictures as well!
4. Schenley Park – With winding trails, stone bridges, and open green spaces, this Oakland gem provides endless outdoor photoshoot locations. The Schenley Oval is perfect for flying kites or playing catch, creating authentic family moments. In spring, find families lying in the grass watching clouds or having picnics- perfect for lifestyle photography.
5. Highland Park – The beautiful entrance garden, reservoir, and Victorian-style fountain create diverse settings within one outdoor photoshoot location. The playground offers opportunities to capture kids being kids, while the reservoir loop is perfect for family walks or bike rides. Watch for the ducks!
6. Mellon Park – This is a popular family photography spot, so expect a lot of photographers here! The walled garden and rose garden offer intimate settings with beautiful florals and stonework. The fountain is nice when the water is flowing, and the open lawn spaces are perfect for impromptu family games of tag or frisbee that showcase your family’s playful dynamic.
7. Frick Park – If you want a more natural, wooded setting with rustic bridges and trails, this is your spot. The extensive hiking trails allow for authentic outdoor adventure photos as your family explores together. The Frick Environmental Center offers educational opportunities that can be documented as children interact with nature exhibits. Don’t miss the famous blue slide for action shots!
8. North Park Lake – The boathouse, lake views, and surrounding greenery make this one of the most versatile Pittsburgh photoshoot locations. Rent a kayak or paddleboat for unforgettable family photos on the water. On cozy fall nights grab dinner at the OTB Bicycle Cafe patio overlooking the lake and warm your hands by the fire pit. The fishing pier creates opportunities for candid moments as parents teach children to fish or just toss rocks in the water, and the lakeside trails are perfect for family walks or bike rides.

Of course is there is a neighborhood park that your kids typically frequent, that might be the best spot for you! Your kids already have lots of memories associated with that place, and they are comfortable there.  ♡

Urban Pittsburgh Photoshoot Locations with Character

9. Strip District – Colorful murals, market stalls, and historic buildings create an energetic backdrop- especially on Saturdays! Document your family browsing fresh produce at the markets or sampling treats from street vendors. The authentic Pittsburgh experience of navigating the busy crowds with kids up on your shoulders, or trying new foods at the ethnic grocers tells a story about your family’s traditions and local connections.
10. Cultural District – Downtown’s theaters, public art, and wide sidewalks offer urban elegance. Capture your kids’ amazement as they interact with big public sculptures in Katz Square or peek into local store windows. I love the year-round magnolia tree installations in the area- the pink flowers look so real even as snow is falling around them!
11. Mexican War Streets – These colorful row houses and tree-lined streets provide a charming urban setting. The unique doorways and stoops make for interesting compositional elements as kids skip down sidewalks or peer through historic fences. It’s especially charming at dusk when the street lights come on and there’s still enough light to take pictures in natural light!
12. Allegheny Commons – Pittsburgh’s oldest park combines historic charm with urban surroundings. Lake Elizabeth allows for duck/goose feeding (bring bird food!)  and pictures on the bridge allow for including some of the city’s highest buildings in the background. This is an especially beautiful location for pictures in the spring time, when the purple flowers are in bloom. Nearby you could visit the aviary for some more candid pictures with birds and penguins!
13. Station Square – Get the city skyline plus historic architecture in one picturesque area. The dancing fountains are irresistible to children- capture their joy as they run through water jets on hot days. The old train station elements tell Pittsburgh’s industrial story while your family creates their own modern memories against this historic backdrop.

Seasonal Photo Shoot Locations for Pittsburgh Families

14. Soergel Orchards – Fall apple picking or summer berry patches make for timeless family moments. Document the concentration on your child’s face as they select the perfect apple, or capture sticky fingers from freshly picked berries. The hayrides, corn maze, and petting zoo offer additional opportunities for authentic interaction and joy. Soergel’s is one of the most unique Pittsburgh photoshoot locations I’ve done a session in!
15. Phipps Conservatory Winter Flower Show – A magical indoor option during Pittsburgh’s colder months. Beyond the gorgeous florals, capture your family’s wonder as they discover tropical plants and exotic displays. The holiday light show transforms the space into a wonderland, perfect for documenting awe-struck expressions and the magic of the season.
16. Triple B Farms – Seasonal activities from spring blooms to fall pumpkin patches create an ever-changing backdrop. Let your children pet farm animals, navigate corn mazes, or select their perfect pumpkin while you document these quintessential childhood experiences. The sunflower fields in late summer make for stunning family portraits surrounded by golden blooms.
17. Market Square – Capture holiday magic at the Christmas market or summer fun at the farmers market. Document your family sipping hot chocolate, selecting fresh produce, or enjoying street performers. The urban plaza transforms throughout the year, offering different seasonal experiences that make for a fun family experience to photograph.
18. Mt. Washington or West End Overlooks – From up above the city you have breathtaking views of the skyline in any season. Beyond the classic skyline portrait, you could document the excitement of riding the incline to reach the overlook and then grabbing an ice cream cone up top. Or just wander up the Mt. Washington area and point out some of your favorite landmarks below!

Fun Interactive Places to Get Family Photos Done in Pittsburgh

19. Page Dairy Mart – Capture genuine smiles as the kids enjoy ice cream cones at this beloved Pittsburgh institution. Document the decision-making process, the first delicious bite, and inevitably, the ice cream mustaches and sticky fingers. These everyday moments tell the authentic story of your family’s simple pleasures.
20. Kennywood Park – Nothing says “Pittsburgh family” like photos on the carousel or by the iconic entrance. Instead of just posed shots, document the anticipation in line for rides, the concentration during games, and the exhausted but happy end-of-day moments. The historic carousel and Potato Patch fries are quintessential Pittsburgh childhood experiences worth preserving.
21. Fun Fore All – Let the kids be kids at this entertainment center while you capture authentic play moments. Document the intense mini golf competition, the excitement of arcade games, and the wild rides on go-karts. These activity-based photos showcase your family’s playful dynamics and individual personalities.
22. Carnegie Science Center – The interactive exhibits provide opportunities for candid shots of discovery and wonder. Capture the concentration as your child builds a structure or the amazement watching a science demonstration. These documentary-style photos highlight curiosity and learning- important aspects of your family’s values.
23. Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium – Kids’ reactions to animals make for priceless family photos. Document their awe seeing elephants, their giggles at penguin antics, or their careful observation of tropical fish. These expressive moments reveal character and emotion in ways posed portraits cannot. And there are a lot of options for fun posed pictures here as well!

Meaningful Pittsburgh Photoshoot Locations with Personal Connections

24. Your Family’s School – The playground where your kids spend their days makes for meaningful photos. Capture them showing you their favorite climbing structure, reading spot, or classroom. These locations hold significant daily memories and showcase an important part of your child’s world.
25. Cathedral of Learning – If you’re a Pitt family, the Nationality Rooms offer beautiful indoor settings. Document your children’s curiosity as they explore different cultural displays or their wonder looking up at the soaring Gothic architecture. The surrounding lawn is perfect for impromptu games of tag or quiet reading under a tree.
26. Your Favorite Restaurant – That special place where you celebrated anniversaries or family milestones tells your story. Maybe it’s Primanti’s, Pamela’s, or Church Brew Works! Document the familiar routine, and combine it with a nice walk around the neighborhood afterward. We had our own family photos done in the Strip District, starting at Primanti’s and then exploring around the area and finishing with some group portraits at the colorfully painted steps on Smallman Street.
27. Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh – The colorful exhibits and hands-on activities create perfect settings for documentary-style photography. Capture the creative process in the art studio, the engineering mindset in the water play area, or the imaginative play in themed spaces. These interactive environments bring out authentic engagement and joy.
28. Acrisure Stadium / PNC Park – If your weekends are spent at football or baseball games, document your family in their element. I think a family tailgate would be the perfect memory to capture! Afterward head out for ice cream together or wave some terrible towels for a picture together 🙂
29. Local Ice Cream Shop or Coffee House – Whether it’s Millie’s or Commonplace Coffee, these everyday treats create documentary photography gold. Capture weekend routines, afterschool special moments, or summer evening traditions. The familiar settings where your family regularly connects offer authentic glimpses into your shared life. And there is ALWAYS a spot nearby to get some family portraits, too!
30. At Home – Perhaps the most meaningful Pittsburgh photoshoot location is your own home. Your living room, backyard, or front porch holds countless memories and tells the authentic story of your family life. Document bedtime routines, kitchen dance parties, backyard adventures, or quiet moments of connection. These intimate settings reveal the heart of your family’s story- the everyday love that defines you.

The Best of Both Worlds: My Photography Approach to Family Photo Shoots

When you book a family session with me, you’ll experience the perfect balance of documentary and directed photography portraits. Every session begins with a candid portion where I capture your family naturally interacting- playing, exploring, and simply being yourselves. This warming-up period allows children to get comfortable with the camera while I document genuine connections and spontaneous moments.

As the session progresses and we find that magical golden-hour lighting, we’ll transition to a fun, directed portrait session. By this time, everyone is relaxed and showing their true personalities. I’ll provide gentle guidance to create polished, frame-worthy portraits while maintaining the authentic emotions and connections captured earlier. This two-part approach ensures you receive a diverse gallery that tells your complete family story- both the joyful, candid moments and the beautifully composed portraits you’ll want to display in your home.

And these sessions even work in the winter! as you can see by from the professional photos I took of this beautiful family in their home:

Ready to Book Your Pittsburgh Family Photo Session?

Finding the perfect places to get family photos done is just the first step. As a Pittsburgh family photographer, I’d love to help you capture these special moments in any of these amazing Pittsburgh photoshoot locations.

Whether you’re looking for classic outdoor photoshoot locations or something more unique to your family’s story, I’m here to create images you’ll treasure for generations.

Reach out today to book your session! Let’s chat about which of these Pittsburgh photoshoot locations would best tell your family’s unique story.