I always get asked if I’ve shot at a specific place, or if I have any examples at (insert random location here). I have this page so clients can reference some common locations I’ve shot at before, and get an idea of what certain places may look like. I also have some notes under each location which outline so pros/cons depending on the style of shoot you need. Some locations may be tighter and are better suited for senior pics or engagement pics, where other locations may have more room for family pics or wedding parties. Some locations are more crowded on the weekend, while others require permits or prior written permission (and potentially charge a fee) etc. I’ve tried to give some insight to each location to help you make the best selection for your photo needs. These are not in any specific order, and my favorite location is always a new one, as long as it’s during the golden hour šŸ™‚
If you have any questions about locations, or best time of day to shoot, please reach out to me directly at dan@dankinzie.com.

 

 

 

 

 

Ault Park:Ā  5090 Observatory Circle, Cincinnati OH 45208

 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Sawyer-and-Sarah-Engagement/

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Leah-and-Nick-Engagement

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Lauryn-and-Aaron-Engagement/

Ā https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Riley-Senior-Photos/

 

This is a great spot with a lot of areas but is usually packed when the weather is nicer. The good thing is, there are a ton of spots to shoot, though it can be busy on the weekends. If itā€™s super sunny we are limited to shaded areas, which fill up faster, but if itā€™s the golden hour you can usually shoot freely here. Weekdays are better here for sure!

 

Pioneer Park: 10505 Deerfield Road, Montgomery OH 45242

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Aaron-and-Lauryn-Maternity

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Albrecht-Family-/

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Mikahil-Mandy-Paxton/n-dKgR8t

This is a smaller park, but has some large open fields which could be good for large family photos, and usually isnā€™t super crowded. Thereā€™s a walking path, a lake, a river, a fountain (weather permitting), a bridge, a gazebo and some forest-like areas around the path. I rarely see other photographers here, so may be a hidden gem. This place is really growing on me! Itā€™s over by Sycamore schools on Deerfield road in Montgomery.Ā 

 

Liberty Center of West Chester: 7100 Foundry Row, Liberty Township OH 45069

 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Veronica-Senior/

A more modern urban look, good spots of color popping, some stairs, a small park like atmosphere, and usually provides a good sunset around their new construction area. This would be good for small groups, engagement sessions, senior, smaller family, etc.Ā 

 

Smale Riverfront park: 166 W Mehring Way, Cincinnati OH 45202

 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Lindsay-and-Jared-EngagementĀ 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Grace-Senior-Session/Ā Ā 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Brooke-Senior

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Adam-Family-2021/

 

A more downtown feel, also has some crowding issues, but there are some cool spots here for sure! Has some areas where you can see the bridge, the river, the city feel, it has a lot of character! Another spot that the weekdays are better as there are usually kids running around, people bicycling around, and other photographers here. Iā€™ve never had an issue with other photographers not sharing spots, but sometimes a guest can be sitting in a spot reading a book or enjoying the day and itā€™s hard to ask them to move.Ā 

 

Drees Pavilion Park: 790 Park Ln, Covington KY 41011

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Maudlin-Engagement/

 

There is less going on here other than a few good spots with trees, but there is a fantastic view of the city in the background here if that’s your thing. Weekends can be a bit more crowded for the overlook, and during wedding season there is usually a few going on every weekend (sometimes two in one day).Ā 

Ā 

Nisbet Park & Amphitheater:Ā 126 S Karl Brown Way, Loveland OH 45140

 

Ā https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Taylor-Senior-Session

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Moss-Family/

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Stephanie-and-Matthew/

 

Ā  A more rustic look with a nice bridge and an amphitheater to shoot around. There is also some wooded areas with a river which has a wonderful feel if youā€™re not wearing your best shoes.

 

Alms Park: 719 Tusculum Ave, Cincinnati OH 45226

 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Anthony-Senior

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Amanda-and-Zach-EngagementĀ 

Alms has a few good spots, and the occasional wedding. There is an overlook to (I think itā€™s) Lunkin Airport. The golden hour is great here, but there is kids park/playground in the middle so occasionally are youngins running around. On the 2nd session (Amanda and Zach)I also shot by Roebling Bridge, which can be a little scary but seems to be popular place. Iā€™ve done a lot of photos here (especially for wedding parties).Ā 

 

Covington / Roebling Bridge: 64 Riverside Dr, Covington KY 41011

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Meade-Family/

There are some great streets in downtown covington right by the river and roebling bridge that make for some great photos. Thereā€™s a small park around the corner which is usually used by wedding photographers on the weekends, since itā€™s one of the only shaded areas around. Great for family / engagement / seniors if you can shoot during the golden hour here, or if you have a wedding timeline that lines up with the sunset for photos.Ā 

 

Spring Grove Cemetery: 4521 Spring Grove Ave, Cincinnati OH 45232

 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Carwash-Family-2016/

This is an interesting one since itā€™s a cemetery, but is very open and has lots of locations / bridges / great scenery. Time can be a factor here because I believe they close at 6 everyday, so really have to shoot earlier and depending on time of year can be challenging.Ā 

 

Eden Park: 950 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati OH 45202

 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Brian-and-Jessica-Engagement

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Cece-and-Leslie-Engagement

There are two sides of this park, both are quite popular but difficult if itā€™s super sunny since thereā€™s no real shade…definitely recommend shooting the golden hour at either of these spots. This isnā€™t my favorite location because there are usually a lot of gnats and mosquitos by the water, and the lighting can be tricky here at certain times.Ā 

 

Grailville: 931 O’Bannonville Rd, Loveland OH 45140

 

I donā€™t know exactly what this place is but there iā€™ve shot here a few times for family / engagements / and they do have weddings here as well: Some good golden hour light, and typically not terribly crowded but also not a very large area, itā€™s maybe a few acres total.Ā 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Evan-and-Nicole-Family-2019

 

Glenwood Gardens: 10397 Springfield Pike, Woodlawn OH 45215

 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Chris-and-Taylor-Engagement-Shoot

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Kirkendall-Family/Ā Ā 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Barnes-Family-2021/

 

This is a hidden park in tri-county area and although I believe it does have a fee to get in, half the time there isnā€™t a guard manning the booth so you just go in. The park is huge but most times I shoot here I stay near the front. Thereā€™s a gazebo, an overlook with some nice pillars, and some good wooded / trea areas.Ā Ā 

 

Sharon Woods: 11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville OH 45241

 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Taylor-and-Mitch-Engagement/

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Louder-Family

Another popular spot Iā€™ve shot a ton in, some good bridges, open fields, but also can be a little crowded. There is typically a fee (i think like $5 for one time pass or $10 for year), but no photographer fee. The back entrance off 42 is a 50/50 shot if the guard is working so potentially can be a free entrance. The park is HUGE so itā€™s best to know where we are meeting before hand instead of ā€œin the parkā€ or meet at the gas station outside of it and go in together. The back side of the park has been my favorite since thatā€™s where the fences / waterfalls / bridges are, but iā€™ve ventured to the front and off into the park as well.Ā 

 

Downtown Lebanon:Ā 27 S Broadway Street, Lebanon OH 45036

 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Kelli-and-Christian-Engagement-Session

Definitely a more small town vibe, but still cute none the less. This couple met here, so they wanted their photos taken here as well. Cute little town for sure, just not a ton of options. Proof you can almost shoot anywhere as long as there isnā€™t anything super distracting, and thereā€™s distance outside to use…Golden hour always helps!

 

Evendale Picnic Shelter:Ā 10500 Reading Road, Cincinnati OH 45241

 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Natalie-Lynn

Even random fields can make great photos, just have to keep an eye out for locations that donā€™t have too much going on in the background, so the viewerā€™s eye is drawn to the subject.Ā 

 

Lake Isabella: 10174 E. Loveland Madiera Road, Loveland OH 45140

 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Kelsie-Senior-Photos/

This is typically a fishing spot, but has some outdoor areas for families or events to gather in. I grew up close to here, but rarely get asked to shoot here. Thereā€™s plenty of wooded areas, a lake, a walkway out over the lake, and plenty of wooded areas to use. Iā€™m not sure if they have a photographer fee or how strict they are, but if youā€™re close to Loveland this would be a recommended one for sure!Ā 

 

Krohns Conservatory:Ā 1501 Eden Park Dr, Cincinnati OH 45202

 

Ā https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Justin-Senior/

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Caroline-Senior/

 

A lot of people want to shoot in krohns (especially if itā€™s raining) but can be quite trickyā€¦Iā€™ve shot a few weddings in there (which is easier since they clear everyone out and you have the space to yourself) but most times that doesnā€™t happen for a senior / family / engagement shoot. They do require a Photographer’s fee / pass, which the client would be responsible for, and I feel like it changes anytime someone asks. There are some ok spots outside of krohns that I like more than inside honestly, also it gets extremely muggy inside (even more so if itā€™s raining).Ā 

 

The Marmalade Lily:

 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Halle-Senior/

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Caitlyn-and-Rob-Wedding

This place is typically a wedding venue, though I have shot here a few other times. Itā€™s in downtown Loveland, but I believe requires their permission (and potentially a fee). It has a nice lake, some open fields, a bridge, and great landscaping. This one can be tricky if you arenā€™t shooting at a golden hour but could be used families, engagements, seniors, or weddings.Ā 

 

Cincinnati Nature Center:Ā  4949 Tealtown Road, Milford OH 45150

 

 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Brad-and-Ali-Engagement/

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Dunn-Family-2021/

A very wooded location with a lake, small bridge, little cottage, and a few pathways. I believe there is a cost (for membership) to get in, and I believe closes at 9, but a nice hidden gem around the Milford area. Great for golden hour pictures!

 

The Summit Hotel:Ā 5345 Medpace Way, Cincinnati OH 45227

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Nick-and-Leah-Wedding/

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Jason-and-Katherine-Wedding

This is a popular wedding venue and also has a lot of unique spots to shoot indoor and outdoors. I will say this is a more ā€˜trickyā€™ place to shoot with lighting challenges, but if you have enough time for setup time of lights, it can produce some great results. If you are going to do a shoot here (non-wedding) it would be best for small groups (like senior photos, or engagementā€¦I probably wouldnā€™t recommend family photos here). There is a fun couch upstairs, and some ecletic furniture in the main foyer area. There is a breezeway with nice window lighting, but outdoors can be VERY difficult to shoot in if it isnā€™t golden hour as the sun is very direct, harsh, and minimal shade.Ā 

 

Oxford Ohio (Miami University Campus): 501 East High Street, Oxford OH 45056

 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Emily-and-Tyler-Engagement/

Tons of open areas, tunnels, historical buildings, bridges, and wide open areas to shoot in. If school is in session, it may be tricker to shoot here without people in the background.Ā 

 

 

Hotel Covington and Covington Streets:Ā 638 Madison Ave, Covington KY 41011

 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Melissa-and-Joe-Wedding/

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Caitlin-Proofs/n-MrmLc5/

 

A lot of urban areas, streets, alleyways, and opportunities around covington. It may be busier on the weekends so may have to deal with people in teh background for photos. Covington streets would be easier on a week day or smaller groups (1-2 people):

 

 

Canopy Creek: 600 Benner Road, Miamisburg OH 45342

 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Brad-and-Ali-Wedding/

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Bre-and-Marshall-Wedding/

Typically a wedding venue, I havenā€™t shot here for anything other. Great wedding venue, tons of open area, direct sunlight can be an issue but lots of farm-esque areas, a pond, and a barn like feel. This can be an all in one wedding venue (where everything from the getting dressed, to ceremony, to photos, etc.Ā 

 

 

Rosewood Manner: 650 Benner Road, Miamisburg OH 45342

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Emily-And-Tyler-Wedding/

This is right next door to Canopy Creek and has similar looks and feels, just a hair smaller.

 

 

 

Glenview Golf Course: 10965 Springfield Pike, Cincinnati OH 45246

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Lindsay-and-Matt-Dixon-Wedding/

 

 

Lake Lyndsay: 4845 Augspurger Road, Hamilton OH 45011

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Barnes-Family-2024

 

 

 

There are tons of places to shoot around the city, you just have to have an eye for it. I’ve even shot in people’s driveways before, as long as there is some distance and a nice background. Distance really helps with compression and making for a flattering portrait. Here is a session I did exactly that in my own yard at my house :Ā 

https://dankinziephotography.smugmug.com/Bogus-and-Cash/n-V5Rv9L/