Great Outdoor Locations for Pictures in Cleveland, Ohio
Outdoor Photography locations in Cleveland, Ohio
One question that I see being asked often is where are the great outdoor locations for pictures in Cleveland. Photographers and clients alike are interested in these locations. I would like to address this question and offer my own, humble, opinion.
First, I will say, that every location is a great location for pictures as long as the right elements are present. The first and most important is quality of light. With quality light, you can create a beautiful picture that has mood and texture. Quality of light doesn’t mean quantity. Too much light will ruin any image. Not enough light and you don’t have a dynamic picture. Quality light has direction. Good light is the first thing for any great picture for me.
The next element is a great background. Whether it’s the Cleveland cityscape, lush foliage or some cool graffiti, the background helps to enhance the subject (the most important thing). So any of the great location has to have these elements.
See my favorite wedding photos -HERE-
Secondly, I will mention, that these are general locations used as a default. Locations that are a go to for most wedding and portrait photographers because they are consistent. This does mean that they tend to be over photographed but, again, they always deliver.
Cleveland East Fourth Street
My first great location in Cleveland is East Fourth Street. Such a dynamic location and one of the most popular. Cafe lights. Plate glass storefronts. East Fourth Street has a lot of great ingredients for a quality pictures. It’s a go to location for most Cleveland photographers and to me as well. I really love having photo sessions at night here. All for the elements come together at night.
Playhouse Square
Another location that really is best at night is Playhouse Square. The second most dense number of theaters outside of Broadway in New York, the reason I love Playhouse Square at night is obvious. Lighted playbills. Theater signs. And the now iconic chandelier. SHINY THINGS! Here are more of our engagement photos.
Wade Oval Park
One of my favorite outdoor locations for great pictures in Cleveland is Wade Oval Park. Located in University Circle and surrounded by The Cleveland Museum of Art, Severance Hall, and Case Western Reserve, with a lagoon right in the middle, Wade Oval has it all. It’s always different every time that I go there. Depending on the time of year, the foliage offers variety and texture. In the fall, it’s gorgeous. A short walk and you are at the Cleveland Museum of Art. This gives you a location to contrast the park. Concrete and steel, the museum is perfect for the geometric elements that I love in my pictures.
Cleveland Flats
Another great location for pictures is the Flats. West Bank or East Bank they both offer the elements that make great pictures. The East Bank is a bit more industrial, which I love. It also has a great view of the cityscape. The West Bank has more new businesses which gives it a more metropolitan feel. Running along the lake and the Cuyahoga River this adds the possibilities that water brings to images. It doesn’t matter if it’s cloudy or sunny, there is always opportunities for great images.
Voinovich Park
One very popular location for wedding pictures is Voinovich Park. Located on Lake Erie right behind the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, it is another great location for the Cleveland skyline. Parking can be a little tricky, especially on a wedding day, but it is worth it if using the city of Cleveland as a background is important.
Cleveland Urban Photo Location
If you want a nitty gritty, down and dirty urban location, there isn’t a better place than an old warehouse. These can be quite dangerous. Oftentimes, with large holes in the floor and definitely used by some of Cleveland’s homeless population for shelter. One must be cautious when there and never go after dark (my kind of place).
Recently, the city of Cleveland has been fencing in these areas trying to keep photographers (and the homeless) out.
So these are just a few of the default locations in Cleveland that are great for outdoor pictures. Whether a senior portrait a wedding day or a cool family photo, these locations have it all and you can’t go wrong with any of them. But remember, any location that has the elements for a great picture will work if you look for them.
Get In Touch
I’m excited to hear from you! Your interest in Spencer Photography is greatly appreciated. I document a very limited number of weddings per year so that my clients can have an exceptional experience. Once you submit the contact form, I can let you know if I have your date available.
Being able to discuss your wedding in detail, and ensuring that we are a good fit for each other is essential. So, the next step in the process is to arrange a time so speak on the phone with each other so that we can get to know each other better.
