Kansas City Family Photo Locations

I am always on the hunt for a new photo session location in Kansas City. I venture out to new parks, buildings, areas of town, etc. on a regular basis. Location scouting I call it. Sort of like for a movie but focused on locations around town for the perfect family photo.

Locations that may be kid-friendly or something urban. I ponder if a location will be good for a family photo session almost everywhere I go.

Since I rely heavily on natural backdrops and good lighting, having the perfect location to set the mood is critical. I am looking for interesting architecture, beautiful foliage, or urban grit. An interesting brick wall or an expansive view might be perfect for my next session and I’m always taking stock!

I get asked for location suggestions all the time! Oftentimes, I ask a series of questions back:

What kind of background do you think you might like?

Do you have a particular look or feel you’re going for?

How many people will be in the photos? And, what are their ages?

Do you have outfits selected?

These questions get my wheels churning and give me all kinds of ideas. Sometimes, I’m even lucky enough for my clients to bring location suggestions to me! It’s one of the great things about Kansas City...the options are seemingly endless!

So, with that in mind, here are my top 5 suggestions for great family photo locations in Kansas City:

Loose Park

I personally love Loose Park! Officially known as Jacob L. Loose Park. The park itself is quite large and offers a ton of great options for all types of styles. From the rose garden to the duck pond bridge it has a little something for everyone. This location can be very busy on weekends and when the fall foliage finally breaks loose. I like to think that I have the best spots for the perfect shot. Hint...hint...those stone steps and the cute bench makes my heart flutter.

https://kcparks.org/places/loose-park/

Union Station

Union Station offers a sense of grandeur and decor that most indoor locations just can’t keep up with! The beautiful marble, giant windows, and location variety really offer family’s a lot of options for a photo session. Especially when planning a family photo session in the winter. I like the quiet back hallways and interesting train bridge but the main hall just can’t be beaten!

https://www.unionstation.org/

Shawnee Mission Park

This 1,600-acre park has so much to offer! You can easily find that wide-open field, fall color, or waterfront option you might be looking for in a more rustic family photo session. The park is a spectacular option when seeking a more natural backdrop that offers close proximity to the city! Bonus, this is a great location for kids with tons of places to play and explore.

https://www.jocogov.org/facility/shawnee-mission-park

Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts

There really is something awe-inspiring about the shiny domed building that is the Kauffman Center. Perhaps it is the building’s great height or varying landscape. Either way, this compact location offers a central city location for family photos with a beautiful backdrop marrying both modern architectures with a beautiful prairie-style landscape. I might venture to say it’s a great marriage of both traditional and modern family photography!

https://www.kauffmancenter.org/

Crossroads

So technically, the Kauffman Center is in the Crossroads neighborhood; however, the reason I placed this neighborhood in my top 5...so much texture. There are brick walls in every color, interesting doorways, surprising landscaping, graffiti, and wall murals. Each block is a new vibe and offers endless options for a more urban family session. Taking the opportunity to roam from block to block can vary the backdrop options and provide multiple options in a single session.

https://kccrossroads.org/

Honorable Mentions

I would be remiss if I didn’t list some of my other favorite family photography locations in and around Kansas City. Kansas City has so many great options for family photos that I’m barely scratching the surface. If my top 5 doesn’t quite tick all the boxes for you consider some of these other great locations:

River Market

The National WWI Museum and Memorial (great city views)

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art

English Landing Park and downtown Parkville, MO

West Bottoms

Do you know of other great locations or have a secret spot you want to capture your family in. Let me know! I love to explore new photography locations around Kansas City with your family!