Hitchcock Nature Center | Honey Creek, IA
Located about 30 minutes from Omaha, Hitchcock Nature Center offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in the area. Expect rolling Loess Hills, scenic overlooks, tall prairie grasses, winding wooded trails, and beautiful mature trees. This location is especially stunning in the fall when the hillsides are filled with vibrant autumn color, but it's equally beautiful in the summer with lush greenery and golden prairie grasses.
Things to Know
- Approximately a 20–25 minute hike from the parking lot to my favorite photo locations.
- Uneven terrain with steep hills in some areas, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Best for adventurous couples, seniors, or families with children who don't mind a little hiking.
- Beautiful year-round, with peak fall color typically making it one of my favorite locations.
- Admission permit fees may apply and are the client's responsibility.
Travel Fee: $120.00
Omaha Central High School | Omaha, NE
Timeless architecture with a touch of historic charm, Omaha Central High School is a beautiful option. The iconic building features grand stone staircases, towering columns, intricate architectural details, and beautifully maintained landscaping. The surrounding sidewalks and open spaces provide plenty of variety while keeping a clean, classic feel throughout your gallery.
Things to Know
- Perfect for couples, engagements, seniors, and branding sessions.
- Easy walking with several photo opportunities surrounding the building.
- Beautiful year-round, with blooming landscaping in the spring, lush greenery in the summer, and colorful trees in the fall.
- Since this is an active school, sessions are best scheduled during evenings, weekends, or school breaks.
- One of Omaha's most unique locations for clients wanting an elegant, architectural backdrop.
Travel Fee: $55.00
Memorial Park | Omaha, NE
Located in the heart of Omaha, Memorial Park is one of the city's most popular photography locations. It features wide open green space, rolling hills, mature trees, paved walking paths, and a beautiful rose garden that blooms throughout the warmer months. The variety of scenery makes it a great option for almost any type of session, especially if you're looking for a classic, timeless backdrop without leaving the city.
Things to Know
- One of the busier photo locations in Omaha. It's common to see other photographers, especially on weekday evenings and weekends.
- Parking is minimal, but an easy walk to photo locations.
- Beautiful spring blooms, lush summer greenery, and vibrant fall color.
Travel Fee: $55.00
Chalco Hills Recreation Area | Omaha, NE
Conveniently located just off Interstate 80, Chalco Hills is for clients looking for a natural setting without leaving the Omaha metro. This park offers a beautiful mix of tall prairie grasses, mature trees, wooded trails, open fields, and scenic lake views. There are plenty of unique backdrops that create a timeless, nature-filled gallery.
Things to Know
- Easy access with plenty of free parking.
- Several beautiful photo locations.
- One of the more popular parks in Omaha, so it's common to see walkers, runners, and other photographers—especially on weekday evenings and weekends.
- Beautiful year-round, with lush greenery in the summer, vibrant fall colors, and tall golden grasses later in the season.
Travel Fee: $55.00
Douglas County Courthouse | Omaha, NE
If you're drawn to elegant architecture and a timeless feel, the Douglas County Courthouse is a beautiful choice. The historic building features grand stone columns, intricate archways, wide steps, and stunning architectural details that create a clean, sophisticated backdrop. The surrounding sidewalks and downtown streets also provide plenty of variety throughout your session.
Things to Know
- Perfect for couples, engagements, seniors, and branding sessions.
- Easy walk from nearby street parking or parking garages.
- Can be busy during weekdays due to courthouse traffic and downtown activity.
- Beautiful year-round and especially stunning during golden hour.
Travel Fee: $55.00
Fontenelle Forest | Bellevue, NE
If you're dreaming of a wooded, secluded setting, Fontenelle Forest is one of the best locations in the Omaha area. This nature preserve offers towering trees, winding boardwalks, lush greenery, tall grasses, and beautiful pockets of natural light throughout the forest. It creates a peaceful, intimate feel that photographs beautifully in every season, especially during the fall when the leaves begin to change.
Things to Know
- Perfect for couples, engagements, families, maternity, and seniors.
- A short walk is required, but the trails are well-maintained and easy to navigate.
- Offers a wide variety of scenery including wooded trails, tall grasses, open fields, and boardwalks.
- One of my favorite locations for clients wanting a private, nature-filled session.
Travel Fee: $60.00
Standing Bear | Omaha, NE
Standing Bear Lake is a beautiful option if you're looking for a mix of open space and nature. The park features scenic lake views, mature trees, paved walking trails, open grassy fields, and plenty of space to explore. Whether you're hoping for golden sunsets by the water or a classic park setting, Standing Bear offers a relaxed and versatile backdrop for your session.
Things to Know
- Perfect for couples, engagements, families, maternity, and seniors.
- Easy access with plenty of free parking.
- A short walk to multiple photo locations.
- Beautiful year-round, with vibrant greenery in the summer and colorful foliage in the fall.
- Can be busy with walkers, runners, and other park visitors during evenings and weekends.
Travel Fee: $55.00
Mahoney State Park | Ashland, NE
Mahoney State Park is one of the most versatile locations between Omaha and Lincoln. With towering trees, wooded trails, open fields, scenic overlooks, and beautiful natural landscapes, it offers a little bit of everything. Whether you're looking for lush greenery, golden prairie grasses, or colorful fall foliage, Mahoney provides endless opportunities for a timeless, outdoor gallery.
Things to Know
- Perfect for couples, engagements, families, maternity, and seniors.
- A Nebraska State Parks permit is required to enter the park and is the client's responsibility.
- Easy walking with several beautiful locations throughout the park. Beautiful in every season, especially during the fall.
- Great option for clients traveling from either Omaha or Lincoln.
Travel Fee: None
Pioneers Park | Lincoln, NE
Pioneers Park is one of Lincoln's hidden gems, offering a peaceful, natural setting with wide open prairies, towering pine trees, wooded trails, and beautiful rolling hills. The variety throughout the park makes it easy to create a gallery with multiple different looks without traveling between locations. Whether you're hoping for tall grasses, forest vibes, or soft evening light, Pioneers Park has something to offer in every season.
Things to Know
- Perfect for couples, engagements, families, maternity, and seniors.
- No entrance fee or permit required.
- Easy walking with multiple photo locations throughout the park.
Beautiful year-round, especially during the summer.
Wildlife is common, so don't be surprised if deer make an appearance during your session!
Travel Fee: $55
Nebraska State Capitol | Lincoln, NE
The Nebraska State Capitol offers a timeless and elegant backdrop unlike anywhere else in Nebraska. With grand marble staircases, towering columns, intricate architecture, and beautiful natural light throughout the building, it's perfect for couples looking for a clean, classic, and sophisticated gallery. The Capitol also provides a comfortable indoor location, making it a wonderful option during colder months or unpredictable weather.
Things to Know
- Perfect for couples, engagements, seniors, maternity, and branding sessions.
- Photography inside the Capitol is only available during public building hours.
- Sessions must begin early enough to finish before the building closes.
- Clients are responsible for contacting the Nebraska State Capitol regarding any photography policies, restrictions, or access requirements before their session.
- Indoor location with minimal walking and access to elevators.
- Outdoor Capitol grounds also offer beautiful architectural backdrops.
Travel Fee: $55
Downtown (and around) | Lincoln, NE
Downtown Lincoln offers a perfect mix of historic architecture, modern city streets, brick alleyways, storefronts, and elegant urban charm. The Haymarket District is full of character with cobblestone streets, string lights, unique storefronts, and countless photo opportunities all within walking distance. Just a few blocks away, the Grand Manse adds timeless marble staircases, historic architecture, and classic details, making it easy to create a gallery with a variety of looks without ever leaving downtown. The Haymarket and Grand Manse are among my favorite locations for couples seeking a stylish downtown gallery with plenty of variety.
Things to Know
- Perfect for couples, engagements, seniors, branding, and maternity sessions.
- Offers a variety of looks including historic architecture, brick alleyways, city streets, elegant interiors, and downtown nightlife.
- Everything is within walking distance, making outfit changes quick and easy.
- Parking is available throughout downtown, though some garages and meters may require a small fee.
- The Grand Manse and nearby businesses are publicly accessible during normal business hours. If you'd like photos inside a specific business or bar, client approval and any required permission are the client's responsibility.
- Downtown is busiest during Husker football weekends, concerts, and special events, so weekday evenings are often the best choice.
Travel Fee: $55
