It is no surprise that folks LOVE family photos at a park. I mean, really.. The mix of golden and burgundy leaves that the perfect Iowa October can bring is really quite breathtaking. Plus, you can be stylishly casual in a pair of jeans and a chunky knit sweater. Everyone LOVES park photos, so I’m spilling the secrets of my favorite parks for family photos!

Here they are in no particular order:

Jester Park

I love this park because you can get so many different looks in just one area. There are tall grasses, a pond/boardwalk and plenty of rich fall leaf colors. There are beautiful blooms in the spring/summer and tons of areas for sitting/standing, etc.

Brenton Arboretum

This park is beautiful all year long. Bright green and blooming in the summer. Deep and rich colors in the fall. The arboretum hosts many different varieties of trees (including some beautiful weeping willows) and an open vista of rolling hills. Plus it has a fun natural playscape to let the kiddos go wild on after the session is wrapped.

Walker Johnson Park

This spacious park is located near the corner of 86th and Douglas in Urbandale. I love using the tree-lined trail for family photos. Since it has so much usable space, it is especially ideal for larger groups (like an extended family session with grandparents, aunts/uncles, etc…). It also is fully handicap accessible. I love how the trail provides a cleaner look but you still get that lovely outdoors-y vibe.

I know some photographers like to keep their photo locations a secret. I’m not one of them! I’ll happily recommend great spots to other photographers or friends who are looking to do a little “iphone photo shoot” of their own. Almost all the spaces I use are open to the public anyway, so there is no point in keeping them “secret”.

Did I mention your favorite park? What’s another one you would add to the list?