Where To Get Photos Taken In Pittsburgh

I'm Pittsburgh event and portrait photographer Don Orkoskey. Here are my top choices for where to have your photos taken in Pittsburgh. When choosing a photographer for anything from family photos to formal wedding photos done finding the right place is key.

Best Locations for Photography in Pittsburgh

If you're looking for the best locations for photography in Pittsburgh then it's best to consider how far you want to travel. Additionally, think about the look you want. Is a park-like setting, wilderness or the city the backdrop you want? Alternatively do you want something else? No matter what you're looking for, here are the best locations in for photography in Pittsburgh. Narrow down your selection here. Then go get amazing photos taken!

Pittsburgh's Best Photography Locations

• Mellon Park Walled Garden and Rose Garden
• West End Overlook
• Point State Park
• Allegheny Landing and the North Shore
• The Strip District
• The High Line and Color Park
• Market Square and PPG Plaza
• The Cathedral of Learning and Mellon Institute
• Pittsburgh Zoo
• Phipps Conservatory
• The National Aviary

Mellon Park

Mellon Park is packed with beautiful gardens. They providing stunning backdrops for every type of photoshoot. Additionally, there are lush lawns for picnic style photo sessions.

Mellon Park Gardens

The Walled Garden is gorgeous! Full of seasonal flowers and plants. Whereas, the nearby Rose Garden features herbs and roses, (understandably). Although this area is falling apart it makes for cool photos "among the ruins." That said, they've begun restoration work. 

Additionally, Mellon Park is home to historic buildings. These include the Mellon Institute and Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. These buildings provide nice settings for photos as well. Furthermore, the cobblestone drive and stone walls always look amazing in photos.

Ultimately, Mellon Park's open spaces and walking paths provide a variety of scenic backdrops for your photo session in Pittsburgh.

Of course, Mellon Park changes with the seasons. Therefore there are different colors, textures, and lighting conditions throughout the year. That said, no matter what time of year you'll find something beautiful for your photos taken at this amazing photography location.

Note: because it's a top destinations for family portraits, couple's photos, senior photos and more it gets crowded. As a result, try to schedule your session early in the morning on a weekday if possible.

The West End Overlook

The West End Overlook is a popular location for photographers and tourists alike. Indeed, once you see it, you'll understand why. This is such a great location in Pittsburgh for having photos taken.

You'll love the panoramic view of downtown Pittsburgh, the rivers, and hills. Obviously, if you want the city as a backdrop, you must see the West End Overlook.

The view is particularly stunning at sunset. The sun sets behind you. As a result the city skyline is washed with warm colors. This makes an incredible backdrop for your photo session.

The West End  Overlook sits on the edge of a steep hillside. As a result you'll find stone walls to add to your photos. In truth, the Overlook provides unmatched perspectives of the city and surrounding landscape. So, if you want the city in your photos, choose the West End Overlook as your first location.

Like Mellon Park, the West End Overlook offers different colors, textures, and lighting conditions throughout the year. In the fall, the hills are ablaze with color, while in the winter, the snow-covered landscape provides a striking contrast to the city skyline and rivers.

The West End Overlook is perfect for photoshoots because of its panoramic views, unique location, accessibility, and seasonal changes. Whether you're hiring a professional photographer or just want to take some memorable photos during your trip to Pittsburgh; the West End Overlook is a prime photography location in Pittsburgh.

Point State Park

Point State Park is a magical place to have photos taken in Pittsburgh. From the iconic fountain to the Riverwalk artwork there is something for everyone. Additionally, the park is accessible making it ideal for anyone with mobility issues or with kids in strollers.

Point State Park's iconic fountain is the most recognizable landmark in Pittsburgh. What's more, it provides an incredible backdrop for photos. In fact, the fountain shoots water up to 150 feet in the air. With its changing colors, especially against the setting sun, your photos from this location will look amazing!

What's more, Point State Park is home to the historic Fort Pitt Blockhouse. The Blockhouse dates to 1764. In fact, it's the oldest building in Pittsburgh. Coupled with the views of Mt. Washington it provides yet another interesting background for photos.

Photos From The Point

Point State Park is located at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers. As such you'll have stunning views of the water and the city skyline. Don't miss the riverfront promenade and the adjacent Three Rivers Heritage Trail. Again, these provide great photo opportunities.

As a State Managed Park, Point State Park is accessible and welcome to everyone. As a result of being downtown, there are plenty of parking options nearby. Additionally, you'll find ramps throughout the park for those in wheelchairs or with strollers. On the whole, Point State Park is well-maintained, making it a comfortable and convenient location for photoshoots in Pittsburgh.

Allegheny Landing

Like Mellon Park, Allegheny Landing and the North Shore are popular destinations for photography sessions. Too, they're close to sports and entertainment venues. As such, avoid them on game days unless the game is part of your plans.

Allegheny Landing is located on the banks of the Allegheny River. Find stunning views of the water and city. Plus, the riverfront promenade offers a picturesque setting for photos. Also visit the adjacent Roberto Clemente Bridge for iconic Pittsburgh photos. These, along with the sculpture park, nearby murals, and more add interesting architectural element to add to your photographs.

The park and nearby parts of the North shore are home to several green spaces, including grassy lawns and trees. So there are also natural picnic-like setting for photos. All in all, from the city to the stadiums, and the rivers you'll find loads of photo opportunities at this iconic Pittsburgh location. 

The Strip District

Pittsburgh's Strip District is the most photogenic neighborhood in the city. The Strip is fun and vibrant. The old buildings make amazing backdrops for your photos sessions. From old world looks to funky pops of color at the Terminal Building find loads of incredible places to get your pictures taken in the Strip.

The Strip District is known for its unique mix of historic and modern architecture. Find it all from old brick buildings and industrial warehouses, to colorful storefronts and modern buildings. If you want variety, then Pittsburgh's Strip District is the best locations for your photos. The neighborhood's character and charm are unbeatable.

Art In The Strip

Too, the Strip District is home to several beautiful murals. These include the iconic Strip District mural visible from Penn Ave or 20th Street on the side of the Hermanowski Building. The murals are colorful and artistic backdrops for your photos.

The Strip District is a bustling neighborhood with a lively street life. Capture the energy of the neighborhood. Feel the hustle and bustle of the shops and street vendors. Also, be aware that these things do get in the way of your pictures if you show up on a Saturday morning. So, either embrace them or book your photo session for a different day.

Speaking of the shops, the Strip District is home to some of Pittsburgh's best restaurants, cafes, and bars. Photoshoots can incorporate the delicious food and drink options. Or use them as a background location for your posed shots.

Overall, the Strip District in Pittsburgh is the perfect location for photoshoots because of its architectural character, colorful murals, street life, and more.

The High Line

The High Line and Color Park offer a variety of one-of-a-kind backdrops for urban industrial photoshoots. Similar to the Strip District in some respects, the High Line offers it's own magic. 

The High Line features benches and planted areas for some nature. Plus there are high and low views of the city within a cool industrial setting. In addition you'll love the architecture. This is my go-to location for a backdrop full of city lights at dusk or just after.

Color Park

Color Park runs along the Monongahela River. It offers stunning views of the water and Pittsburgh's skyline from a unique perspective. The adjacent trail features green space, providing some natural backdrops for photos. Color Park is a great photo location in Pittsburgh and is a very short walk from the High Line.

Market Square

Market Square is a wide public urban Square. It's the heart of downtown Pittsburgh. Along with PPG Place, it's an amazing location for city photoshoots. 

Pittsburgh's Market Square is surrounded by historic buildings and cool backdrops for photos. The buildings in the square are predominantly mid-19th century, with a mix of architectural styles such as Romanesque, Renaissance Revival, and Beaux-Arts.

Market Square is home to public art installations. The glass facades of PPG Place along with the fountain and winter ice rink provide great locations to get your photos taken.

Market Square is known for its seasonal activities. The German style Winter Market is great for winter holiday photos. Additionally, vibrant umbrellas create interesting looks in the summer. All the decorations provide colorful backdrops for photography. That said, check what's happening before you go. After all, there are a ton of events in Market Square. Make sure you have the backdrop you want for your photos. Don't get stuck with a bunch of vendor tents.

The Cathedral of Learning

The Cathedral of Learning is an iconic building located on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh in Oakland. Just down 5th Ave is the Mellon Institute offering popular giant columns. Both are well loved locations for getting pictures taken in Pittsburgh.

The Cathedral of Learning is a Gothic Revival skyscraper and is one of the most recognizable buildings in Pittsburgh. The Cathedral features intricate architectural details. So, be careful it doesn't grab too much attention!

Take your photos with the Cathedral in the background from the lawn on Soldiers and Sailors, Schenley Plaza or the Frick Fine Arts Building. All three locations are great spots on their own. The Frick Fine Arts Building hosts a beautiful must-see fountain of Pan and the Muses. Too, Soldiers and Sailors has canons and military equipment on the lawn.

The interior of the Cathedral of Learning is just as stunning as the exterior. The grand staircase, ornate ceilings, and beautiful stained glass windows provide interesting and unique backdrops for photos.

Pittsburgh Zoo

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium provides a lot of range for photos. In fact, there's more than you likely expect. Find bamboo forests, an elephant cage, (yes, an elephant cage), and more. I promise you will get truly amazing photos at the Pittsburgh Zoo.

The Pittsburgh Zoo sits on 77 acres of natural parkland. So, fill your photos with one-of-a-kind beautiful backgrounds found nowhere else in Pittsburgh. See amazing lush greenery, ponds, and waterfalls. These all make for picturesque backdrops.

Additionally, the zoo offers educational programs and animal encounters. Here visitors learn about the animals and their habitats. Plus, you can have pictures taken with the animals. That makes the Pittsburgh Zoo an ideal location for family photos.

Phipps Conservatory

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a popular attraction in Oakland. It's also a great location for photo sessions in Pittsburgh. The Conservatory is beautiful. That said, it can be very busy at certain times of the year. If you decide to get your photos taken at Phipps during a busy time then obey the rules. Otherwise they may ask you to leave. Like many other indoor locations you are supposed to get a permit to photograph inside unless you're hosting your wedding there. However, if you're respectful they rarely say anything. 

Phipps Conservatory is home to 15 acres of beautiful gardens. Find a variety of flowers, trees and other plants. The gardens provides a stunning and colorful backdrop for your photography sessions.

The architecture is unique. You'll see a mix of Victorian and contemporary styles. Take in the incredible glass and steel structure. Pay attention to the intricate details throughout the building. These details provide challenging but fun backdrops.

Phipps hosts seasonal displays throughout the year. The spring flower show and holiday displays are very popular. These displays provide festive backdrops for photos but draw huge crowds. Therefore consider less busy times of year or of the day.

Phipps outdoor gardens and architecture along with nearby Schenley Park also work wonderfully as places to take photos that provide some really memorable views of Pittsburgh.

The National Aviary

The National Aviary offers lots of advantages as your photo location. First, like Phipps, it's indoors. Pittsburgh's weather is unpredictable. Therefore having an indoor option for getting your photos done is helpful. 

The National Aviary is home to over 500 birds from around the world. Many of these are located in several free-flight rooms. As a result, these rooms offer great backdrops for your photoshoot. Too, the other exhibits and architecture throughout the Aviary works well as photography backdrops.

Like the Pittsburgh Zoo, the National Aviary offers interactive experiences. These include feeding lorikeets and penguins. As a result kids love (or hate) these activities making this a great location. Capture candid and memorable photos while your kids interact with these incredible birds at this classic Pittsburgh photography location.

The National Aviary is located in Allegheny Commons Park. If there weather is good then consider the park as an additional location. Here you'll find a beautiful natural outdoor setting in the center of the Northside neighborhood. The park's trees, flowers, and ponds make for a garden-like picturesque backdrop for your photos.

Where To Get Photos Taken In Pittsburgh

Now you know the best places to get photos taken in Pittsburgh. If you don't have a photographer to take those photos you should check out my list of photography services or contact me to discuss when you'd like to have your picture taken in one of these incredible locations around Pittsburgh. This city is beautiful. If you had photos taken or took photos in any of these locations in and around Pittsburgh let me know. I'm always interested to hear if this advice was helpful.