About St. Louis
St. Louis has various cultural and recreational opportunities available to visitors. The city also hosts numerous events every year, including the Taste of St. Louis and the famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade. From its world-famous Gateway Arch to the numerous art galleries, museums, historic sites, and parks located throughout the city, St. Louis is sure to offer something for everyone.
For those looking to capture the beauty of St. Louis on camera, there are plenty of photo shoot locations in St. Louis that can provide stunning backdrops for the perfect shot. Popular spots include the iconic 630-foot-tall Gateway Arch that serves as a lasting symbol of the city’s past and Forest Park, one of the largest urban parks in America. You’ll also find the historic Union Station, home to an incredible array of interiors and exteriors that are perfect for photography sessions.
No matter what kind of photographer you are or what type of photos you're looking to take during your visit to St. Louis, you’ll find plenty of amazing spots in this vibrant city!
Photo Shoot Options in St. Louis
- Photography
Choosing the right photographer in St. Louis is crucial to your photo shoot’s success. Whether you’re marketing a product, publishing images for ads, or capturing special moments, it pays off to hire an experienced photographer to reach your goals. You’ll want to work with professionals who will assist you every step of the way and share your story through creative images. They should also have a keen eye for detail to take photos that stand out.
- Lighting
Lighting is an essential element in any photo shoot. You'll need to select proper lighting to create the desired effect, tone, and mood. By using the right balance of light, shadow, and darkness, you can create dynamic imagery and high-quality photos. If you don’t have proper lighting equipment, consider renting for perfect photo shoots in St. Louis.
- Decor
The decoration for a photo shoot is different from a party décor unless that’s the theme of your shoot. Choosing a location with the perfect backdrop for your photos is always a good idea, so you can save on décor elements. Maximize the venue and its features instead of relying entirely on ornaments.
- Props
Props can add character, drama, and depth to any photo session. They can also add to the message of an image and authenticity to the scene. Not all photo shoots need many props—it could just be a chair, a bed, or a mirror, depending on the image you want to create. But if your next photo shoot session needs lots of props, consider hiring a rental company to provide you with everything you need for a successful shoot.
Photo Shoot Vendors in St. Louis
- Architectural Artifacts of St. Louis
Architectural Artifacts store specializes in architectural artifacts from St. Louis. They have a wide variety of items, from whole cast iron storefronts to small stone and brick items. They also have unique architectural pieces to decorate your photo studio and set. Whether you're looking for something with historical significance or just a replacement part for your old studio, they're sure to have what you need.
- XOXO Alice
Clients are welcome to a full-day luxury photo shoot experience at XOXO Alice. It takes pride in its gorgeous Bendon Park studio in St. Louis, Missouri, featuring different sets for your photo shoot session. These include a mid-century modern room, exposed brick walls, a castle room, velvet chaise lounges, and many more.
- Wilson Lighting
Do you need additional lighting for your next photo shoot? Wilson Lighting can help. It’s a family-owned company that specializes in home décor and lighting. It is known for its top-notch selection of products and excellent customer service, both of which are unmatched in the industry. Their team of experts is always available to help you find the best lighting solution for your shoot.
Pros and Cons of Photo Shoots in St. Louis
St. Louis is an obvious choice for many photographers and their clients when considering a photo shoot location. With its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and diverse neighborhoods, this Gateway City offers gorgeous backdrops for your photos. Here are some pros and cons of choosing St. Louis as your photo shoot location:
Advantages
- Beautiful historic downtowns like the Soulard Market District and the Central West End offer a colorful setting for any type of photography.
- The abundance of outdoor spaces, such as Forest Park, Tower Grove Park, and Laumeier Sculpture Park, can be used to create stunning photographs in any season.
- The Gateway Arch offers an iconic symbol that is immediately recognizable to anyone from around the world who visits St. Louis.
- With so many unique neighborhoods, there are endless opportunities for interesting people-watching during your photo shoots, both onsite or nearby.
Disadvantages
- Depending on your needs, finding parking may be challenging in certain areas of town due to high population density and narrow streets in some neighborhoods.
- Although there are plenty of options for indoor photography locations, they are all subject to rental fees, which may be expensive depending on what you need them for.
- Severe weather conditions can sometimes be unpredictable in St. Louis. This makes it difficult to plan photo shoots outdoors, with rain or extreme temperatures interfering with your plans.
- Many parts of town close down early, making it difficult to find shooting locations late at night or after dark if this is needed for your project.
Tips on How to Organize Photo Shoots in St. Louis
Whether you are a professional photographer or just looking to capture some beautiful moments in St. Louis, proper organization is the key to planning your photo shoots. To ensure you have the best possible experience, here are some tips on how to effectively plan and organize your shoot locations in St. Louis:
- Do your research: Before planning any shoots, take some time to research the top spots for photography in St. Louis. It will allow you to target the most photogenic areas and maximize your time at each destination.
- Pay attention to details: Once you’ve identified some of your favorite destinations, list all the necessary details, such as the address, approximate times of day with the best lighting, available equipment rental services (if needed), parking recommendations, and any other essential information.
- Choose a route: To optimize effortless movement throughout your session, choose an efficient route when mapping out your list of potential shooting locations in St. Louis.
- Consider weather conditions: Weather conditions can be unpredictable! Keep an eye on weather forecasts before each shoot so you can plan well, from clothing selection for yourself and models to lighting.
- Bring extra supplies: Last but certainly not least, don’t forget extra batteries, memory cards, and other supplies necessary for your photo session success!
Famous Locations in St. Louis
- St. Louis Art Museum
St. Louis Art Museum is one of the main art museums in the United States, with a collection of art ranging across 5,000 years and diverse global cultures. The museum is free and open to the public, who can admire its outstanding collection of paintings, sculptures, drawings, and photography.
- The Saint Louis Science Center
The Saint Louis Science Center is home to many exciting exhibits and attractions in the city. Check out the Omnimax Theater, a four-story film experience that will take you on an adventure into the wild, underwater, or high up in the air. The science center also features a planetarium, a favorite educational facility with the largest artificial sky, and the Discovery Room, with more than 700 interactive exhibits and experiments. Whether you're a kid or a kid at heart, the Saint Louis Science Center is sure to educate and entertain you!
- RYZE Adventure Park
RYZE Adventure Park is an obligatory stop for thrill seekers and adventure lovers. With four stories of obstacle courses and over 100 challenges, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Soar through the treetops on the zip line, scale the rock climbing wall, or take a leap of faith off the bungee jump. For those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground, there are plenty of options for hiking, biking, and fishing.