Monday, January 3, 2011

Top Photo Locations in Edmonton


One question I get asked quite often is, "Where should we go for our portraits?" To help with planning your outdoor portraits or family photo session, here are a few suggested photo locations from Edmonton and area, including both indoor and outdoor spots for great pictures. Of course this is by no means an exhaustive list, but it is a great place to start! If you have other suggestions please let me know

My personal favorite photo back drop is the Whitemud Park

There are some great locations - interesting trails, bridges and access to the river front - the going is sometimes a little uneven so wear comfortable shoes.

Great opportunities whatever the season

Alberta Legislature
(Outdoors open free to the public; indoor photographs are not permitted.)

The Alberta Legislature grounds is one of the most popular - and populated - parks in the city. With amazing variety of mature trees, beautiful architecture and plentiful flowers there are abundant photo opportunities here. There are often other weddings on the grounds as well as tourists, but there is so much space this rarely creates a problem.

Some of these location charge a fee, for formal photo shoots like weddings so please check out their appropriate web sites to see their rules and regulations regarding formal photo shoots

Royal Alberta Museum & Government House
Contact: Administration at (780) 453-9100

The Museum grounds and the Government House are very popular for wedding photos. An excellent blend of landscaping and architecture provide lots of visual variety within a relatively small area. This is a public park, so there is no charge to use the grounds or building exteriors for portraits.

Citadel Theatre
Contact: Administration at (780) 426-4811

The Citadel theatre has a large indoor garden featuring an upstairs lake and a waterfall wall. An atrium upstairs may be rented for indoor ceremonies. Daytime sessions are best as most of the interior light comes from their large windows.

Edmonton City Hall
Booking Clerk:
(780) 944-7740

City Hall is a beautifully designed building with a selection of railings, pillars, staircases and smaller features which keep portrait backgrounds interesting. A high-key (light) colour scheme dominates most of the interior. Most days the interior is fairly quiet although on a nice summer day the fountains outside do attract waders.

Devonian Botanic Gardens
Contact:
Bookings at (780) 987-2496

Although this is an outdoor-only location - and a bit of a drive too - the Devonian Gardens provides almost unparalleled beauty and variety. The Japanese Garden is the most popular section, featuring a waterfall, bridge, lake (with stepping stones), walkways, and varied foliage for a wonderful variety of beautiful photo locations.

Fort Edmonton Park
Photos site - www.ftedmontonpark.com
Contact:
Phone: (780) 496-8787

For a stunning historical look to your portraits Fort Edmonton offers an amazing variety of beautiful locations. The river valley setting and the many different faces of this facility add a unique character to your portraits. Some churches and buildings on the grounds can be booked to add character to your ceremony or reception.

John Janzen Nature Center
Phone:
(780) 496-2925

Located right next to Fort Edmonton Park, the Nature Center offers a varied natural parkland for beautiful photo opportunities. A bridge leading over a small pond leads into a system of nature trails which are great places to spend some time exploring - and taking pictures!

Muttart Conservatory
Contact: Bookings at (780) 442-5311 or muttartquestions@edmonton.ca
Cost: see details on website
Beautiful any time of year, the Muttart Conservatory contains four indoor gardens of differing style. Lots of flowers, indoor waterways and bridges, and paths through the greenery make for excellent photographs. I have used the grounds for family photos and pet portraits

Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village
Contact: (780) 662-3640 or email uchv@gov.ab.ca

Very few locations in the Edmonton area bring out the sense of history and beauty that you will find at the Ukranian Village. Just 20 minutes from Edmonton city limits, the trip is very reasonable and the results are worth it. Unique photo opportunities and a rich historical character to the park all make for an enjoyable visit.

Outdoor Locations that are also lots of fun
Here's a brief list of alternative ideas you may wish to consider!
- Alberta Railway Museum - http://railwaymuseum.ab.ca
- Celtic Hall - www.edmontongolfdome.com/
- Windship Aviation (Hot Air Balloons) - www.windshipaviation.com
- Edmonton Valley Zoo - www.edmonton.ca/valleyzoo
- Ukranian Cultural Heritage Village - www.cd.gov.ab.ca/uchv
- Edmonton Queen Riverboat - www.edmontonqueen.com
- John Walter Museum - www.edmonton.ca/johnwalter
- Edmonton Aviation Museum - www.albertaaviationmuseum.com/

Corn maze - is a seasonal location but offers lots of unique opportunities

City Golf courses – please contact each one individually to get permission and enquire about their booking and fee structure .

City Parks - there are oodles of parks throughout Edmonton usually one in each small community

Lets use Edmonton as the perfect photo back drop

www.imagineitsold.ca for photo packages and pricing

2 comments:

  1. Thank-you for adding us to the list Linda! There are some very unique spots for pictures at the Park, and all over the city.

    We have new photos up of the park and photo slide show too so feel free to use our address at http://www.fortedmontonpark.ca.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I read your post. It is very helpful for me.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Edmonton Interior Photographer

    ReplyDelete