Best Locations for Family Photos Near Cedar Rapids, Iowa


Choosing the right location can make a big difference in the overall feel of your family photo session. The Cedar Rapids area has so many beautiful outdoor spaces that

work perfectly for relaxed, natural family photography.

Whether you love scenic nature views, open fields at sunset, or a slightly more urban backdrop, there’s a location that can fit your family’s style.

Here are some of my favorite spots for family photo sessions around the Cedar Rapids area.


Lake MacBride State Park


Lake MacBride State Park is a beautiful location if you love the look of water in your photos. Almost every where you go, you will be able to see beautiful Lake MacBride around you.

With lakeside views, wooded paths, and open natural areas, it provides a lot of variety and a very timeless outdoor feel.

This location works especially well during summer for those wildflower and beach photos or late summer and early fall when the trees add gorgeous color and depth to images.

A couple walks through autumn leaves during a fall photoshoot in a park with golden foliage.
Family enjoying a playful autumn photoshoot together in a park with golden leaves and sunlight filtering through trees.
A family relaxes together on a white blanket surrounded by colorful autumn leaves in a park setting.
A couple shares an intimate moment outdoors during autumn with golden fall foliage in the background.
A family poses together in tall golden grass during autumn with their black dog while wearing earth-toned clothing.
A series of candid outdoor family photos taken in a golden autumn field at sunset.
A series of three photos showing a child in brown clothing sitting on a wooden chair in tall autumn grass.
A sequence of images showing people picking wildflowers together in a sunlit wooded area.
A person and small dog walk along a grassy shoreline beside a tranquil lake on an autumn day.
A person skips stones across a tranquil lake surrounded by autumn trees on a golden afternoon.
Two people share joyful moments together on a beach with autumn foliage and water in the background.
A family portrait taken against a dramatic rocky cliff face backdrop.
A couple sitting together on rocky terrain, with the person in green wearing a long beard.
Three people sit on a railing overlooking autumn trees and water during golden hour at sunset.
A series of people skating along a waterfront path during a golden autumn sunset.
A group sits together on a white fence during autumn with golden foliage in the background.

Palisades-Kepler State Park


Palisades-Kepler is one of the most stunning natural locations near Cedar Rapids.

With wooded trails, beautiful overlooks, and soft evening light filtering through the trees, it’s perfect for families who love a peaceful, nature-filled setting.

This location offers a lot of variety within a short distance, like a beach with beautiful bluffs in the background, gorgeous trails along the river, which means we can capture multiple looks during one session while keeping everything relaxed and easy.

No matter what the season, Palisades is always a great option!


A family walks together on a sandy beach with dramatic limestone cliffs and autumn foliage in the background.
Three children stand outdoors on a blanket in autumn, with the front child wearing brown overalls and a white shirt.

October

Two people explore the rocky shoreline of a river on a sunny day while examining the natural surroundings.

August

A family sits together on a fallen log in a natural outdoor setting during a sunny day.

March

Morgan Creek Park


Morgan Creek Park is a favorite for its wide open spaces and natural feel. The tall grasses and tree-lined areas photograph beautifully during golden hour, creating warm, soft light that is perfect for family portraits. The crab apple tree bloom in early spring is something you won't want to miss!

It’s also a great option for families with younger kids since there’s plenty of room for them to move, explore, and have fun during the session.


A group of people joyfully running through a snow-covered orchard with bare winter trees overhead.

This session started off with no snow and ended with an epic blizzard run through the trees

A family sits together outdoors on grass wearing casual clothing in matching blue and green tones.
Two children lying on a white blanket outdoors wearing casual clothes and making playful expressions.
A child in a floral dress bends down to smell bright yellow daisies growing in a summer garden.

Wanatee Park


Wanatee Park offers a really nice mix of open fields, water views, and tree-lined spaces.

The light here can be especially beautiful in the evening, and the scenery works well for both candid moments and classic family portraits.

The peaceful setting makes it a great location for relaxed sessions.


Two people walk together on a scenic path during golden hour as sunlight filters through trees in the background.
A couple embraces in a romantic outdoor photoshoot against a golden sunset in a rustic field setting.
Expectant woman in a flowing cream dress stands in a field with evergreen trees in the background during golden hour.
A couple holds their brown and white dog while posing together outdoors in a natural setting during golden hour.

Kent Park (Oxford)


Kent Park is another hidden gem near the Cedar Rapids area (30 miles south).

It features scenic trails, open tall grassy fields, and a beautiful lake area that gives sessions a calm and natural feel, old repurposed bridges from the late 1870's to early 1930's can be found all over the park, they add an instant nostalgic and elevated feel to your images.

The variety of landscapes here makes it easy to capture a range of images during one session. With a Conservation Education Center surrounded by beautiful wildflower prairie, it's a go-to location for summer time and early fall.

The High Point Shelter area offers an amazing view on top of a hill in the middle of a grassy plain, tall grass surrounds you on a mowed grass trail, a small pond below in the background, endless blue sky to frame you in.

This is another park you'll want to have on your family photos 'bucket list'.

Family group poses together on rustic wooden bridge surrounded by autumn foliage in outdoor photo session.
Child in navy vest and floral top poses playfully on wooden boardwalk during autumn season.
A series of vintage family photographs from the 1970s showing outdoor gatherings and group portraits.
Two people wearing casual attire share warm embraces while posing together in a natural outdoor setting with trees.
A person in an orange shirt takes aim with a rifle while shooting at an outdoor range.
A woman in a brown sweater and leopard print skirt walks through a golden autumn field at sunset.
A person in a white dress and beige cardigan sits on a wooden dock holding pink flowers near a serene pond.
A romantic lakeside proposal scene unfolds on a grassy lawn during a sunny summer day.
A couple in white and gray attire shares a romantic moment while walking along a lakeside path in summer.
Large group of people standing together outdoors by a lake wearing casual attire for a group photo.
A panoramic collage of group photos taken outdoors in a natural setting with greenery and sunlight.

Downtown Cedar Rapids


Downtown Cedar Rapids is perfect for families looking for a more modern or urban backdrop.

Brick buildings, textured walls, and interesting architecture add variety and personality to photos while still allowing for natural moments and movement.

It’s a great choice if you want something a little different from a traditional park setting.

A sequence of connected people bending forward in a wave-like motion against a white wall.

Newbo area

Family wearing coordinated red and khaki outfits poses against rustic metal wall outdoors.
A sequence of five photos showing people sitting against a white wall, arranged in a horizontal layout.
Young child in a red t-shirt and khaki shorts sits against a brick wall looking to the side.

More of My Favorites Include:


7th Avenue in Marion

For families who love a slightly more urban feel while still keeping things relaxed and natural, the area along 7th Avenue in Marion provides

great textures, interesting backdrops, and beautiful light.

The mix of architecture, sidewalks, and greenery creates a unique setting for family sessions.


Pleasant Creek State Recreation Area (Palo)

Pleasant Creek offers a peaceful lakeside setting with open spaces, trees, and natural shoreline views.

It’s a beautiful location for sunset sessions and works well for families who love a quiet outdoor atmosphere.

The natural surroundings create a timeless look that pairs perfectly with relaxed family photography.


Choosing the Right Location for Your Family

Every family session is a little different, and the best location often depends on the look you love most.

Some families prefer open fields and golden sunsets, while others love wooded trails or a downtown feel.

If you’re not sure which location would be the best fit, I’m always happy to help guide you based on your vision, the season, and the type of images you’re hoping for.

No matter which location we choose, the focus will always be on capturing genuine moments and creating timeless images your family will love for years to come.