Best Photo Locations in Oklahoma City

Your guide to the most beautiful and photogenic spots in OKC

Oklahoma City offers an incredible variety of photography locations, from lush botanical gardens and scenic lakefronts to historic districts and modern urban spaces. Whether you're planning an engagement session, family portraits, or senior photos, this guide will help you discover the perfect backdrop for your photography session.

As a local Oklahoma City photographer, I've had the privilege of shooting at each of these locations and can help you choose the perfect spot based on your style, the time of year, and the type of session you're planning.

Top 10 OKC Photo Locations

Myriad Botanical Gardens

A stunning 15-acre urban oasis in downtown Oklahoma City featuring the Crystal Bridge Tropical Conservatory, beautiful gardens, and scenic water features. Perfect for engagement sessions and family portraits year-round.

Best ForEngagements, Family Portraits, Senior Photos

Best TimeGolden hour (1-2 hours before sunset) offers the best lighting

Location301 W Reno Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Pro Tip:

The gardens are busiest on weekends. Weekday sessions offer more privacy and flexibility.

Scissortail Park

Oklahoma City's newest premier park spans 70 acres with stunning skyline views, a beautiful lake, and modern architectural features. The park offers diverse backdrops from urban to natural settings.

Best ForEngagements, Family Portraits, Senior Photos

Best TimeSunset sessions showcase the downtown skyline beautifully

Location300 SW 7th St, Oklahoma City, OK 73109

Pro Tip:

The upper park near the Skydance Bridge offers the most iconic OKC views.

Bricktown

Oklahoma City's entertainment district features historic brick buildings, the Bricktown Canal, colorful murals, and urban charm. Ideal for couples who love city vibes and architectural interest.

Best ForEngagements, Senior Photos, Headshots

Best TimeEarly morning or golden hour avoids crowds

LocationBricktown, Oklahoma City, OK 73104

Pro Tip:

The canal area and murals near the baseball stadium offer great variety in one location.

Paseo Arts District

Oklahoma City's original arts district features Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, colorful galleries, and an eclectic, bohemian atmosphere. Perfect for creative, artistic portrait sessions.

Best ForEngagements, Senior Photos, Creative Portraits

Best TimeWeekday mornings offer the best lighting and fewest crowds

LocationPaseo District, Oklahoma City, OK 73103

Pro Tip:

Explore the side streets for hidden gems—colorful doors, unique textures, and charming courtyards.

Lake Hefner

A beloved Oklahoma City destination featuring beautiful lake views, the iconic lighthouse, and stunning sunsets. The trails and open spaces provide a natural, relaxed setting for photography.

Best ForEngagements, Family Portraits, Senior Photos

Best TimeSunset is absolutely magical here—plan to arrive 1 hour before

LocationLake Hefner, Oklahoma City, OK 73116

Pro Tip:

The lighthouse area and Stars and Stripes Park offer the most picturesque views.

Oklahoma City National Memorial

A place of reflection and remembrance, the memorial's Field of Empty Chairs, Reflecting Pool, and Survivor Tree create a powerful, meaningful backdrop. Best suited for thoughtful, artistic sessions.

Best ForPortraits, Artistic Sessions

Best TimeEarly morning offers peaceful solitude and soft lighting

Location620 N Harvey Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Pro Tip:

This is a place of remembrance—approach sessions with respect and sensitivity.

Wheeler Park Historic District

One of Oklahoma City's oldest neighborhoods featuring historic Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and classic American charm. Perfect for timeless, elegant portrait sessions.

Best ForFamily Portraits, Engagements, Senior Photos

Best TimeSpring and fall offer beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures

LocationWheeler Park, Oklahoma City, OK 73102

Pro Tip:

The park itself and surrounding streets offer varied backdrops from manicured lawns to historic architecture.

Martin Park Nature Center

A 140-acre nature preserve offering wooded trails, meadows, and natural Oklahoma landscapes. Ideal for couples and families who prefer outdoor, natural settings over urban backdrops.

Best ForFamily Portraits, Engagements, Senior Photos

Best TimeFall colors and spring wildflowers are particularly stunning

Location5000 W Memorial Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73142

Pro Tip:

Wear comfortable shoes—we may explore the trails for the best spots.

Boathouse District

Oklahoma City's premier outdoor recreation destination along the Oklahoma River features modern architecture, colorful boathouses, and river views. Great for active couples and modern aesthetics.

Best ForEngagements, Senior Photos, Athletic Portraits

Best TimeGolden hour highlights the colorful boathouses beautifully

Location725 S Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73129

Pro Tip:

The Skydance Bridge and colorful boathouse row offer the most striking backdrops.

Capitol Building & Grounds

The Oklahoma State Capitol and its manicured grounds offer grand architecture, classical columns, and formal gardens. Perfect for elegant, sophisticated portrait sessions.

Best ForEngagements, Professional Portraits, Senior Photos

Best TimeMorning light on the east-facing facade is ideal

Location2300 N Lincoln Blvd, Oklahoma City, OK 73105

Pro Tip:

The building's interior (when accessible) offers stunning architectural details for formal portraits.

Quick Navigation

Myriad Botanical Gardens Scissortail Park Bricktown Paseo Arts District Lake Hefner Oklahoma City National Memorial Wheeler Park Historic District Martin Park Nature Center Boathouse District Capitol Building & Grounds

Tips for Planning Your OKC Photo Session

Consider the Season

Oklahoma has beautiful but variable weather. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage. Summer sessions are best scheduled for early morning or golden hour to avoid the heat.

Time Your Session Right

The "golden hour" (1-2 hours before sunset) offers the most flattering, warm light. For locations with skyline views like Scissortail Park, sunset timing creates stunning backlit photos.

Weekday vs. Weekend

Popular locations like Myriad Gardens and Scissortail Park get busy on weekends. Weekday sessions offer more privacy and flexibility to use the best spots without crowds.

Multiple Locations

Many of these locations are close together. A session that combines Bricktown and Scissortail Park, or Myriad Gardens and downtown, can give you a diverse gallery with minimal travel time.

Ready to Book Your Session?

I'd love to help you choose the perfect location for your photography session. Whether it's an engagement, family portraits, or senior photos, I can recommend the best spots based on your vision and style.

ENGAGEMENT SESSIONS SENIOR PORTRAITS FAMILY PORTRAITS

Let's Find Your Perfect Location

Not sure which location is right for you? Let's chat! I'll help you choose the perfect spot based on your style, the season, and the type of photos you're looking for.

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