Are you a seasoned professional photographer looking for somewhere to take a client, an upcoming professional looking to build your portfolio, a social media influencer looking for that next spot to take a selfie, or a budding amateur just wanting something new to photo? Well the greater Orlando area offers more than a few iconic outdoor locations to use as a backdrop for some memorable photos.

These are my top 5.

Kraft Azalea Garden, 1365 Alabama Dr, Winter Park

Free Entry

A 5.2 acre quiet park that looks out over Lake Maitland. Shaded by Cypress Trees and containing the Exedra Monument, which gives the park a Roman look. This location offers everything from water views to lush vegetation and the beautiful architecture gives a photographer many different backdrops for some great photos.

I love this location for the many different looks it offers, the cypress trees, and the sunset views through the trees.

Harry P Leu Gardens, 1920 N Forest Ave, Orlando

Entry Fee: CASHLESS ENTRY - Adults $10 Children (4-17) $5 Toddlers (3 and younger) Free

Almost 50 acres of meticulously landscaped gardens that have walkways to exotic, native, and fruit plants. This location offers plenty of photographic opportunities. Where else in Orlando can you photograph in a Citrus Grove, a Butterfly Garden, with azaleas, or bamboo in the background all in one place. This is a very popular spot for weddings in Orlando because of the beauty and diversity of locations.

Please be aware that visitors are allowed to take photographs and videos for personal use only. Portrait photography (engagement/family photos) is permitted with paid daytime admission from 9:00am to 4pm (only one camera bag and tripod allowed in, no props and no dressing rooms).

Commercial photography and video (advertising products or services) requires prior permission from the Director of Leu Gardens is also subject to fees and permitting.

My wife and I considered this venue to have our wedding at. We loved walking around the grounds and seeing everything that they had taken years to cultivate. Even if you don’t have a need to photo at this location I would recommend visiting it anyway. If you like or love nature you won’t be disappointed.

Lake Eola Park, Downtown Orlando

Free Entry

A public park located in Downtown Orlando that has almost 1 mile of walkways around the lake. On the west side you will find the Amphitheatre, the east side has a Chinese pagoda and a playground. Circling the lake you will find weeping willows and public art on display. In the middle of the lake is the famous Eola Fountain which changes colors depending on the season or special events happening in and around Orlando. All of this with the backdrop of high rises makes for incredible photographic opportunities.

If you do photography shoots for engagements, graduations, modeling, or glamour Lake Eola should be on your list of locations to use.

Downtown Celebration

Free Entry

Celebration was built by Disney in the 90’s as the ‘Community of Tomorrow.’ The Celebration Town Center has shops, restaurants, and homes that are a walkable distance to everything the downtown area offers. Although designed and built by Disney do not expect the town to look Disney-like. Celebration has its own charm that has to be experienced.

Throughout the year there are many events in the Town Center area that present opportunities for photographers of all skill levels to use as a backdrop. Of significant note is their Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Winter Wonderland Christmas event which includes snow, albeit fake. A perfect downtown location for engagement, seasonal, family shoots, and the even a selfie with the latest cell phone.

I love the vibe of Celebration. Not your old Florida kind of town, it’s more of a modern feel but it definitely has charm for photographers.

Downtown Mt. Dora

Free Entry

Rounding out my top 5 choices is the art mecca of Central Florida, the city of Mt. Dora. Sitting on the shore of Lake Dora this city has long been a haven for artists. With art galleries, antique shops, one of only three freshwater lighthouses in the state, and an old Florida town feel this is most definitely a place that I would recommend you checking out. Known as ‘Festival City’ it is definitely a photogenic city that offers more than a few backdrops for photographers.

I can’t express how much I love Mt. Dora. I’ve done several aerial photos of the area and one of my favourite’s is of the lighthouse with the sunset in the background. It is a must see for sure.

As I stated at the beginning these are my my top 5 spots in the greater Orlando and surrounding area but there are absolutely more places that would fit the bill for photographers. I tried to present in this article places that are diverse and most importantly free or relatively low in cost. While my primary medium is aerial photography and videography I also appreciate the need to have affordable access to the places I need to capture. I hope that this list is of some help if you need to find a place to shoot at. Leave a comment if you have a place that you absolutely love and would like to share.