Location Guide

Mellon Park

Mellon Park is a lovely, small park located in the Shadyside area, just 5 minutes from Bakery Square. It’s loved for its architectural backdrops, scenic gates, and seasonal garden. Its small footprint allows you to get a variety of backdrops in a short time.

Seasonality: This park is unusually lovely during all seasons due to its architectural backdrops. Colorful flowers and trees add additional interest Spring through Fall.

Walkability: This park is small and walkable but does have some steps.

Crowds: Because this park is small and popular among photographers, it can be somewhat crowded around sunset June-November.

Dogs: Dogs are allowed.

Parking: There is a paid parking lot off of Shady Avenue or street parking off of Beechwood Blvd. (Do not park in the lot next to the playground. This is too far from the meeting point.)

Meeting Point: Walled Garden, next to the fountain. If you prefer, call when you arrive, and I can meet you where you parked.

Allegheny Commons Park

Allegheny Commons North Park is a more urban park, located next to the Aviary. This park is also very close to the Mexican War Streets, where some families and couples like to venture for some street photography.

Seasonality: This park is best spring through fall. The ponds may lack water in the off-season. There are, however, some nice red brick walls that look good in photos year round. (Also, I should note that I especially love this park for morning/sunrise sessions!)

Walkability: We will stay in a rather small portion of this park, so it’s quite walkable.

Crowds: This park is pretty empty in the early mornings and more populated on nice evenings. I wouldn’t describe it as crowded, but we will likely see people.

Dogs: Dogs are allowed.

Parking: Park on W North Ave near the playground or the YMCA.

Meeting Point: Park on W North Ave near the playground. I will meet you on the sidewalk next to the parked cars. Just give me a call if you don’t see me!

Phipps Conservatory

Phipps Conservatory offers lovely greenhouse backdrops for families wanting something a little different. There is a large fee to take photos inside the conservatory and gardens, but the exterior is open to the public. There is also a small floral walkway (sometimes lined with lilac in late spring and early summer) that we may have access to.

Seasonality: Phipps can serve as a great backdrop year-round.

Walkability: The space is very walkable. We can stay in 1 spot or venture over to take a few pictures near the entrance to Schenley Park.

Crowds: Phipps is a popular wedding venue and tourist attraction. There aren’t likely to be many people in the areas we’ll take photos, but you may see crowds nearby or experience more difficulty parking on the weekends.

Parking: There is paid street parking right outside of Phipps.

Meeting Point: Main stairway entrance into the conservatory.

Aspinwall Riverfront Park

Aspinwall Riverfront Park is a great option for those wanting a Pittsburgh feel to their photos! Sunset is beautiful on the water, with bridges in the background. There’s also a grassy area with a very industrial feel.

Seasonality: This area is best spring through fall but offers a few backdrops that could be nice for a winter session.

Timing: Aspinwall Riverfront Park does host events, so weekday evening sessions are your best bet for avoiding a wedding party that may limit access to the dock. Additionally, I’d recommend sunset sessions rather than sunrise sessions at this location. Since there’s no shade on the dock, coming right before sunset is a great option (but note that the sun sets quite late in the summer months).

Walkability: The park has a pretty small footprint, so it’s quite walkable. Note that the dock does not have a railing, so you’ll need to keep a close eye on any young children.

Crowds: We may run into other photographers, bridal parties, or even just people coming to watch the sunset. Crowds are most common on weekends.

Dogs: Dogs are allowed, to my knowledge.

Parking: There’s plenty of parking right on site. I’d recommending parking on the far side, away from the playground, if your kids will get distracted and want to play.

Meeting Point: We’ll meet in the parking lot or near the large white brick building.