If you’re searching for the most picturesque spots in Oklahoma City, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive insiders guide will help you uncover the best places to take photos in OKC, from vibrant urban landscapes to serene natural escapes. Whether you’re looking to capture family portraits, high school senior shots, or just some Instagram-worthy moments, this list has you covered. I have included tips for each spot, pros and cons and essential details like cost and safety. Let’s dive in!
Let’s Explore the Best Places to Take Photos in OKC
Table of Contents
Downtown & Midtown OKC -One of the Most Diverse Places to Take Photos in OKC
Myriad Botanical Gardens & Crystal Bridge
A must-see for photographers, the Myriad Botanical Gardens offers lush gardens, beautiful water features, and carefully tended garden beds. The Crystal Bridge’s sleek design provides a modern backdrop that contrasts perfectly with the surrounding greenery. One thing to know is that despite its size, the Myriad Gardens can get very busy. It’s a favorite for local photographers for a reason! I tend to avoid it during weekends and “peak photography” season (October). Also, check the calendar as there are often many events at the Myriad. I do love shooting here because I enjoy using both the gardens and then walking across the street and getting some urban shots around Devon tower and the Colcord Hotel. Also, the Crystal Bridge can work as a great backup indoor shooting location – just make sure all parties have purchased an admission ticket first!
Cons: Can be crowded on weekends. Always check the calendar first!
Cost: Gardens are free; Crystal Bridge admission is $10.50 for adults, $5.50 for youth.
Safety: Very safe, well-maintained with visible security.
Scissortail Park
Covering 70 acres, this expansive park offers city views, manicured lawns, gardens, and modern architecture. The Skyline views from the park are phenomenal. Scissortail Park is one of my favorite places to take photos in OKC because it has so much variety and is beautiful for both family and high school senior photo sessions. I like to start at the Northern end and walk our way south, ending at the Skydance Bridge. The Union Station is also a beautiful building and a very stately location to end the session. I would not bother going farther south than Skydance Bridge as those areas are primarily sports court areas and open green space.
Best Time to Shoot: Sunset for beautiful skyline photos.
Pros: HUGE variety here – there are manicured garden spaces, wild garden spaces, wildflowers, architectural elements, etc.
Cons: Can be crowded during events, so check the calendar!
Leadership Square (Mirrored Building Area)
For modern, minimalist backdrops, Leadership Square provides reflective surfaces that make for creative shots. I love this location! It’s urban, happy, unique and sleek. The building reflections are the icing on the cake!
Best Time to Shoot: Midday for reflections
Bricktown
The Bricktown District is surprisingly large – so don’t go there without a plan! Also be prepared for plenty of walking – ladies, bring comfy slip ons if you are wearing heels.
Best Time to Shoot: Mid-morning or mid-afternoon. The canals and tall buildings block quite a bit of light.
Pros: Rustic urban charm, canal views, and great urban textures.
Cons: It can be crowded during weekends.
Automobile Alley
This vibrant, artsy neighborhood offers stunning murals, neon signs, and colorful storefronts. A perfect spot for creative, urban-style photoshoots. Automobile Alley is especially great for senior girls – the bright pastel colors around the Factory Obscure building are sooooooo fun. I usually park around the Iguana Lounge area and walk around. (P.S. Iguana Lounge is a delightful little after-shoot-stop for a queso + marg treat!)
Pros: Colorful Murals, vintage architecture, urban vibes.
Safety: Please do not shoot on railroad tracks! Not only is this completely illegal, but it is so unsafe. No photo is worth the cost of a life!
Civic Center
The Civic Center features classic architecture with marble columns and landscaped gardens. The art-deco building is beautiful for Ideal for formal or elegant photos. The Civic Center is also within walking distance of Leadership Square.
Cons: Busy during performances – check their schedule.
Safety: Generally safe, but please know that the park area in front of the Civic Center often has homeless people.
Frontline Church Steps & Nearby Rooftop
Frontline Church boasts gorgeous stone steps and the most stunning dome roof. The nearby parking garage rooftop offers incredible city views and a beautiful view of the dome. I generally bring a ladder when shooting at this location, as the steps are steep and I don’t like pointing up at my subjects.
Cons: Limited access to the rooftop.
Cost: You will need to pay to enter/exit garage parking.
View a beautiful senior photo session that ended on a rooftop in downtown OKC.
Oklahoma Contemporary Museum
With its minimalist, futuristic architecture, the Oklahoma Contemporary Museum provides an excellent setting for modern, editorial-style photos. The Oklahoma Contemporary is one of the overlooked places to take photos in OKC, but it makes for a great second location. There is also often an art display in front of the building, which can make for very interesting photos. A few years back there was an old Plymouth Duster car that was turned vertically on a reflective pool. So cool!
Underground Tunnels
A hidden gem featuring modern fluorescent lighting, colorful walls, and a slightly eerie feel. It’s an ideal spot for creative and edgy photoshoots. I prefer to use a flash/lighting here, as the color casting from the brightly painted walls and colorful lighting can be an issue.
Best Time to Shoot: Anytime; lighting is consistent. However, please note that the hours for the OKC Underground are 6:00am – 8:00pm/
Cons: Can feel cramped; best for solo or small group shots.
Cost: Free
Farmers Market OKC
The historic Farmers Market District offers a unique blend of rustic charm and urban aesthetics. With its vintage-style brick buildings, colorful murals, and industrial features, it’s a versatile spot for creative photoshoots. The district’s market hall is also a popular backdrop, providing a classic, old-world Spanish feel. There is SO much variety here and less walking around than other urban areas.
Cons: Can be crowded during events or weekends.
Safety: Safe, but there is lots of broken glass, rusty metal and other unsafe items. I would not shoot here with young children.
Plaza District – An Artistic Place to Take Photos in OKC
The Plaza District is a vibrant, artsy neighborhood known for its eclectic street art, colorful murals, and creative energy. With unique storefronts, textured walls, and artistic installations, it’s a favorite among photographers. (Hot tip – hit up Pie Junkie for a post-sesh treat. Yummmmm….)
Best Time to Shoot: Early morning for minimal foot traffic, or late afternoon for golden-hour light against the murals.
Pros: Diverse backdrops, eye-catching murals, and a relaxed, creative vibe.
Cons: Busy during events and weekends; parking can be a challenge.
Cost: Free
Safety: Generally safe, but be aware of your surroundings when shooting near traffic. The streets are busy and cars zoom by. Also, it’s not a “rough” area, but you do need to make sure and lock your vehicle and be mindful of your surroundings.
Lake Hefner Area – An Iconic Location for Photos in OKC
Lake Hefner Lighthouse
This famous spot offers a nautical feel with gorgeous sunsets over the water. It’s an ideal location for dreamy, serene photo sessions.
Best Time to Shoot: Sunrise or sunset for stunning skies and water reflections.
Pros: Beautiful sunsets, open views, peaceful atmosphere.
Cons: Windy conditions can be challenging. Even on a calm day, it’s an area that just gets a lot of wind.
Stars & Stripes Park
A beautiful, open area along Lake Hefner with modern sculptures, greenery, and water views. Perfect for family portraits and casual lifestyle shoots.
Pros: Versatile backgrounds, playful spaces, great for lifestyle shots.
Bluff Creek Park
A serene, hidden gem near Lake Hefner. It offers wooded trails, rustic bridges, and beautiful shaded areas, perfect for nature-themed shoots.
Best Time to Shoot: Early morning or late afternoon for soft lighting through the trees.
Pros: Peaceful natural setting, diverse foliage, and textures.
Cons: Trails can be muddy after rain.
Oklahoma River Area – A Surprisingly Architectural Location for OKC Photos
Wheeler Park
The iconic Wheeler Ferris Wheel stands tall with the OKC skyline as a backdrop. It’s a fun, playful spot perfect for lifestyle and editorial shoots. Fun fact: it was originally located on the Santa Monica Pier in California for over 40 years before being sold on eBay in 2008! The Wheeler District developers purchased the wheel, had it restored and rebuilt, and it now stands as a unique landmark along the Oklahoma River.
Best Time to Shoot: Wheeler Park closes during Winter and sometimes as odd open dates – check online for the schedule.
Cons: It gets very crowded during weekends and during the market times.
Cost: Entering the park area is free; Ferris Wheel rides do cost extra.
Wheeler Neighborhood
A minimalist, modern neighborhood with stylish architecture and clean lines. Perfect for chic urban photos. The “painted lady” homes that face Western Ave are so great for senior girls.
Good to know: Please keep in mind that people live here. I have seen so many photographers that direct their clients to use porches, yards and the walls of peoples’ homes as photo session props. Not cool.
View a stunning high school senior photo session that began in the Wheeler Neighborhood
Devon Boathouse
The Devon Boathouse is an architectural gem along the Oklahoma River. Its dramatic lines and reflective surfaces are perfect for creative shots. At night, the building lights up with fluorescent lights that look amazing in photos.
Pros: Dramatic architecture, clean lines. Plenty of parking available.
Nature Photo Locations in OKC
Martin Park Nature Center
This hidden gem features wooded trails, creeks, and bridges, providing a beautiful natural setting for any photoshoot.
Pros: Peaceful atmosphere, wildlife sightings.
Cons: Muddy trails after rain.
Safety: Stick to marked trails for safety. There are snakes, ticks and chiggers!
Lake Overholser
A serene setting with rustic piers and water views. Ideal for peaceful, reflective photography sessions.
Safety: Avoid steep drop-offs near the lake.
Will Rogers Park
Will Rogers Park is a true Oklahoma City gem, offering a blend of lush, manicured gardens and natural beauty that makes it a perfect spot for family and senior photo sessions. With its beautifully landscaped rose gardens, charming arched bridges, and serene ponds, it feels like stepping into a secret garden right in the heart of the city. The golden hour light filtering through the trees is pure magic, creating that soft, dreamy glow that makes every photo feel effortlessly elegant. And if you’re into a mix of structured beauty and wild greenery, the contrast here is unbeatable. Just keep an eye out for the occasional squad of overly-friendly ducks trying to steal the spotlight!
Cons: Pay attention to the opening and closing hours! I have heard some horror stories of getting “locked in.” yikes!
Capitol Hill – A Timeless Area for OKC Photos
The Capitol Building
The Oklahoma State Capitol Building is a stunning structure featuring classical Greco-Roman architecture with its grand dome, towering columns, and sprawling landscaped grounds. It’s perfect for dramatic, formal photoshoots with a historic flair.
Best Time to Shoot: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh light and crowds.
Pros: Timeless architecture, expansive open spaces, beautiful details.
Cons: Limited variety if only using the front steps and exterior. If you choose to shoot during working hours, you will likely get quite a bit of attention from people working here.
Cost: Free
Harn Homestead
A historic property with charming barns, open fields, and vintage structures. The big wooden barn is beautiful and also has some nice landscaping surrounding it. Great for rustic-themed photoshoots.
Cost: Fee required for professional shoots. You. need to call and book ahead for availability.
The Paseo Arts District
The Paseo Arts District is a colorful, bohemian enclave that feels like a little slice of Europe right in OKC. Its vibrant, Spanish-inspired architecture with stucco buildings, arched doorways, and bold splashes of color make it a fantastic spot for creative, artsy photos. The area is filled with art galleries, charming boutiques, and textured walls that add a touch of artistic flair to your photo session.
Cons: Parking always takes a few minutes. Also, the walkways are pretty narrow – it’s not a place for a larger family or young children.
The OAK
The OAK is OKC’s newest shopping area. The beautiful Pottery Barn building gives modern farmhouse vibes, while the center park area has a sleek mirrored tree sculpture that is just begging for one of my signature fisheye photographs! I haven’t shot here yet, but believe me it is on my list!
Cons: Right now it is still being built, so there is not a lot of areas to shoot in. There is also quite a bit of construction.
Favorite Photo Locations Just Outside OKC
Downtown Edmond
A charming spot with historic architecture, vibrant murals, and quirky storefronts. It’s a great place for sidewalk shots with cute cafe light bokeh. (Hot tip: Afterwards, head to Round Midnight for a tasty cocktail with the absolute best atmosphere in town. It’s my favorite place in Edmond!)
Cons: Parking can take a minute sometimes, but it’s free and might require a tad bit of walking.
Edmond – Arcadia Lake
A stunning natural retreat just outside OKC. Its water views, wooded trails, and open fields provide a perfect backdrop for nature-themed photos.
Cons: The landscape here can change quite a bit – it’s one of those places that I ALWAYS scout out first very carefully.
Cost: $6-$7 per vehicle.
North Edmond – The Baumberhof
Located just outside of Oklahoma City in Edmond, The Baumberhof is a picturesque Bavarian-inspired venue featuring charming architecture, expansive gardens, and serene natural surroundings. It’s a dream setting for editorial or lifestyle photoshoots with its European village aesthetic. It’s a favorite for wedding photos and is often featured as one of the best places to take photos in OKC in bridal magazines and features.
Pros: Unique architectural style, beautiful landscaped grounds.
Cons: Booking required for professional shoots.
Cost: Varies; inquire for details.
Norman – University of Oklahoma (OU) Campus
The University of Oklahoma’s campus is a beautiful blend of classic architecture and manicured gardens. From the Bizzell Memorial Library to the historic buildings, it’s a treasure trove of photo opportunities. I usually like to start at the North Oval and work my around from there.
Are you a graduating OU senior? Contact me for your University of Oklahoma graduation photo session!
Norman – Sutton Wilderness
A rustic, wooded area with trails, open fields, and a tranquil pond. Ideal for natural, earthy photoshoots. Usually there is tall prairie grass, which looks great for field sessions.
Cons: Muddy trails after rain. Plus this area is KNOWN to have lots of chiggers. Do NOT, I repeat do NOT go without bug spray!
Cost: Free
Downtown Guthrie
Guthrie was once the capitol of Oklahoma, and it’s quaint downtown area still has some of the dignified charm. If you love brick pathways, old buildings with details and a “small town” feel, then Downtown Guthrie is a perfect place for your photo session.
Final Thoughts
Oklahoma City and its neighboring towns are brimming with amazing places to capture breathtaking photos. From modern cityscapes to lush nature spots, there’s something for everyone. Be sure to plan your visits during the best lighting conditions and keep this guide handy as you explore the best places to take photos in OKC and beyond. Happy shooting!
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