Omaha, NE Locations for Family & Senior Photo Sessions (Updated July 2026)
One of my favorite things about photographing families and seniors in the Omaha area is the incredible variety of outdoor locations we have. From peaceful nature escapes to iconic urban backdrops, there’s a perfect spot for every style and personality. Here’s a roundup of some of my go-to locations in and around Omaha, NE for family and senior photo sessions—plus a few worth traveling for!
Douglas County Courthouse – Omaha, Nebraska
If you're looking for a location that offers timeless elegance and endless variety, the Douglas County Courthouse is one of my absolute favorites. Every corner offers a new look, allowing us to capture a wide variety of images without traveling to multiple locations.
This location is perfect for:
- Senior Sessions – Whether you're looking for classic, modern, or editorial-style portraits, the courthouse offers a polished and elevated feel.
- Family Sessions – The neutral architecture keeps the focus on your family while creating a clean, timeless backdrop that will never go out of style.
- If you love a sophisticated, urban look with gorgeous architecture and beautiful natural light, the Douglas County Courthouse is an excellent choice for your session.
🌿 Lilac Hills (Louisville)
One of my newest (and quickly becoming one of my favorite!) session locations, Lilac Hills offers stunning open fields, hills, and gorgeous natural scenery, barn doors, stairs Even better? This beautiful property is typically reserved as a wedding venue on weekends, and I'm one of only a handful of photographers with weekday access—making it a truly unique location that not many seniors or families get to experience.
Perfect for those who love a relaxed, outdoorsy feel with endless golden light and room to explore.
Best For:
- Golden hour sessions
- Families who want room to run and play
- Seniors who love a natural, timeless, outdoorsy vibe
If you're looking for the perfect mix of modern charm and timeless character, Downtown Elkhorn and Old Lincoln Highway are one of my favorite combinations!
Downtown Elkhorn offers fun urban backdrops, unique storefronts, and plenty of variety. During golden hour, the warm light creates an incredible glow that makes every image pop.
Just a few minutes away, Old Lincoln Highway provides a completely different feel. With its historic charm, beautiful architecture, and classic scenery, it's the perfect place to create elegant, timeless portraits that never go out of style.
This location pairing is ideal for seniors who want a gallery full of variety—from casual and modern to polished and classic—all in one session.
Best for:
- Seniors wanting both urban and timeless looks
- Golden hour sessions
- Casual and dressy outfit changes
- A wide variety of backgrounds in a short amount of time
🌿 Chalco Hills Recreation Area
Best for:
- Golden hour sessions
- Families who want space to move
- Seniors who love a natural, outdoorsy vibe
🌊 Zorinsky Lake
Zorinsky offers a beautiful mix of lake views, paved paths, trees, and open sky. It’s especially gorgeous in late spring and summer when everything is lush and green.
Best for:
- Light, airy sessions
- Families with older kids
- Senior sessions
🌸 Lauritzen Gardens
This is hands-down one of the most visually stunning locations in Omaha and absolutely one of my favorite places. Flowers, manicured paths, seasonal blooms, and European-inspired architecture make Lauritzen Gardens feel like you stepped into another world.
New for 2026- Lauritzen Gardens is now charging a $250 Photographer fee for all senior, engagement, etc. sessions. In addition, there is a plan ahead component as they will only allow so many photographers in the gardens at a time.
Best for:
- Elegant family portraits
- Seniors wanting a refined, colorful look
- Spring, summer, and fall sessions
🌳 OPPD Arboretum
Tucked away and often overlooked, the OPPD Arboretum is a hidden gem. Mature trees, shaded paths, and peaceful surroundings make it perfect for timeless portraits.
Best for:
- Seniors who want something quiet and classic
- Families looking for a low-key environment
- Summer and fall
🏙 Downtown Omaha
If you’re drawn to brick walls, urban textures, alleyways, fountains, and a modern edge—Downtown Omaha is for you. The mix of historic architecture and city energy creates incredibly dynamic senior sessions.
Best for:
- Seniors or families wanting an edgy or modern feel
- Variety in a short amount of time. So many different photo ops along the Gene Leahy Mall.
🏰 Joslyn Castle and Gardens
For something truly unique, Joslyn Castle offers old-world charm, stone architecture, and a regal feel you won’t find anywhere else in Omaha.
Additional fee to rent the grounds- but absolutely worth it!!!
Best for:
- Seniors or families wanting something bold and dramatic
- Classic, editorial-style portraits
- Spring, Summer, Early Fall
🚗 Worth the Drive: Nearby Favorite Locations
I’m always up for a little adventure, and these spots just outside Omaha are absolutely worth it:
🌲 Fontenelle Forest
Nature lovers, this one’s for you. Boardwalks, tall trees, and forest light create a dreamy, earthy atmosphere.
🌄 Platte River State Park
Rolling hills, scenic overlooks, and tall grasses—this park is stunning year-round, especially in late summer and early fall.
🌿 Schramm Park
Perfect for seniors or families who want a rugged, natural look with lots of texture and depth.
🦬 Black Elk–Neihardt Park (Blair, NE)
Wide open spaces, peaceful trails, and incredible views make this a favorite for those willing to travel just a bit north.
✨ Let’s Go Somewhere That’s Uniquely You
Some of the most meaningful photo sessions don’t happen in parks or gardens at all—they happen in places that tell your story.
Maybe that’s:
- Your high school theater where you spent countless hours rehearsing
- A golf course where you spend your spring high school golf season
- A special location, like the river where you spend precious time with family and friends
- A cozy record shop or bookstore you love getting lost in
- Or yes… even an airport, because this is your passion and your future aspirations to be a pilot!
Let’s do it. Seriously. 🙌
Your session should feel personal, fun, and true to you. I am absolutely here for creative ideas, meaningful locations, and making this experience unforgettable. If a place matters to you, it belongs in your photos.
These aren’t just pictures—they’re memories. And I want them to feel like yours.
🏠 Don’t Forget About Indoor Studio Spaces
Outdoor sessions are amazing—but let’s not forget the beauty and flexibility of indoor photography, especially here in Nebraska where weather can be… unpredictable. 😉
My home studio location is at Studio Papio, and I also utilize Studio G in Waterloo. Depending on where you live, we can absolutely choose the studio that makes the most sense for you.
Indoor studio sessions are perfect for:
- The dog days of winter (or blazing summer heat)
- A more formal or polished look
- Senior portraits with clean, timeless styling
- Business headshots and branding sessions
- Controlled lighting and consistent results
Whether you’re dreaming of something classic, modern, or professional, studio sessions offer endless creative possibilities—without worrying about wind, heat, or rain.
Bottom line: we can make it work. Indoors or outdoors, on location or in studio, I’m here to help you create images that feel like you.
Choosing the Right Omaha Photo Location
The best photo sessions happen when the location reflects you. Whether you love city vibes, open fields, or floral gardens, Omaha has no shortage of incredible places for family photos and senior pictures.
Now is the perfect time to start planning your outdoor session. Let’s "capture your day" in a location you love.
