Living in Calgary we are fortunate to have access to epic locations in the Rocky Mountains and the Badlands within a couple of hours' drive.
While it's amazing to photograph in such gorgeous locations, there's no need to drive so far from Calgary.
So why not check out some of the secret gems that this city has to offer?
All of the locations on this list are within a 20-minute drive from downtown Calgary.
Here are my favourite places to take portraits in Calgary (in no particular order - I love them all!).
Fish Creek Park Calgary SE
Fish Creek Park is located in the southeast quadrant of the city, just off the Deerfoot at Bow Bottom Trail.
There are river views, grassy fields, mature trees, and wooded areas to create an endless list of interesting vignettes.
During this personal branding session with Deb, we enjoyed lots of wide-open spaces, a few ducks, and even a couple of storks flew low over the river to say hello.
All of these shots were taken within a few minutes' walk of the Hull Parking lot.
Confederation Park Calgary NW
As a resident of Calgary central northwest, one of my favourite places to take portrait clients is Confederation Park.
It offers great variety in scenery within a short walk from the parking lot.
What makes it work so well is the fact that it is lower than the neighboring residential areas, so it's relatively easy to have a clean background with no houses and cars.
There is a small creek, lots of bridges, a pond, and of course gorgeous mature poplar trees that contribute to the beautiful scenery.
It's especially colourful in the fall, where the fall colours peak in late September/early October.
I love that there are some culverts running under the roads to connect different areas of the park. They too offer a different sort of background.
Kensington Calgary Central
During the pandemic in 2020 when I was unable to photograph clients in my studio, my favourite place to go was Kensington.
It became my outdoor studio!
With lots of interesting features like graffiti walls and staircases, I could get tons of different looks within a few blocks.
One unique feature is the old-school red phone booth. You might need to wait for a quiet moment when that corner isn't too busy, but it's worth it!
Kensington has a great urban vibe without the highrise buildings that can block too much sun. It's also an easy distance to the Bow River.
Scotsman's Hill in Ramsay Calgary SE
If you're looking for a location that can't be mistaken for any other city than Calgary, then you need to check out Scotsman's Hill in Ramsay.
You will feel as though you are directly on top of the Saddledome!
And the Calgary city skyline, including the Calgary Tower, are your backdrop.
Don't forget to take advantage of everything that Scotsman's hill has to offer, such as the stairs, tall grasses, and colourful aspen trees.
This is a popular lookout for watching fireworks during the Calgary Stampede and Canada Day, so if you're there to take portraits, try to find a day that won't be too busy.
The downside of this location is that it's not that big and there's limited parking.
Nosehill Park Calgary NW
While this is one of my favourite places to hang out, be prepared to do some hiking if you want to get more variety from your portraits at Nosehill Park.
I love Porcupine Valley for fall colours and it's easily accessed at the northmost entrance off of 14th street.
If you're looking for a ravine full of aspens, the entrance at 64th avenue and 14th street NW will get you there, and it's less busy than the dog park on the other side.
I choose the south side of Nosehill Park (accessible from John Laurie Blvd.) when I'm wanting to create something more epic, with a dramatic background.
It is hands-down one of the best parks in Calgary, and you'll feel like you're far from the hustle and bustle of the city within minutes of entering this gorgeous natural reserve.
I have personally observed wildlife, such as hawks, porcupines and coyotes at Nosehill.
Pearce Estate Park Calgary SE
Pearce Estate Park is located in the SE quadrant of Calgary just off the Deerfoot at Blackfoot Trail.
It offers a depth of large, mature trees with lots of natural shade.
There is ample parking at this location, and you won't have to go far for some great vignettes.
This is an ideal location for family portraits as it's the location of Bow Habitat Station and Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery.
Your kids will love checking out all the fish!
13th Street Lookout Calgary NW
Like Scotsman's Hill, this is a small lookout that is short on space, but not on impact!
This area can be accessed off of 10th St. NW by turning into the Rosedale residential neighborhood and turning onto 13th Street.
It offers the most spectacular view of downtown and is well worth putting on your list.
It would be difficult to get a large variety of images here, but if you're looking to make one great portrait that packs a punch, this is the spot!
With travel restrictions, there's no better time than now to explore the places where you live and, hopefully, get some great photos while you're there!
Get out there and discover the beauty in your own backyard.
Hi, I'm Laurie.
I am a Contemporary Beauty and Personal Portrait Photographer.
You will have an unforgettable experience when you book a portrait session with me. You will look and feel like a celebrity, I promise!
The people I photograph always feel a boost in self-confidence during their portrait session. They tell me that I set them at ease and make them feel comfortable in front of the camera.
Print is my passion, and I believe that your portraits deserve to be displayed on your walls and in gorgeous folio boxes. I will custom-design the most beautiful wall displays and albums to suit your style.
It all starts with a consultation.
Tell me how you dream of being photographed and we’ll go from there!
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