St. Louis has been a great city to work in. There are so many historical and interesting venues. I'm priviledged to be able to work in places I normally wouldn't experience; such as the Mahler Ballroom, The Franklin Room, Holmes Lounge and many more.
This page is dedicated to some of my favorite locations in St. Louis to make photographs at. Sometimes the wedding party wants to get away for a little while to another setting, and I'll make a few photographs of them.
The places listed on the page are locations I've visited several times, but I'm always open to something new. One of the most important considerations is in choosing a location you and the wedding party will enjoy. Though the lighting, and perhaps other considerations, are things we need to consider, I like the idea of you having an enjoyable time with me there to photograph it, than to go somewhere and do something solely for the sake of photographs.
Washington University campus is such a familiar spot for me, I think I should have my own parking space. It's normally quiet on Saturdays, unlike Forest Park. And it's up on a hill and normally breezy, which is nice on hot summer days. The architexture is nice (i.e. cobblestones, arch ways, columns, etc.). Even though my photography is not dependant on nice architexture, I still like the structure which I use sometimes to for the way it directs the light.
Washington University is right across Skinker Blvd from Forest Park. My favorite area is at the end of Brookings Drive, up the steps in the quad area. There some cover if it's one of those days in which the rain is on and off. And there are walkways, so it's not necessary to walk in the grass; but there is grass and trees if it's nice out and you want to walk in the grass.
What do I like about the Grand Basin in Forest Park? I like Art Hill. I like the fact that it is close to some trees. I like all the people walking their pets and laying in the grass on blankets. It is a little more busy with wedding parties on Saturday afternoons, but if you don't mine walking a bit, you can normally get away and have a little space to yourself.
There are some interesting bridges, all within walking distance, and some neat little water features nearby (besides the Grand Basin itself). Sometimes it's the smaller little pockets of water that are best for reflections (not so much in mid-day, but toward the evening when reflections on the water can be really beautiful).
Bee Tree Park is not a place I visit very often on wedding days. Not only is it a little way out from St. Louis (it's in Oakville), it's a smaller park and there are often weddings taking place on Saturdays. But it's a very nice location for engagement photographs during the week.
Not only is it along the Mississippi River with a beautiful view across to the Illinois side, but it features a fountain, flowers, a barn, rock walls, and more. It's also cooler, being pretty high up along the Mississippi River.
I've just gotten started on the page. There are many other great locations in St. Louis, and I hope to add them by and by. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear about them. Drop me a note, or give me a call at 636-464-9475. Thanks!