Milwaukee Photo Locations
Cudahy Building/ Bacchus. The building has white walls that give a clean bright, classic look. Usually works well any time of day with any kind of sun. Works year-round.
Lakefront. Bradford Beach area. Best on cloudy days or closer to sunset. Good year-round. Be prepared for sand. Close to downtown.
Lake Park Bridge/ Lake Park Bistro. Best in summer for the green, but can also work in winter if there is snow on the ground and snow in the trees (freshly fallen). May be asked to leave if there is a wedding going on at Lake Park Bistro that day - so need to be flexible if you choose this location for your wedding day. Covered white space at Lake Park Bistro also works well if it’s raining.
Corner of Broadway and Buffalo in the Third Ward. Works year round. Best closer to sunset or on a cloudy day but can work in full daylight too.
Villa Terrace. Fee to use for engagements, contact Villa Terrace for current rates. Works in any light, tons of options on the property.
Lapham Peak. About 30-45 minutes outside Milwaukee. Works best when there are still leaves on the trees.
Urban Ecology Center. Works best when there are leaves on the trees. That hill in the top photo is definitely works best when its a foggy day. Can work any time of day if we find shade. Located on Milwaukee's East Side near UWM.
Schlitz Audubon. Best when there are leaves on the trees. Can work anytime of day due to so much tree shade. There are trails and the park also has a lake/beachfront area. Open to public, check website for hours. Located 15-20 minutes north of Milwaukee.
Street behind the Pfister. This is right near Hotel Metro. This spot is nice closer to sunset, and it has cobbled street which gives it some extra character.
Buckley's on Cass Street. We got there after sunset for the shot above which is why it’s so dark - but it has some cool black and white awnings and I believe they have black and white polka dot umbrellas with seating currently (previously it was black and white stripe umbrellas). If you love black and white you might love this spot.
Estabrook Park. Works anytime of day due to all the shade. Claire and Willie above did their first look and bridal party photos here in the middle of the day in very bright sun and they turned out great.
Milwaukee Art Museum. Lots of flattering white light. Due to shade can work any time of day, but best closer to sunset or on a cloudy day. If you want to go inside the museum to take photos there is a fee - check with the museum for current rates.
Rooftop across from the Pabst. This is actually the top of a parking garage. Works best closer to sunset or on a cloudy day. Can work any time of year.
Mitchell Building. Beautiful Paris-looking building. Check to make sure construction won't be an issue. Works year round. Best closer to sunset or on a cloudy day.
Building across the street from the Pfister. Can work year-round, rain or shine.
South Shore Park - Bayview. Has a view of the skyline and if its during the summer the boats will be out. Best very close to sunset or on a cloudy day. Here is a photo I took there during the summer.
Retzer Nature Center. 30-40 minutes outside Milwaukee.
Additional location ideas:
Pabst Theater/ next to City Hall. Both have very nice covered areas - would be great when there is strong mid-day sun or when its raining.
Corner of 2nd Street and Seeboth in the 5th Ward. There is a pink building/wall that would be nice for photos if you are in to pink! Has a more urban feel. If you want a more classic feel, I've also done photos outside County Clare Pub in Milwaukee which is a pink/salmon colored building.
Big Bay Park. This one is closer to Whitefish Bay - beautiful Lakefront area with some beach. Reminds me of Ireland with the green moss. Has the stone sidewalk that juts out into the Lake and last time I checked it is not closed off! (unlike the ones at Atwater Park).
Cafe Benelux in the Third Ward. Has cute outside chairs. Could be nice for photos getting a drink or coffee.
Boerner Botanical Gardens. if you like flowers, this is your spot! Gorgeous and some areas have a French countryside feel. Flowers in bloom will vary from week to week. 15 minutes outside Milwaukee. Check with gardens to see if they are currently charging a fee for photos and what the restrictions are.
McKinley Marina. Great spot if you want a more nautical feel to your lake photos.