Choosing the right photography location can depend on several factors. Would you like a more urban/architectural type backdrop to your images and would you prefer something more natural? Luckily the Carmel, Indiana area has a wide variety of parks and urbanized areas to fit the style your family is looking for. See below for my top 5 locations in or near Zionsville, Indiana to take photographs.

5. Cool Creek Park

Located on Springmill Rd. near 64th St, Holliday Park sits on 94 acres and has a wide range of settings to choose from. This park is unique with its ruins centerpiece, with lots of landscaping and water features surrounding the tall columns. Moving away from the center piece there are beautiful trees and grasses that present a pleasant backdrop, and then a walking trail down to the water front is surrounded by flower beds and a wooded area with stone steps that have several photo opportunities. Once your session is complete you can spend some time in their nature center which has some fun interactive activities for young children. 

4. Holliday Park

Located on Springmill Rd. near 64th St, Holliday Park sits on 94 acres and has a wide range of settings to choose from. This park is unique with its ruins centerpiece, with lots of landscaping and water features surrounding the tall columns. Moving away from the center piece there are beautiful trees and grasses that present a pleasant backdrop, and then a walking trail down to the water front is surrounded by flower beds and a wooded area with stone steps that have several photo opportunities. Once your session is complete you can spend some time in their nature center which has some fun interactive activities for young children. 

3. Village of West Clay

If urban architecture fits your style best, then this area should definitely be of interest to you! Located near Main Street and Town Road and featuring an early 20th century traditional architectural style there are several parks, fountains, public areas, gazeebos, ponds, pergolas, and buildings to give your images a unique touch. With over 760 acres of development you can easily spend an entire session in West Clay exploring the various options!

2. Palladium Area

Built in 2011, The Palladium in downtown Carmel, Indiana is a 1,600-seat, 151,000 square foot concert hall. The architecture of the hall itself is something to marvel at, but the surrounding gardens and buildings all add to the aesthetic the area provides. Whether you choose to sit on the ultra wide east staircase or stand near the reflection pool and fountains to the west you can’t go wrong with this wonderfully urban area that is central to Carmel.

1. Coxhall Gardens

My personal favorite due to the wide variety you can find here, introducing Coxhall Gardens! Located near 116th and Shelborne in Carmel, there's a plethora of options across this 125 acre park. Whether it's the beautiful centerpiece and surrounding wildlife, the pond with fountains outlined by aged weeping willows, or the children's playground there are wonderful combinations of nature, water, and architecture all unique to this particular park. The two bell towers can provide some wonderful brick backdrops and the mansion along with the accompanying barn can provide some modern yet rustic settings for your photos as seen below. You really can't go wrong with shooting at Coxhall and the location is beautiful any time of the year!