If you’re a photographer seeking the best location for a family, engagement, bridal party, or senior photoshoot in Youngstown-Mahoning County, then this list may be helpful for you!
“Where is the best location for a family session in Mahoning County?”
“Where can I take pictures in Youngstown, Ohio?”
I have heard questions like this from many clients and other photographers seeking the perfect location for their photo sessions! As a Youngstown – Mahoning County family photographer, I have photographed families in many locations all around Youngstown and the surrounding areas and I’m happy to share the locations I have used!
1. Millcreek Park & Lanternman’s Mill
This one could easily be listed as 15 different locations because Millcreek Park has so much to offer as a backdrop for photo sessions! I encourage you to take an afternoon to explore the park and scout the locations to find the perfect spot for your next photo session!
“Mill Creek Park is the largest area of the MetroParks encompassing over 2,658 acres of the MetroParks’ 5,000+ acres. Recreation opportunities include hiking, biking, boating, fishing, golf, tennis, volleyball, picnicking, cross-country skiing, sledding, and much more.”
Here’s a list of locations within Millcreek Park. Click on the name for a Google map location and use the street view to get a look at the places I do not have photos for.
–Lanternman’s Mill
One of Mahoning County’s most historic landmarks, Lanterman’s Mill was built in 1845 and there are many options for photos close to the Mill. You can start by taking photos on the bridge and observation areas then walk down closer to the Mill to get photos by the water and by the covered bridge. You can park here, or here. Unfortunately, this area is not handicapped accessible.
–Cinderella Suspension Bridge
The Suspension Bridge, located on Valley Drive, was erected in 1895 and spans Mill Creek connecting the east and west sides of the park. This is a well-known bridge and is used for many photo sessions. You can also walk under the bridge from either side, to get photos by the creek. On the side opposite the parking lot, there are stone stairs and boulders as well as an entrance to the hiking path that follows along the creekside.
– Lily pond
The pond has a nice deck and a walking path that goes all the way around the pond. The foliage is beautiful in the fall!
– Ford Nature Center
This nature center just underwent major renovations and makes a beautiful backdrop for photos!
– Bears Den Cabin and Rocks
The Bears Den cabin is a historic old cabin, and just behind it are giant boulders to climb on and around! You have to see it for yourself! You can go down the hill to the creek for more photos. And if you look across the street from the cabin, you will find the tall pine trees, making a fantastic spot for photos!
– Lake Glacier Boat Dock
During the warmer seasons, you can find colorful boats, kayaks, and paddle boats here. The Lake makes for a great backdrop and there’s a wood bridge and a dock.
–The Parapet Bridge
The Google Map location is located across Glacier Lake, opposite the bridge, so you can see the beautiful stone bridge in the background.
– Daffodil meadow
The daffodil meadow is usually blooming in mid to late March and sometimes into April! Keep an eye on their Facebook page for details about when the meadow is in full bloom!
– MetroParks Farm
This is located in Canfield, Ohio, but it is worth checking out! You can get photos by the barn, pond, or in the meadows and fields. In the summer and fall you can find sunflowers and wildflowers! Keep an eye on their Facebook page for details about when the sunflower fields will be ready!
2. Fellow Riverside Gardens
The Fellow Riverside Gardens is one of the most popular places to take photos in Youngstown, and for good reason! This garden is maintained by master gardeners and they do an amazing job making it look gorgeous and magical! You can begin by the visitor center and walk the winding stone path that takes you all through the park.
There are features like stone and brick walls, a fountain, a gazebo, a pavilion, an overlooking view of Lake Glacier, and much more! There’s a rose garden as well as beautiful flowers throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall.
The daffodils and the tulips in the Spring are a sight to be seen! Follow their Facebook Page for updates on what is blooming!
3. Boardman Park
Boardman Park is a great option for a photo session! There are plenty of trees and flowers blooming in the Spring and Summer. Be sure to check out the historical St. James Episcopal Church and across the street from the church, there’s an adorable pavilion.
If you’re ever doing Christmas-themed photos, there are plenty of little evergreen Christmas trees by the pavilion! If you park by the Google Maps link, you can access the wide paths that enter into the woods. There’s a frisbee golf course, pickleball and tennis courts, as well as ball fields for sport-themed photo sessions.
4. Poland
There are multiple photo session locations to check out in the picturesque village of Poland, Ohio.
The Poland Forest is such a gem in Mahoning County! There’s a wide path that loops you through the woods and along the creek, as well as many small paths into the woods. The best part of the Poland Forest is the bluebell flowers that blanket the forest floor in the Spring! Follow their Facebook Page for updates on when the flowers will be in their prime!
There are also massive American Sycamore trees that you have to see for yourself! Don’t miss the little bridge next to the old stone pavilion and the suspension bridge which you can’t miss when walking the main loop.
–Poland Library
The Poland Library is probably one of the most beautiful of all the libraries in Mahoning County!
–Poland Town Hall and Centennial Garden
The historic town hall with the tall white pillars makes for a beautiful backdrop, and just behind the town hall, you can find a pergola in the Centennial Gardens maintained by the local gardening club.
–The Riverside Cemetery Bridge
–Poland Twp Historical Society – Little Red Schoolhouse
The historical society does a wonderful job of maintaining the flower beds outside of the Little Red Brick Schoolhouse!
5. Yellow Creek Park
This park is located in Struthers, Ohio. There are a couple of nice bridges, a path into the woods, the creek, and more! You can also walk just across the street to see some newly renovated historical buildings in historic downtown Struthers.
6. Downtown Youngstown
This is another location that could easily be listed as multiple locations!
–Phelps Street Gateway
This is a newly added feature to downtown Youngstown! A brick pedestrian space with lights strung overhead at night! Walk down Hazel Street and find some cool old brick buildings on Market Court and then check out the Geo’s Music which is usually painted a fun color!
–Federal Street
Federal is one of the main streets in downtown Youngstown. Be sure to walk to S. Champion to see this beautifully painted building!
–Mahoning County Courthouse
–Youngstown Walk of Fame, Youngstown Sign and Amphitheater
You can access all three of these at one time! You’ll definitely want to check out the Youngstown sign!
–Butler Institute of American Art Museum
The Butler Art is a beautiful building that would make a great spot for photos! Inquire with the museum about arranging a photo session inside.
–YSU Campus
Just behind the Butler Art Museum, is the beautiful YSU campus!
–The Public Library of Mahoning County (main)
-Multiple Mural Locations
Take a drive around, especially up Mahoning Ave to scout out some great murals!
Be sure to check out this fun mural outside of Westside Bowl!
–Stambaugh Auditorium
–Wick Park
–DoubleTree by Hilton
–Youngstown Flea and Penguin City Brewing
This spot is great for more of an industrial look!
7. B&O Station and Boatdock
The B&O Station and Banquet Hall has a lot of unique features for a photo session! Stone arches, spiral stairs, red doors, and much more!
Adjacent to the parking lot is a viewing deck for the creek and a kayak boat launch, where this image was taken.
And just outside the entrance of the B&O, is the Peanut Bridge which is also a great option for photos.
8. The Walnut Grove Park and Trailhead
This is a wonderful and newly built playground located in Canfield. Although the playground would make for some fun family photos, the best part is the walking paths and pond just behind it! The sunset is perfect here as it illuminates the tall grasses growing all along the pathways. Walk the path all the way back and you will come to a small bridge next to the pond that crosses onto the Millcreek Metropark Bikeway.
8. Pioneer Tree Farm
Please check out Pioneer’s website for all of the details about having a photo session on their farm. You must contact them and schedule in advance. This is an excellent location for Christmas tree photos and in the summer they have wildflowers! They even set up little photo-op areas around the farm!
I hope you have found this list of locations for photo sessions in Youngstown – Mahoning County helpful and useful! Please feel free to send me a message to inquire about more details about any of these locations, I’m happy to help!
If you are interested in a Family photo session in Youngstown or the surrounding areas, here are the details. I would love to plan a session with you and help you pick the perfect location for your family!
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~All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography ~
Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in lifestyle family & newborn photography in Youngstown, Ohio and many of the surrounding areas. Mary Beth has over fifteen years of experience photographing families & newborns in Mahoning County. Her style is very relaxed and natural!
