Are you looking for a field of wildflowers for a family photo session in Pittsburgh? Or maybe just a location around Pittsburgh that has some pretty flowers for a photo shoot?
In this post, I have a list of locations for you! For as long as I’ve been a photographer in Pittsburgh, I have seen and heard photographers inquiring with one another, seeking the perfect field of wildflowers for a photo session. So scroll down to see a list of all of the locations that I know of!
I’ve also included Google Maps links, the best places to park, and the approximate time of year the flowers will be in bloom. Please note that, depending on the weather, this can vary from year to year.
At the bottom, I’ve also listed flower farms that allow photo sessions.
Spring: There are few to no locations that will have fields full of spring flowers. However, there are some locations that have cultivated patches of flowers.
Early Summer: Beechwood Farms may be the only listed location with flowers in early summer.
Mid-Late Summer: The majority of locations listed here will be in bloom in mid to late summer and into the early fall.
Hartwood Wildflower Meadow – North Hills
Location: The Meadows at Hartwood Acres – Hartwood Acres Park in Hampton Township.
When: Mid-Summer and into the early Fall, there is a field full of white and yellow wildflowers!
And in the late fall, the field is full of tall dry tall grasses.
Parking: This is the best place to park and meet clients, then it is about a 5-minute walk down a path to the field. I do not recommend parking by the amphitheater as the gate is not always open.
This session was from the late fall, after the flowers had already died, but we utilized the pretty tall grasses!
Location: Also at Hartwood Acres, there is the fenced-in garden located next to the mansion. Although this is not a field of wildflowers, at the right angle, you can make it look that way!
When: In the spring, there are peonies, and in the late summer, there are purple and yellow flowers and zinnias!
Parking: Park here in the mansion parking lot and walk up the path towards the mansion; you cannot miss the fenced-in garden.
Here’s a family session in the flower garden next to the mansion!
Here is a more detailed blog post about Hartwood Acres Mansion.
North Park – North Hills / Wexford
Location: Scout Field, Parish Hill, and the area by the Pigeon Shelter.
When: Goldendrod in the late summer to early fall
There are also some in the North Field, but please note, you are not supposed to shoot in/around the Latodami Nature Center, where North Field is located. They are known to ask people to leave.
Boyce Park – Plum
Location: Indian Hill / Wildflower Hill
When: middle of summer to early fall
Parking: In this nearby lot
Yellow black-eyed susans and other flowers cover the 9,500-acre hillside!
Photo Credit: Joel Perkovich
Boyce Mayview Park – Bridgeville / South Hills
Location: The nature/classroom area
When: midsummer to early fall
Parking: I always have clients meet me in this parking area
In addition to natural elements like fields and trees, there is a wooden educational building to provide more backdrop ideas. In the summer, you will find a field with tall grasses and some wildflowers! In the late summer and into the fall, there’s gorgeous yellow goldenrod!
Here is a summer family session from there.
Robin Hill Park – Coraopolis
Location: Robin Hill Park
When: Mid-summer to early fall with yellow flowers!
They also have a beautiful brick building with decorative arches on the side, a gazebo, and a small garden.
Google images
Fern Hollow Nature Park – Sewickley
Location: Fern Hollow Park is a beautiful park that has tall grasses with mowed paths,
When: goldenrod and other wildflowers in mid to late summer.
Check out this session from there, and this family session.
Please be aware that they have a policy: if there’s an event taking place, you cannot be there. Be courteous and follow the rules. They are booked for events for most weekends in the fall.
Check their schedule and call ahead. 412.741.6136
Sewickley Heights Borough Park
Location: Sewickley Heights Park
But be warned, it is also a “dog park” so there most likely will be many off-leash dogs running around (which are permitted to do so).
When: midsummer – fall
White Oak Park – White Oak
Location: White Oak Park Meadow
When: summer to fall (photo taken in early July at sunrise)
Parking: This field is close to the dog park, so you can park here and walk a little bit up the hill to the meadow.
Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve – North Hills
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve – The small field is just below the barn.
When: dames rocket (some call it wild phlox) in the early summer. These are the tall pink, white and purple flowers you see along the roads.
Pittsburgh Botanic Garden – North Fayette
Location: The Botanic Gardens is a large and beautifully maintained park with lots of flowers and a wildflower field; however, there is an entrance fee, and you must pay a photography session fee to shoot here. See the details on their website.
When: Spring into late fall
Here is a Maternity session and a fun family session that I did there.
Moraine State Park
Location: Moraine Park on the grassy hill behind Picnic Pavilion #4.
When: early to mid-late fall
Parking: park here by the North Shore beach area, and walk up the bike path.
Round Hill Park and Farms – Elizabeth
Location: Round Hill Park, across the street from the main entrance
When: Blackeyed Susans in mid-summer to fall.
Parking: in the main lot
Locations with cultivated Flowers, but not actual fields of wildflowers.
Mellon Park – Shadyside
Location: Mellon Park and The Walled Garden
When: Spring through Fall
Parking: park here (remember to pay the meter, however, it is free after 6pm and on Sundays!) or you can park here on Beechwood Boulevard for free (which is located on the other side of the park).
A gorgeous park with a variety of architectural features and beautiful gardens! During the summer, there is also a working fountain and gorgeous flowers. In the spring, you can find cherry blossoms, a magnolia tree, and a daffodil meadow!
Please note that this is a hot spot for photo sessions! Expect to see quite a few other photographers there with their clients, especially on weekend evenings before sunset.
Here is a more detailed blog post about Mellon Park and the Walled Gardens.
Frick Environmental Center – Point Breeze
Location: Frick Environmental Center
When: Spring through Fall
A beautiful park with so many options for photos, and it’s just gorgeous around golden hour! You can find a stone entry building with long stone walls and iron gates. Walk through the entrance and to the rear of the park to see a beautiful fountain. In the fall, the foliage on the trees by Beechwood Blvd. is perfect!
Phipps Conservatory and Schenley Park Visitor Center and Cafe – Oakland
Location: Phipps Conservatory has flowers all around the outside that you can enjoy for free. (just do not enter the gated garden areas) Be sure to check the garden by Botany Hall! It has beautiful purple flowers in the summer!
Just across the street from Phipps is a brick building, the Schenley Visitor Welcome Center. They have beautiful flowers planted up front in the summer! Just behind the building is a nice cobblestone path with a black metal railing that leads to a stone archway below.
When: Spring through Fall
Parking: You can use the street parking all along Schenley Drive, just remember to pay the meters (except on Sundays!). Do not use the free parking area that is reserved for Phipps Visitors.
Highland Park
Location: Highland Park
When: summer and early fall.
Parking: anywhere along the road within the park
Monroeville Park West – Monroeville
Location: Monroeville Park maintained flower gardens and a dry rock river
When: summer through early fall
Parking: Park in the small lot here or in a nearby parking area.
Poland Municipal Forest – Poland, Ohio
Where: Unfortunately, not Pittsburgh, but in Poland, Ohio, but worth the drive to see the bluebells covering the forest floor!
When: mid to late April. Follow their FB page for updates on peak bloom time.
Parking: Park in this lot and follow the road back to the main path that makes a loop through the forest. (gravelly path)
Cultivated Flower Farms:
The following farms usually have fields of flowers for cutting/picking, and will allow you to schedule a photo session there. You will have to pay a fee, and they have limited hours and days for photo sessions. Contact each farm for details.
Soergel Orchards – Wexford
Soergal Orchards Please contact them about photo sessions.
Triple B Farms – Monongahela
Triple B Farms. Please contact them.
Simmons Farm – McMurry
Simmons Farms. Please contact them.
White House Farms – Canfield, Ohio
This is not in Pittsburgh, but if you really want a gorgeous field of flowers, check out White House Fruit Farms Tulip fields in the Spring and fields of Sunflowers in the summer and early fall! You must pay a fee, and it is only open on certain days for photo sessions.
Please note that fields and tall grasses are most likely filled with ticks. I highly advise that you please take precautions with tick sprays and other methods, like lint rolling your clothing immediately after leaving the field, and before getting in your car. And if you are a photographer, please disclose this to your clients.
And also, it should go without saying, please be kind and respectful when utilizing any location for a photo session. Do not pick the flowers (unless it is a farm and you paid to do so), and be careful not to trample the fields or flowers. Never leave behind trash or props. Please leave it as you found it, or even better. I often carry a grocery bag in my camera bag to collect any garbage if I see it.
If you are looking for a photographer in the greater Pittsburgh area,
please send me a message to plan a family or newborn session.
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~All images by Mary Beth Miller Photography ~
Mary Beth Miller Photography specializes in Fresh 48, newborn, and family photography in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas.
