Look, I love Disney as much as the next person, but sometimes you want family photos that don’t involve chasing your toddler through a sea of Mickey balloons or dodging other people’s strollers every five seconds. Maybe you want to be surrounded by nature. Maybe you prefer the urban vibe. Maybe a more small-town, old-fashioned amusement park.
So if you’re in Central Florida (whether you live here or you’re just visiting and need a break from the castle), here are three of my favorite off-the-beaten-path spots for family photo sessions. No mouse ears required – unless you really want them, in which case, bring ’em and I won’t say a word.
1. Lake Louisa State Park – Clermont
If you’re someone who secretly wishes their family photos looked like they were taken on a Pinterest board titled “Dreamy Nature Aesthetic”…this is the place for you.
Lake Louisa has everything from wide open skies, cozy woods, soft golden fields, and mossy oak trees that basically beg to be photographed. There are trails that wind through tall grass, a rustic wooden fence or two that look like they were made for leaning on casually, and that kind of golden hour glow that makes everything feel a little extra magical.
It’s quiet, peaceful, and a little wild in the best way – perfect if your family wants to stretch their legs, laugh a little, and get away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Also, if your kids are the kind that think running through fields is the best part of the session? That works here. That really works here.
Just a heads up: it’s a state park, so there is a small entrance fee (currently $5 per vehicle), but worth every penny for the kind of backdrop you’ll get.
2. Downtown Orlando – Lake Eola Area
You’d think “downtown” would mean traffic and high heels and no space to breathe, but Downtown Orlando is kind of a secret gem when it comes to photos.
You’ve got colorful murals. You’ve got fun architecture. You’ve got Lake Eola just a short walk down the street. There’s this cool mix of city-meets-nature that makes the whole area feel really versatile, which is perfect if you want something with a little personality.
Dress up or stay casual. Bring a stroller or a pup. Either way, we can wander and chat and grab the kind of photos that feel natural but still a little polished – like your family, just on a really good day.
Also: if your kid insists on chasing a swan, I promise I’ve seen worse. I’ll keep clicking.
3. Old Town in Kissimmee – Retro and Fun (with a Side of Fried Dough)
I will admit, this one might not be on everyone’s list – but that’s kind of why I love it. Old Town is this weird and wonderful little slice of Americana tucked right next to Highway 192, and I swear it’s been frozen in time in the best possible way.
Think bright neon signs, retro storefronts, classic cars on the weekends, and old-school charm that feels like it belongs in a family road trip montage from the ’80s. The colors pop. The vibe is lighthearted. And the kids? They eat it up.
If your family is into quirky, bold, and a little bit different, this is the place. It’s especially great for families who want a “just for fun” shoot – laughing, snacking, strolling through something that feels like a small-town carnival that never left.
Pro tip: promise the kids a funnel cake afterward and they’ll give you at least 20 minutes of cooperation.
Final Thoughts
Family photo sessions don’t have to be stiff or stressful or even fancy. They can be fun. They can be relaxed. And they can absolutely happen in a Florida field, under a city mural, or next to a giant flashing “Old Time Photo” sign in Kissimmee.
Wherever we go, the most important part is just showing up as yourselves. Laugh a little, hug your people, and let the background do its thing. I’ll be there to catch it all.
So – what kind of vibe are you thinking? Rustic? Urban? Vintage theme park chaos? (No judgment. I love it all!)
