The Best Photoshoot Locations in Clearwater
One of the joys of living in Western Florida is the abundance of natural beauty around us. From the natural beauty of the great outdoors to the historic architecture that makes Clearwater unlike any other place in the world, there’s no shortage of places to bring your next photoshoot to life.
If you’re looking for new inspiration for your family photo shoot, engagement photography, business headshots, or other occasions in life, these five spots are recommended by pro photographer Jonathan Fanning as the best photoshoot locations in Clearwater. When scouting for the right location to capture your moment in life, start with these unique destinations.
The Dali Museum
The domes of The Dali Museum are the unofficial heart of fine arts in the greater Tampa area. They not only feature a collection of work by surrealist visionary Salvador Dali but also hundreds of pieces from over fifty internationally renowned artists. The wide variety of visuals makes this one of Jonathan Fanning’s favorite places to take photos.
No matter what you choose to be the background of your photos, The Dali Museum is among the best photoshoot locations in the Clearwater area. Have your pictures framed by the numerous artworks of Dali and others, or in the tranquil “Avant-Garden” along the waterfront. Although you may need to pay a fee for having your indoor photoshoot in The Dali Museum, Jonathan will ensure your photoshoot will produce everything you dreamed of.
The Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg
With a continually rotating collection, it should come as no surprise that the Museum of Fine Arts, St. Petersburg is one of Jonathan’s favorite indoor photoshoot locations near Clearwater. Choose from a number of dramatic backdrops to bring your headshots and other scenes to life, including works from Georgia O’Keeffe, Claude Monet, Auguste Rodin, and more.
In addition to their permanent collection, take inspiration from the changing exhibitions that come through the museum. Some of the recent features include paintings of Audubon’s birds of America, the works of Ansel Adams, and the sculptures of Lizzi Bougatsos and Lonnie Holley. While you will have to pay for admission and potentially other shooting fees, the photography that will come from this set will provide lovely memories for a lifetime.
Henry B. Plant Museum at The University of Tampa
Formerly the Tampa Bay Hotel, the Henry B. Plant Museum at the University of Tampa remains one of the most dramatic settings for an indoor photoshoot location. Jonathan takes plenty of inspiration from the National Historic Landmark, which originally served as a Victorian railroad resort when it opened in 1891.
In addition to the grand architecture both inside the building and out, the museum also features artifacts that tell the story of Tampa Bay and the hotel, from the original furnishings brought over from Asia and Europe to the artwork that adorned the hallways and rooms. Blending a look at the past with a vision of the future of the greater Tampa Bay region, it’s easy to see why your photoshoot will look stunning using the Henry B. Plant Museum as a backdrop.
Fort De Soto Park
When your photoshoot calls for the best of Clearwater’s beautiful coastline with a touch of history, you’ll want to take advantage of the visual diversity of Fort De Soto Park. The largest park in the Pinellas County Park System, each of the five islands offers an incredible diversity of flora and fauna along with the original fort structure — making this one of Jonathan’s favorite Clearwater photoshoot locations.
Even though this park earned “America’s Top Beach” honors and is home to over 300 different species of birds, the military fortification ruins and museum bring the history of the island to life. Whether you’re looking for a dramatic interior backdrop, or showcase the natural beauty of Florida in your photos, you can’t go wrong with scheduling a photoshoot at this Clearwater gem.
Sunken Gardens
To find a tropical paradise for your Clearwater photoshoot, you don’t have to travel around the world, or even across the state. The Sunken Gardens provides both the foliage and historic buildings to create a new level of personality to your photoshoot. Considered one of St. Petersburg’s oldest museums, The Sunken Gardens is one of Jonathan’s favorite places for a Clearwater photoshoot.
When the weather isn’t cooperating, have your photos taken inside the exotic bird aviary, the history center, or the orchid arbor. And when the sun is shining, the Palm Plaza, Coconut Grove, or Rainbow Eucalyptus creates memorable backdrops for whatever occasion you are documenting. While you will have to pay a photography fee to get pictures done at the Sunken Gardens, the visual rewards will more than justify the costs.
Book Your Next Photoshoot in Clearwater with Jonathan Fanning
Nobody knows the best photoshoot locations in Clearwater than Jonathan Fanning. With years of experience capturing the greatest moments of life in pictures, Jonathan works with all of his clients to not only find the perfect location but get the best out of their photoshoot while they are there.
Trust Jonathan to bring your special day to life in his photos at one of his favorite photoshoot locations in Clearwater, or work with him to find the perfect spot for you — the choice is yours. Contact Jonathan today to get started.