13 Awesome Photoshoot Ideas in Philadelphia

Philadelphia is a photographer’s paradise, full of cobblestone streets, historic college campuses, riverside boardwalks, and impressive bridges and piers. Whether you’re looking for a location for an engagement shoot, family photos, or classic tourist shots, you can find it all in the City of Brotherly Love. We’ve put together a list of the 13 top photoshoot ideas in Philadelphia. No matter where you end up in the city, you’ll be sure to find something for your family photo album, travel blog, or Instagram feed.

1. Immerse yourself in history at Elfreth’s Alley

Elfreth’s Alley is a perfect example of Philadelphia’s historical charm. Originally built in 1702, this Old City neighborhood has 32 houses built in Georgian and Federal-style architecture on either side of a narrow street. The Elfreth’s Alley Association preserves the buildings and hosts holiday festivities throughout the year, including Fête Day, when the homes are open to visitors. Come on a snowy day and snap some family photos for this year’s holiday cards!

2. Admire architecture at Philadelphia City Hall

Looking to practice your urban architecture shots? You’ll definitely want to spend some time at Philadelphia City Hall. This masonry building was the world’s tallest habitable structure during the time of its construction in the early 1900s. Built in the Second Empire style, the City Hall looks impressive from every angle, and is topped with a statue of Pennsylvania founder William Penn. Now dwarfed by modern skyscrapers, the City Hall still holds its own.

3. Live it up at a stylish mid-century house in Newtown Square

This newly renovated mid-century home in Newtown Square is perfect for stylish glamour shots. Liven up your Instagram feed or pose for a magazine cover at this well-decorated abode. The exterior features a lovely half-acre yard, ideal for taking outdoorsy shots.

4. Appreciate nature at Wissahickon Creek

Capture the fall foliage at Wissahickon Creek, which runs through Wissahickon Valley Park, just to the northwest of the city. Bring a model with you for outdoor portraits, or spend some time perfecting your landscape shots. You may even encounter birds and other wildlife! Many Philadelphia residents come to Wissahickon for solitude and tranquility away from the big city, making this one of the most relaxing photoshoot ideas in Philadelphia.

5. Capture fantastic shots in a Fishtown studio

Philadelphia has a vibrant arts scene, and this modern creative studio in Fishtown offers all you need for a professional photography shoot. With a projector, speakers, backdrops, as well as a kitchen and lounge area, there’s plenty of room for your models and crew to collaborate in this 1500-square-foot space. Book through the Peerspace Concierge service to arrange for any additional camera and equipment rentals that you need for your shoot.

6. Watch baseball at Citizens Bank Park

Philadelphia is a sports town, and you can’t visit without attending a baseball game at Citizens Bank Park. Take your family to see the Philadelphia Phillies, and be sure to get some shots of the crowd or a panoramic shot of the entire stadium. If you’re lucky, you may even get shots of your favorite baseball players before or after the big game!

7. Take corporate photos at an executive boardroom

If you work remotely from home or a co-working space, it can be challenging to get photos that show off your professional side. At this suburban executive boardroom, you can assemble your team for corporate headshots and photos for your website. With so many office spaces available for rent on Peerspace, Philadelphia is the perfect city to bring your remote team together for a corporate retreat.

8. Spot trains at 30th Street Station

Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station is a major landmark in its own right, but it’s also the hub for the region’s best rail lines. Hop on the Acela Express, America’s fastest train line, to visit New York, Boston, or Washington, DC. Heading west will get you to Pittsburgh and Chicago, and you can travel south to Miami and New Orleans. Snap some shots of your train pulling into the station, and be sure to spend time sightseeing along the way!

9. Stir up romance at Race Street Pier

Race Street Pier is the perfect spot for wedding and engagement photos in Philadelphia. Jutting out into the river below the Ben Franklin Bridge, this park looks stunning in any season. With 200 LED lights built into the pavement, Race Street Pier is beautifully lit up at night. For something a little edgier, get your shots at nearby Graffiti Pier instead. With so many spots to choose from along the Delaware River, we think this is one of the best photoshoot ideas in Philadelphia!

10. Snap back-to-school photos at UPenn

The University of Pennsylvania is one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, especially when the leaves start to change in the fall. Whether your kids are in college or still in elementary school, bring them here for some back-to-school shots and show off their studious side.

11. Enjoy a dinner party at an elegant and sophisticated restaurant

Looking for a place to host your birthday dinner? This stylish restaurant with a garden is available for rent on Peerspace. Part of the rental price will go toward your food and bar tab, so it’s the perfect spot for a photoshoot involving a large crew.

12. Capture family photos at a house located at Mercer Lake

Host your family photo shoot at this rustic retreat in the countryside, which has a private barn for indoor shots. It’s adjacent to Mercer County Park, which boasts walking trails and lakeside views. Just an hour’s car ride from the city, you can rent this location on Peerspace for a very affordable price.

13. Take selfies at Spruce Street Harbor Park

After all this work, take a break! You deserve to take a rest on one of the brightly colored hammocks at Spruce Street Harbor Park. But don’t get too relaxed just yet – you still have time for one more selfie. This lively waterfront park is one of our favorite photoshoot ideas in Philadelphia.

No matter how many cities you’ve visited, looking for new photo spots never gets old. We hope you find Philadelphia as inspiring as we do!

Find photoshoot locations in Philadelphia on Peerspace