Photography Locations in Madison
28 curated locations with insider tips and permit information
Showing 28 of 28 locations
Alliant Energy Center – Willow Island
Madison, WI
A quiet, scenic peninsula on Lake Monona — tall grasses, open water, peaceful walking paths. Nature feel without leaving town.
Alliant Energy Center Grounds
Madison, WI
Wide concrete spaces, long leading lines, metal structures, grassy buffers — a flexible hybrid of industrial + minimalistic outdoor looks.
B.B. Clarke Beach
Madison, WI
Tucked-away neighborhood beach with wooden pier, willow canopy, and intimate feel. Looks like a Northwoods hideaway five minutes from downtown.
Bassett & Washington Warehouse District
Madison, WI
Industrial brick, alley textures, loading docks, gritty urban tones rarely seen on Madison lists. Perfect for fashion + branding sessions.
Burrows Park Boathouse
Madison, WI
Historic stone boathouse jutting into Lake Mendota. Natural + architectural hybrid. Perfect for dramatic lake-edge images.
Capitol Square / State Street Loop
Madison, WI
Urban energy — brick façades, neon lights, storefront reflections, Capitol dome framing State Street. Perfect for downtown lifestyle shoots.
Elver Park
Madison, WI
Madison's largest community park: rolling hills, tall grasses, woodland edges, bridges, and surprisingly varied terrain.
Garver Feed Mill
Madison, WI
Restored historic feed mill → exposed brick, black steel, glass, artisan spaces. One of Madison's hottest wedding + photo backdrops.
Goodman Community Center / Atwood Corridor
Madison, WI
Converted industrial buildings with ivy-covered brick, murals, bike path, and café-style charm. East-side vibe meets clean textures.
Henry Vilas Beach (Lake Wingra Shore)
Madison, WI
Quiet, natural lakeshore tucked behind Vilas Park. Soft sand, willow trees, and clear sunset views. One of Madison's most underrated lakeside gems.
Hilldale Shopping Center – Exterior + Parking Terrace
Madison, WI
Modern open-air shopping center with upscale storefronts, string lights, clean lines, and parking-deck skyline peeks. Great for commercial branding & lifestyle shoots.
Hoyt Park
Madison, WI
Rustic stone shelter, winding wooded trails, tall pines, mossy stone steps — feels like a Northwoods getaway inside the city.
James Madison Park
Madison, WI
Gorgeous Lake Mendota shoreline + open lawn + historic Gates of Heaven building (stone synagogue) for classic, architectural contrast.
Lakeshore Nature Preserve – Frautschi Point
Madison, WI
Secluded woodland point overlooking Lake Mendota, with natural trails, evergreens, and unobstructed water views. Quiet + romantic.
Law Park (Lake Monona Shoreline)
Madison, WI
Lake Monona boardwalk, skyline behind, grassy patches + bikeway minimalism. Clean + classic.
Madison Central Library
Madison, WI
Clean, modern interiors. Big windows for contemporary natural-light portraits. Interesting staircases + metal/wood details.
Memorial Union Terrace
Madison, WI
Famous colorful sunburst chairs, Lake Mendota backdrop, sailboats, classic Wisconsin summer feel. Highly Instagrammable.
Monona Bay Boardwalk (Brittingham Park)
Madison, WI
Wooden boardwalk along Monona Bay with skyline reflections, sailboats, open water, and grassy park space.
Monona Terrace Rooftop
Madison, WI
Modern architecture + sweeping views of Lake Monona + curved lines + glass. Very clean, bright aesthetic.
Olbrich Botanical Gardens
Madison, WI
16 acres of outdoor gardens + indoor Bolz Conservatory (tropical plants, waterfall, koi pond). Lush, romantic, magazine-worthy backdrops.
Olin Park / Olin Turville
Madison, WI
Best unobstructed Madison skyline view from land. Fields, paths, tall grasses, and oak groves.
Picnic Point
Madison, WI
Long, narrow peninsula jutting into Lake Mendota. Tree-lined path, Madison skyline views across the water, secluded feel despite being on campus. Classic "Wisconsin nature walk" vibe.
Tenney Park
Madison, WI
Stone bridges, calm lagoon, willow trees, and open shoreline along Lake Mendota. Easy to move around and find diverse looks in one session.
UW-Madison Arboretum
Madison, WI
1,200 acres of diverse landscapes. Winding trails through tall trees, prairie meadows, Curtis Prairie in golden hour, secluded forest clearings. Romantic without trying too hard.
Vilas Park + Zoo Area
Madison, WI
Lake Wingra shoreline, tall trees, quaint footbridge, charming older houses in surrounding streets. Massive seasonal variety.
Warner Park
Madison, WI
Open fields, pines, shoreline trails, and the lagoon. Spacious, calm, ideal for golden-hour family shoots.
Wisconsin State Capitol
Madison, WI
Grand white granite exterior, magnificent staircases, commanding dome. Inside: marble rotunda, mosaic floors, sweeping staircases. The Capitol offers timeless, elegant backdrops that photograph well year-round.
Yahara Place Park (Riverwalk)
Madison, WI
A tranquil riverwalk lining the Yahara River with willow trees, short docks, and intimate grassy banks. Very serene — perfect for timeless, natural portraits.