Great Central Florida Locations for Dog Photos
Love Photos of your Pets?
Here’s a few of my favorite dog friendly photo spots in Central Florida.
Downtown Winter Garden
Crooked Can Brewery – Part of the Plant Street Market which has over 20 vendors featuring natural, organic food and homemade products all located inside one building. My favorite is the tacos and chocolate. They have lots of events and a pet friendly patio. On the Second Sundays of the month Our Cause 4 Paws Rescue holds adoptions events at the Crooked Can Brewery.
Downtown Winter Garden has lots of places to pose for photos such as a water fountain, water play area for kids, vintage brick buildings, and lots more. There is a huge pine tree in the center of town that they decorate for Christmas every year. They also decorate for Halloween too.
Book Your Pet Photo Session if you would like me to photograph your pet and/or family in one of these great locations.
The Casements
The Casements is in Ormond Beach, FL. At Christmas time the mansion is filled with decorated Christmas trees. The large outdoor park featured a photogenic view with the Halifax River in the background.
Kraft Azalea Park
This five-acre park is located on shore of Lake Maitland in Winter Park. Kraft Azalea Park features a beautiful, shaded park with cypress trees and columns called The Exedra. Pets must remain on leashes at all times.
Mount Dora Lighthouse
The Mount Dora Lighthouse sits on the edge of Lake Dora on Grantham Point. There is even a giant chair near it that’s a fun photo spot. Nearby there’s also hiking trails and a beautiful board walk.
Beaches
There are lots of beaches in Florida that are great for photos with your pets. I suggest taking photos in the sand first and then finish with fun photos in the water since once they’re wet they are wet.
Dogs are welcome on Cocoa Beach between 4th Street South and the north side of Murkshe Park.
Canova Beach Park – 9-acre dog beach along the A1A. Your dog must remain on leash at this beach. (When I photograph your pets, I can Photoshop out the leashes if you would like)
West Orange Trail
The West Orange Trail in Winter Garden has lots of great spots to walk and photograph your dog. The above picture was taken at Lake Brim just of the West Orange Trail. The 22-mile paved trail passes through downtown Oakland, Winter Garden, and Apopka.
Newton Park
Newton Park is another great location in Winter Garden to walk and photograph your dogs.
Downtown Windermere
Downtown Windermere is a great place to walk your dogs. Savanna from The Savvy Pet Sitter just told me that there are wings painted on the wall of new the real estate office and salon near Paloma Coffee House that would make a great spot for selfies and dog photos. I love having breakfast at the Dixie Cream Cafe and they have an outdoor seating area which is perfect if you bring your dogs with you to brunch.
Cypress Grove Park
Cypress Grove Park allows dogs on leashes. There’s a beautiful lake with a dock and gazebo. The park also features a playground for kids. Summer hours are 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and winter hours 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Clock Tower Park
The ClockTowerPark in Longwood is a small hidden gem in Longwood. You can start at this park and then walk your dog through the Longwood historic district.
Lake Eola Park
Lake Eola is another great lake to walk around with your dogs. There are tons or restaurants nearby. They even have swan paddle boats to enjoy the lake.
Rollins College
Rollins College in Winter Park has beautiful columns that are great to photograph under because they give great shade in the bright Florida sun. There is a beautiful lake with ducks too and lots of paths great for walking.
Your Home or Backyard
Dogs are most relaxed in their home environment. Take photos of your dog playing catch in your backyard or relaxing on dog bed or couch with window light.
Tips for Getting Greate Dog Photos
- Lighting – Early Morning or Late afternoon for the best light
- Add a flash – Add a fill flash to lighten shadows
- Treats and Toys – To Get your dog’s attention
“Want To Relax & Just Hire Me?
Book Your Pet Photo Session if you would like me to photograph your pet and/or family in one of these great locations. I’m available for all of these locations plus lots more. I would recommend early morning or late afternoon for the best light. During the summer, I recommend early morning before it gets too hot and rainy. I also have lots of studio backgrounds and fun props if you prefer your pet to be photographed in the comfort of your home.
I also love when people suggest new locations too. Please comment below with your favorite Florida spots for dog photos.
Thanks Savanna from The Savvy Pet Sitter for the inspiration to create this list of pet photo locations.
First off, I live in NJ. And I don’t have a dog 🙁
Regardless, I want to let you know, Amanda, that your photos of these dogs (and the people) are amazing! The expressions and the connection that you are able to capture is really something else. I love them! I can only imagine what your clients think.
Thanks for sharing!
These are great, Amanda! I lived in Florida for 30 years (in fact, I graduated from Rollins) and despite living in Central Florida (with dogs who I was always taking pictures of), I never would have thought of some of these. In fact, I wasn’t even aware some of these places allowed pets. I’ll be sharing this with some of my pet-loving friends who are still in that area.
Thanks for this post, Amanda.
Although I live in another state, I think the advice you give about searching out structures to serve as a backdrop, the lighting, and tips to photograph your dog can be applied anywhere.
You’ve got a great job working with furry clients! And the photos prove you’re really good at capturing their best ‘angles’!
Your photos are precious Amanda!!