Best photo locations in the quad cities
While I love a good in-home session for a photography session location - there are so many beautiful options in the Quad Cities! Whether you’re deciding a location for a professional session or just want to snap some photos of your kids - this area is booming with options.
I ADVISE CHECKING OUT ALL THE OPTIONS PRIOR TO SHOOTING OR GOING EARLY AS SOME AREAS TAKE ABOUT 20-30 MINUTES TO DRIVE THE WHOLE PROPERTY.
FAVORITE PARKS
There is no shortage of beautiful parks in the Quad Cities - so sharing my favorites for photo sessions!
Scott County Park
This park is just north of the Quad Cities and has beautiful pines, many large field options, groves, and a large pond. Some rolling hills and if youre wanting to hike bridges and a creek! Large enough to always be able to find a spot no matter how busy it is. Details Here
Longview Park
A gem in Rock Island, IL boasts a scenic view as well as an open air greenhouse, a working greenhouse as a backdrop, and a kids playground. The greenhouse was a favorite spot of mine when I found it! Details Here
Lost Grove Wildlife Park
Just northeast of the Quad Cities is this huge area with lakes, tall grass, paths, and lots of fishing. Beautiful views and opportunities to be close to water and many spots where you get a full sunset. Details Here
Vanderveer Park
A photographer favorite for years, Vanderveer Park is in the heart of Davenport. A greenhouse (just donate a fee and they welcome photographers), long beautiful grove of trees, tons of blossoms, some structures, a bridge, open mowed grass area, playground, pond with birds, theres tons of options at this park! Also - during the winter months they have stunning beautiful lights all over the park! Details Here
Geneseo Prairie Park
This hidden gem of a park in Geneseo has beautiful tall grass with paths! Great spot for classic sunset photos. Details Here
West Lake
West Lake in Davenport has been my favorite spot for finding gorgeous trees in the fall! Beautiful lake area, weeping willows, and plenty of areas to document families. Details Here
Duck Creek Park
Looking for beautiful spring blooms? Duck Creek has the best blossoming trees in the spring! This spot IS popular for photographers between the blooms, pergola, and city building on the property. The space is also rented out for events and weddings. Details Here
Crow Creek Park
The most popular grove of trees in the fall - Crow Creek Park in Bettendorf has plenty of spots to enjoy fall colors. Also has a pond, trails and a playground. Details Here
Blackhawk State Park
A great park situated in Rock Island with trails, a beautiful building, tall grass, and playground - tons of variety for shooting families while not having to walk far. Details Here
URBAN AREAS
Downtown Davenport
My favorite spots downtown include parking ramps, the riverfront, Centennial Park, and Main Street! Tons of beautiful buildings, brick, variety of colors and downtown charm.
Downtown Moline
Now that we became IL residents in 2020 I’ve also loved shooting in downtown Moline! The main strip has the best holiday lights as well as neon signs.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Want to leave a reminder when taking photos in any public space it is important to leave to trace - for respect to our wonderful earth and the community. Be accommodating to anyone else enjoying the area as well as not destroying any foliage or using items that can harm the environment. Different parks have their rules posted on signs or on their websites - make sure to follow them! The cities work hard to keep the spaces safe, clean, and beautiful - so do your part.
WANT TO HANG OUT AT ONE OF THESE LOCATIONS WITH ME?
If you’re looking for nostalgic, connection-based family photography in the Quad Cities, with film, digital, super 8 video, polaroids and a whole lot of heart for her work, I’d love to hear from you. My sessions are relaxed, playful, and focused on capturing what makes your family yours.
Reach out here to learn more or book your session.
Let your photos tell the truth of your family, not just what you looked like, but who you are together.
MAGGIE RECHKEMMER
Maggie Rechkemmer is a family photographer and educator based in the Quad Cities. She’s passionate about documenting real, everyday moments through film, digital, and Super 8—capturing the magic in the messy and the beauty in the ordinary. When she’s not behind the camera or teaching fellow creatives, you can find her exploring with her kids, running through the trails, or working on her 1914 home.
Want to learn more? Head over to her main website here.