Best La Crosse, WI Portrait Locations
Best La Crosse, WI Portrait Locations
One reason we love La Crosse, WI is because it feels so different from much of the Midwest based on the diverse topography. Because of the Mississippi River Valley location, La Crosse is surrounded by beautiful bluffs that feel like mountains compared to the flatness of most other locations in Wisconsin/Minnesota/Iowa.
Between the bluffs and a robust downtown supported by multiple local colleges, restaurants, and two large healthcare systems, La Crosse makes for a vibrant city with countless photographic possibilities.
In particular, we find a lot of intrigue in how easy it is to get so many different portrait locations simply by walking from one block to the next over a 1-2 hour photography session. On top of the cityscape, we can incorporate the best views of both the river and the bluffs/woodlands within minutes.
The Cass Street Bridge is actually comprised of two bridges–the Cass Street Bridge and La Crosse West Channel Bridge.
This provides the main thoroughfare between La Crosse, WI and La Crescent, Minnesota.
Because of it’s orientation, the sun sets almost directly in parallel with the bridge, creating one of the best portrait locations. A walking path alongside makes it easy to access.
Aside from the ice cream shop that bears the same name (The Pearl), the best thing about the Pearl Street area is that there is so much variety from block to block. From a photographic standpoint, this creates the opportunity for so many different possible portrait looks. Ultimately, this is such a high yield area that we love shooting here.
Most people stop at Grandad Bluff, however, keep going and you’ll wind your way around to the Human Powered Trails at the Upper Hixon Forest. Turn right at the National Weather Service station and there is a gravel parking lot. If you like mountain biking, this is the place to do it. That said, it also doubles as a great portrait location spot with some sweeping vistas on the top of the bluff overlooking La Crosse.
I especially like it mid-summer when the grasses start getting longer and it makes a photogenic spot for early fall portraits.
Riverside Park is central to La Crosse in every season. It’s home to the La Crosse Queen riverboat in the summer and the Rotary Lights in the winter. Just off the park is the the Riverside International Friendship Gardens, which is a hidden gem that took us years to discover.
Myrick Park is similar to the Pearl Street area in the sense that you can get a couple of really distinct looks in a very small area. We meet near the Myrick Park Center in the parking lot and then head over towards the big willow trees. One favorite thing we like to do is backlight those trees with orange light. Even if it’s overcast, we can create a beautiful sunlit scene like on this shoot.
You’d never think about taking photos in a parking ramp, but it can be an incredible place to make some iconic images. The thing I like about this ramp is that there is a great backdrop at golden hour from the roof.
Grandad Bluff is an iconic natural landmark in La Crosse, overlooking the entire city. Follow Bliss Road 600 feet in elevation and you’ll get an amazing view, especially at sunset.
Perrot State Park is comprised of 1,200 acres near Trempealeau, WI. It is adjacent to the Mississippi River and has breathtaking hiking trails. For photography, there are some easily accessible areas with parking.
La Crosse Local Businesses
We are blessed with some amazing local architecture, which creates amazing opportunities. For example, we did a shot at the Charmant Hotel for some recent personal branding photos. The hotel has such a unique interior presence that it makes for a variety of wonderful images, especially with creative lighting. By bringing our own light in a small package, we have endless potential options.
Downtown Alleys around La Crosse
We all drive by them everyday and don’t look twice, but some of the alleys in downtown La Crosse are photographic diamonds in the rough.
They allow for an interesting perspective and a really cool urban vibe. With creative lighting, we can do some really neat stuff all over town like on this shoot with Sam.
When I first got into portraits, I assumed that I needed the panoramic vistas and amazing cityscapes I’ve seen traveling the world.
As I’ve learned more and studied images from world class portrait photographers, I’ve come to understand that creative perspective and lighting can make the best background, but you as the subject make the scene.
In this collection, all these images were shot merely in our own yard.
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La Crosse Area Camera Club Homepage
View from Grandad Bluff by Michelle Cox
Welcome to the La Crosse Area Camera Club!
We are an educational and social organization that brings together people of all skill levels to share their art, improve their skills, and find fellowship in a friendly and supportive environment.
Our members range from just starting out to those who have been shooting for decades. We offer educational programs and mentorship as well as hands on workshops, monthly competitions, field trips and more.
LEARN
skills to improve your photography
- Short programs focused on beginner skills.
- Long presentations for more complex subjects.
- Monthly competitions provide feedback from judges.
- Mentors available for individual and small group instruction.
PRACTICE
what you’ve learned
- Workshops for hands on learning on a topic.
- Field trips to shoot with others in new and interesting locations.
- Volunteer events put your skills to use for a good cause.
CONNECT
with other photographers
- After-meeting Cookies and Conversation.
- Facebook group and Discord chat server to share images and chat with other local photographers.
- Social events like parties and picnics to get together for a meal and photo fun.
AFFILIATIONS
We are members of N4C and PSA.
North Central Camera Club Council (N4C)
“N4C is a non-profit organization dedicated to public education and learning in the science and art of photography. It is an organization of about 40 camera clubs in the North Central States area of the United States of America.“
The La Crosse Area Camera Club has been a member of N4C since 1974. Each month, images from our competition are selected to submit to the N4C competitions. We also enter the yearly website competition and took 3rd place in 2020-2021.
See our N4C page for more details.
Visit the N4C’s website
Photographic Society of America (PSA)
“The Photographic Society of America (PSA) promotes the art and science of photography as a means of communication, image appreciation, and cultural exchange.
PSA provides education, information, inspiration, and opportunity for all persons interested in photography. The Society fosters personal growth and expression, creativity, excellence, and ethical conduct in all aspects of photographic endeavor.”
The La Crosse Area Camera Club has been a member of PSA since 1949.
Visit the PSA’s website
Buick La Crosse Photos – 46 High Quality Images
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The Buick La Crosse photo gallery has 46 high quality photos.
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