Where do you go to find a portrait location that has nature but also architecture and is close to the city? Mellon Park is the place! It’s the perfect little park that has walled gardens with stone steps, iron gates and pretty flowered paths all nestled between the Squirrel Hill and Shadyside neighborhoods in Pittsburgh. And it’s a favorite location for portraits.

A little history first.  The park was established in 1943.  The space was originally the location of the estate of Richard B. Mellon.  After the original mansion came down (no one really knows why according to my favorite Pittsburgh historian, Virginia Montanez) and the land was given to the city.  If you click the link you can see an artist’s rendering of the original house and oh my!

I’m so glad the city has kept the park and continues to preserve the remains of the mansion that are still there.  Fun fact – Phipps Garden Center is located in what was once the carriage house.


I love Mellon Park! And it’s such a great spot for portraits. That’s a big reason why it’s so popular. Once August and September hit, you’ll find 5-10 photographers there with families, seniors, and couples each weekend.  It can be challenging but I’ve never had problems finding my spots with clients.

And who could resist such a space!

With the fountain at the entrances with the open lawn, iron gates and garden paths along the sides.  There are also stone staircases that lead to the lower gardens.

The park is beautiful all year round.

Everytime I’m there I find new spots or new ways of looking at the same spots.

The only drawback- as I mentioned before, is that it can be very popular and not just for photographers. It is a neighborhood park and has plenty of visitors daily. The Pittsburgh Center for the Arts is right there and the park offers a perfect place for kids to play during camps. There are yoga classes on the lawn. Summer concerts and farmers markets.  And it’s a popular location for outdoor weddings.  Everyone loves this park!

But that doesn’t mean that we need to stay away.

For my clients who want to plan their senior portraits at Mellon Park, I try to schedule during the week when it’s a little less crowded. Weekdays allow for a bit more flexiblity with the time of day we schedule.  Golden hour is very pretty in the park but I also like first thing in the morning (the morning light is great if you like bright color images). Mellon Park is also a great spot for those cloudy Pittsburgh days.  Because the area is so open, the clouds help it to not be too bright of a space.

Mellon Park is one of many great location options for senior portraits in the Pittsburgh area.  For more ideas as you plan your senior portrait session, contact me!  I’m happy to chat and share my location guide for other senior portrait ideas.