Top Indoor Locations for Indianapolis Family Photos
Centrally Located Spots for your Indoor Indiana Family Photo Session
Choosing an indoor location for your family photos may feel like a serious challenge but we are going to tackle that daunting task together! As a family photographer that has been serving the Indianapolis area for over a decade, I have discovered some true gems for capturing your passing moments in the comfort of more controlled environments. Indoor settings can oftentimes provide a backdrop that feels reflective of your family’s personality or can even simply strip away distractions so that the focus lies soley on the connection that you all share.
Being in Indianapolis, we have some pretty cool options — let’s unpack all the location opportunities that may be right under our noses. Think about places like local museums or art galleries that offer stunning architecture and vibrant colors. Or maybe consider a favorite family spot—like your local bookshop or a beloved café—where everyone feels comfortable and able to connect with one another.
When picking the perfect spot for your shoot, let’s keep a few things in mind: lighting is key (natural light is usually best), space (you want enough room for your entire crew to fit comfortably), and of course, the overall aesthetic of the place—making sure it aligns with your family's style! Ultimately, choosing a location that makes you feel good and allows your family to interact with the space is the key to landing on the best spot!
Photography Studio Options
Aspiring Eden Studio
Aspiring Eden Studio is a located off North Meridian street and St Clair street just north of downtown. They have two separate spaces available for booking; the first of which lends itself to the normal approach of family photographers. There are backdrops available in the main area as well as a more lifestyle set up in the attached room, including a bed and large floor mirror. The second space is more furnished with a wall of exposed brick that brings focus to the history of the building and our beautiful city. Be sure to thoroughly check out the info on both spaces before choosing which is a better fit for your vision.
For a better feel, check out more work of mine within this space here!
Stutz Studio
The Stutz building is such a historic piece of Indianapolis and home to many amazing local Indy shops and creatives. I feel inspired just being there and this studio is for sure one of my top picks for indoor photography locations. They’re the only studio I’ve used in the downtown area that has gorgeous industrial south facing windows. This brings plenty of natural light to the scene when you choose to work within this space! I love that I can lean into the raw look of the building or choose to utilize a clean minimal backdrop.
Studio Loft 18
Located smack dab in the heart of Fortville you’ll find the lovely Studio Loft 18 space. They have poured heart and soul into this historic space and made it a wonderful option for any indoor photography needs. Their studio consists of two available large rooms to rent; one they refer to as the Clean Slate room and the other the Lifestyle room. Both living up to their names while also allowing seemingly unlimited possibilities to creatives.
Other Indoor Location Ideas
We’ve covered many locations that exist specifically for photography rentals, stick around for some additional options to consider if you want variety or perhaps are in need of something more budget friendly for your next photo session.
Ivory Foundry
The Ivory Foundry primarily serves Indianapolis as a wedding and event space. However, if you’re lucky enough to catch them on off season or able to squeeze into their schedule, you’ll find a different kind of charm to serve as your pictures’ backdrop. My personal favorite being this cement like wall pictured above, but they also have larger garage door windows, historic brick, and additional charm to choose from.
Parking Garages
This one feels like a bit of a cheat since it’s not technically fully indoors but it can shield you from some external elements + it does offer a cool unique look to your photos. Most garages in the central Indiana area aren’t an issue to photograph within, but you may want to look into the specifics of whichever one you choose.
Hilbert Conservatory at the Indianapolis Zoo
This one-of-a-kind two story tropical greenhouse is a true treasure within the city. Enjoy the feeling of being immersed in nature with the added bonus of the Indianapolis Zoo experience.
Downtown Indianapolis Central Library
The Central Library is a historic building that has served the Indianapolis community for over a century; this now six-storied glass and steel building houses limitless opportunity for creativity and imagination for your family photos.
The Indiana Statehouse
Paying true homage to the state, our capital building is built with Indiana limestone and filled with stained glass, marble floors and grand staircases. Choosing this location is sure to elevate your family photography results.
Garfield Park Conservatory
This art-deco conservatory houses an array of rainforest themed plant species, creating an aesthetic not often found in central Indiana.
Indianapolis Artsgarden
Hanging in suspension over Indianapolis’ Washington St and Illinois St, you’ll find this iconic glass dwelling that offers as much natural light as you’d get photographing in an outside space.
Restaurants and Coffee Shops
Reflecting inwards and thinking of all your favorite spaces to visit as a family may offer you the perfect spot. If you find yourselves frequenting specific shops, perhaps that should be your go-to pick for your upcoming family photos!
Private Residences
Of course, your own home or a space that is sentimental to your story can provide the most special indoor option. Take a look through all of these at home photo sessions where the families were documented in the place where their love dwells + grows.
Three Big Perks of Taking Pictures Indoors
Weather Doesn’t Affect Your Plans
No harsh sun or unexpected rain showers to ruin the moment! That’s an automatic win in of itself — being in the midwest we often can’t rely on weather to be consistent, so removing it from the equation entirely can offer a huge sense of relief.
Little Kids Stay Contained
Sometimes having a space with boundaries is best for our little ones. I have seen time and time again young kiddos unable to fight the urge to venture and roam in areas that are new to them. Having four walls around you can truly be a blessing for the parents who are likely already a bit tired just from getting everyone ready + present for the session!
Unique Look for Your Family Photos
If I had to go out on a limb, I’d say most Hoosiers have family photos with luscious greenery filled backgrounds or perhaps the more fall toned view of nature. Choosing to have your family documented in a space that was built with its own blueprint will transfer into photos that feel just as unique!
* When in the planning process for your family pictures, be sure to have your photographer check on permissions, scheduling, permit fees, and other requirements to utilize your preferred space.