40 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
The Old Capitol Building offers a stunning backdrop with its neoclassical architecture, grand columns, and historic charm. The Pentacrest area adds natural elegance with lush lawns and seasonal flower beds.
Historic architecture offering a grand backdrop for graduation or senior photos, especially for future Iowa Hawkeyes.
A blend of historic and modern architecture surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and pathways, featuring the Old Capitol building and Pentacrest area.
These gardens offer a serene setting with manicured lawns and seasonal flower beds, providing natural elegance for photos.
A picturesque farm with rolling hills and beautiful apple orchards, perfect for capturing rural scenes and autumn colors.
A historic landmark offering opportunities for architectural and historical photography, with its beautiful columns and staircases.
Stunning architecture with floor-to-ceiling windows and elegant staircases, both inside and out.
This bustling area is filled with colorful murals, eclectic storefronts, and lively pedestrian activity, offering dynamic urban backdrops.
A serene and natural setting with wooded trails, soft streams, and shifting light, perfect for capturing serene portraits, especially during golden hour.
A scenic area with river views and a mix of modern and natural elements, suitable for capturing urban and natural themes.
Bustling with life and character, offering colorful murals, eclectic storefronts, and a lively pedestrian mall.
A vibrant spot in the Ped Mall with colorful benches, ideal for street and portrait photography.
The graffiti wall near the Iowa River offers a vibrant and colorful backdrop for portraits and street photography. Its dynamic art adds a unique element to photos.
Features a lake and walking trails, suitable for nature and landscape photography.
Colorful murals in public parking lots, offering vibrant backdrops for street and portrait photography.
A vibrant downtown area in Iowa City, ideal for street and architecture photography with its eclectic mix of shops and public art.
Scattered throughout the city, these public art displays offer vibrant and eclectic backdrops for street and portrait photography.
A modern and architecturally interesting building with a unique façade, ideal for urban and architectural photography.
A historic theater with a unique facade, offering opportunities for architectural and street photography.
Features a modern and sleek lobby with plenty of natural light, making it perfect for indoor and architectural photography.
Colorful murals adorning public buildings, offering vibrant backdrops for street and portrait photography.
Features exhibits and displays suitable for indoor and museum photography.
A bustling marketplace perfect for capturing street scenes, food, and people, especially during the summer months.
Features several sculptures and a natural setting, perfect for capturing art and nature photography.
A lively area during spring and summer, featuring colorful flowers and string lights, ideal for Instagram-worthy photos.
Features diverse landscapes, including log cabins, wooded areas, a staircase with a tree canopy, and along the Iowa River.
Features beautiful gardens and walking trails, perfect for nature and landscape photography.
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics (UIHC) is a large medical complex located at 200 Hawkins Drive in Iowa City. It features distinctive modern architecture with expansive glass facades and functional design elements that reflect its role as a leading healthcare and research institution. The site includes the John W. Colloton Pavilion, known for its sleek design and large windows, offering interesting reflections and structural lines. Photographically, the location offers strong opportunities for capturing architectural details, the juxtaposition of light and shadow on its surfaces, and urban healthcare environment storytelling. Inside areas, such as the Medical Museum, provide a chance for indoor architectural and historical-themed shots.
Home of the Hawkeyes, this stadium offers opportunities for sports and architectural photography.
A historic church with a unique facade, suitable for architectural and street photography.
A modern building with interesting architectural elements, suitable for urban and architectural photography.
Features modern architecture with interesting structural elements, suitable for urban and architectural photography.
A small garden with a variety of plants and flowers, offering opportunities for nature and macro photography.
A scenic park with playgrounds and open spaces, suitable for family and outdoor photography.
Just a short drive from West Branch, Iowa City offers a vibrant downtown area with eclectic shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions.
A network of trails perfect for capturing outdoor and action photography.
A lively area for capturing candid shots of dogs and their owners, ideal for pet and street photography.
A small, shaded garden filled with native plants, perfect for macro photography.
Features ramps and bowls, offering opportunities for action and sports photography.
Features modern athletic facilities and open spaces, suitable for capturing sports and outdoor photography.
