Key West is a photographer’s paradise, brimming with tropical charm, golden sunsets, and vibrant scenery. As the team at Senses at Play Photography in Key West, we often get asked where to find the perfect backdrop for an outdoor photoshoot in Key West. Whether you’re a couple looking for romantic engagement photo locations in Key West or a family seeking a fun portrait setting, this island offers a mix of well-known hotspots and hidden gems.
Below, we highlight the best outdoor photography locations in Key West with vivid descriptions, why each spot shines for photography, tips on timing and avoiding crowds, and which types of sessions each suits best.
Mallory Square is famous for its nightly Sunset Celebration, where street performers, local artisans, and visitors gather to toast the day’s end. This waterfront plaza offers a lively setting with open ocean views to the west.
Picture sailboats drifting on the horizon and a sky ablaze in oranges and pinks – Mallory Square delivers one of the most breathtaking sunsets in Key West. The plaza itself buzzes with energy: jugglers and musicians entertain, and historic buildings and docked boats provide interesting backdrops for candid shots.
If you’re chasing that quintessential Key West sunset shot, Mallory Square is the place. The golden-hour lighting here is magical for silhouettes and warm portraits. The mix of people and activity can add a fun, candid vibe to photos, great for documenting the spirit of Key West. Couples can capture a romantic moment against a fiery sunset, while families love the carnival-like atmosphere that keeps kids entertained and smiling.
Arrive about 30-60 minutes before sunset to stake out a good spot, as it gets very crowded during the celebration. The light just before sunset (golden hour) will give your photos a beautiful glow. If you prefer a serene scene with no one around, visit at sunrise – you’ll have the waterfront largely to yourself with soft morning light reflecting off the water.
The busiest time is sunset (which is also the most beautiful light). To avoid crowds in your shot, position yourself at the water’s edge or on the pier early. Alternatively, catch a sunset here in the off-season or on a weekday for slightly fewer people, or use a corner of the square where performers aren’t drawing big audiences.
Couples (romantic sunset kisses and proposal shots), families (kids enjoying street performers make adorable candids), and solo travelers (iconic travel shots with Key West’s sunset). Large groups can also work here, but plan to arrive early to keep everyone together.
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park (fondly called “Fort Zach”) offers a two-in-one package: a Civil War-era brick fort and one of Key West’s best natural beaches, all in one location.
Inside the park, you’ll find a red-brick fortress with mossy arches, old cannons, and spiral staircases – a dream setting for history-loving photographers. Just steps away, paths weave through a coastal pine forest opening onto a sandy beach with rock formations and swaying palms. As the sun sets over the Gulf, the beach is bathed in golden light and the sky ignites, making it perfect for dramatic seaside photos.
This 87-acre park provides diverse backdrops: rustic brick textures for an urban feel, leafy greenery for nature shots, and turquoise waters for that tropical vibe. The fort’s brick archways and corridors create beautiful framing for portraits – many couples love the romantic, historic ambiance for engagement photos.
Meanwhile, the beach at Fort Zach is known for incredible sunset views and photogenic rock jetties that lend a rugged, adventurous flair to images. You can capture everything from tender moments on the sand to playful shots exploring the fort. It’s a top pick for engagement photo locations in Key West because of this variety.
A joyful couple enjoys the gentle waves and pastel sunset at Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. The golden-hour light and the park’s natural shoreline create a romantic, carefree vibe for engagement photos.
Sunset is prime time here. The beach faces west enough to get brilliant sunset colors, ideal for silhouettes of couples kissing by the shore. Golden hour (the hour before sunset) bathes the fort walls in warm light, highlighting their rich red color – great for portraits against the arches. Morning light can also work nicely inside the fort for softer, shadowed shots before it gets too harsh. Midday sun is strong (and hot!), so if shooting then, stick to shaded spots inside the fort or under trees.
Fort Zach is spacious. For minimal people, go on a weekday or earlier in the day. The beach sees more visitors near sunset (everyone comes for the view), but since it’s a large area, you can usually walk a bit further down the shoreline or out on the rocky jetty to isolate your shot. If using the fort as a backdrop, note it closes before sunset (usually around 5 p.m.), so plan to shoot in the fort in late afternoon when crowds are light, then move to the beach for sunset.
Couples (engagements & elopements) – many wedding photographers love this spot for its romance and variety. Families – kids can explore the fort or play on the beach, yielding candid smiles. Solo portraits or seniors – the mix of textures (brick, sand, water) makes for dynamic personal portraits. Even wedding parties often come here for epic group shots with a sunset backdrop.
Smathers Beach is Key West’s largest public beach, stretching nearly a mile along the south shore
Imagine soft white sand underfoot, turquoise-blue shallow waters, and a fringe of coconut palm trees leaning toward the ocean. Smathers offers a classic tropical beach scene that is straight out of a postcard.
There’s plenty of space to capture wide-angle shots of the shoreline, or intimate close-ups with waves lapping at your feet. A promenade runs along the beach, and on calm days you might see paddleboarders or kite surfers in the background (adding a dynamic touch to photos).
This beach’s wide-open space and variety of scenery make it a versatile photography spot. You can pose in the shade of palms for a frame-within-frame effect, use the blue ocean as a clean backdrop, or incorporate the sandy dunes and sea grass for texture.
Photographers love Smathers for family sessions – kids can run and play, resulting in fun candid shots with plenty of room to move. Couples also adore the romantic, laid-back vibe; a stroll down the water’s edge at Smathers is picture-perfect. Because it’s so spacious, you can usually find a quiet corner, making it feel like your own slice of paradise in photos.
Smathers faces south, so it doesn’t get a direct sunset into the ocean. However, late afternoon’s golden hour light still illuminates the beach beautifully, casting a warm glow through the palm fronds. In fact, Smathers often has gorgeous golden light around sunset time even if the sun itself sets off to the side. For truly epic colors, sunrise is amazing here – the beach is calm and the rising sun paints the sky in pastels, all while you practically have the place to yourself. Early morning is one of our personal favorite times at Smathers because it’s peaceful and even a bit magical when the first light hits the water.
Despite being popular, Smathers’ length helps disperse crowds. On weekdays or early mornings, you’ll often find only a few joggers or sunrise seekers. Weekends midday can be busier with sunbathers and volleyball games; in those cases, walk further down the beach from the main parking areas to find quieter stretches. If a cruise ship crowd is in town, aim for an off-peak hour (either earlier in the day or around sunset when many tourists leave for dinner).
Families – plenty of room for kids to play, and the shallow water is safe for water shots. Couples – great for that barefoot-in-the-sand engagement session or even small beach weddings; it delivers a quintessential “tropical paradise” ambiance. Solo travelers or influencers – the palm-lined views scream Key West, making for enviable Instagram shots with a carefree vibe. Basically anyone seeking that iconic beach backdrop will love Smathers.
If you’re looking for a quieter beach setting with a touch of history and nature, Higgs Beach combined with the West Martello Tower is a fantastic choice. Description: Higgs Beach is a cozy stretch of sand on the Atlantic, often dotted with a few locals and shorebirds. A long wooden pier (White Street Pier) extends gracefully into the ocean at Higgs, creating leading lines that draw the eye out to sea – perfect for dramatic perspective shots.
Nearby, the West Martello Tower (home to the Key West Garden Club) is a hidden gem: it’s a Civil War-era brick fort ruin now overflowing with tropical gardens, archways, and courtyards. Think blooming orchids, winding pathways, and rustic brick walls – a tranquil oasis that provides a lovely contrast to the beach just next door.
This combination spot offers both seascape and garden settings in one trip. Photographically, the Higgs Pier is iconic for sunrise or early morning images – you can capture the pier stretching into calm water with cotton-candy skies. It’s an instantly recognizable Key West scene that works well for dramatic portraits (imagine a couple walking hand-in-hand down the pier, or a silhouette of a person against dawn colors).
Meanwhile, the Garden Club at West Martello Tower is a dream for portraits: the dappled light through the trees and the textured backgrounds of brick and greenery give images depth and character. Couples love sneaking a kiss under the archways covered in vines, and families enjoy the peaceful environment (kids might even spot butterflies or the resident cats). For wedding or engagement sessions, this spot provides variety – romantic garden shots and beachy sunset shots without moving far.
Sunrise is absolutely stunning at Higgs Beach. The pier faces east, so the sun will rise right at the end of the pier, offering a golden orb and reflective water for breathtaking compositions. Early morning light is soft and flattering on people too. If you’re not an early riser, late afternoon toward sunset also works nicely on the beach side (though the sun will set opposite the ocean, you’ll still get warm twilight skies and you can use the pier for silhouettes). The West Martello Garden is best visited mid-morning or mid-afternoon when enough light filters through the trees to illuminate the flowers, but not so overhead as to be harsh – the gardens have shade which is forgiving for portraits even in brighter parts of the day.
Higgs Beach is usually much less crowded than Smathers or Mallory. In the morning you might only encounter a few locals walking dogs or fishing off the pier. Even at sunset, the scene is typically mellow. The pier is long, so you can always angle your shot to exclude others if needed. West Martello Tower (the garden) is free to enter and often delightfully empty or with just a few visitors – especially on weekdays. Keep in mind the garden’s hours (usually closed around 4 or 5 p.m.); plan your visit accordingly. Because of its hidden gem status, you often have large parts of the garden to yourself, but do check if there’s an event (sometimes small weddings or plant sales happen) to avoid timing conflicts.
Couples – terrific for engagements or anniversary shoots, thanks to the pier’s romance and the secret-garden feel of West Martello (garden weddings have happened here!). Families – the beach and garden combo can keep kids interested (they can explore the fort ruins or chase pigeons on the pier) and yields a variety of family portraits. Solo portraits or headshots – the garden offers beautiful nooks for individual portraits with a lush background, and the pier/ocean can serve for powerful, contemplative shots. It’s also popular for pet photography (dog owners often bring pups to Higgs for a walk, so why not a photo with Fido at sunrise?).
The Historic Seaport, often called “The Bight,” is a bustling harbor filled with yachts, classic sailboats, and wooden schooners.
Walking along the harbor boardwalk, you’re surrounded by the maritime soul of Key West – gently bobbing boats, pelicans perched on pylons, and the quaint pastel conch-style buildings of harbor shops and restaurants. The backdrop of masts and sails against a blue sky (or a setting sun) instantly adds a nautical charm to photos. There are also rustic elements like old fisherman shacks, ropes and buoys on the docks, and the crystal clear water of the marina reflecting the vessels. By day it’s full of life, and by night the harbor lights twinkle on the water.
For anyone who loves the nautical or coastal vibe, the seaport is a dream. It’s especially popular for engagement shoots when couples want that “we’re on an adventure together” feeling – the sailboats and the promise of the sea symbolize romance and exploration. Photographers can play with interesting compositions here, framing couples between boat masts or capturing the geometric patterns of the harbor dock planks.
At sunset, the seaport becomes truly magical: the sky’s colors mirror in the calm marina waters, and silhouettes of boat masts create an enchanting pattern against the glowing horizon. This spot also offers a taste of Key West history (it’s one of the oldest marinas where shrimpers and sponge divers worked) which adds storytelling depth to travel photos. Families might enjoy a casual walk with an ice cream in hand for candid shots, and solo travelers can get that classic “I’m in Key West” shot with boats in the background.
The late afternoon to sunset window is fantastic at the Seaport. As the sun lowers, it often casts a golden halo around the boats, and if you shoot toward the west, you can catch vibrant skies framing the marina. Sunset here can yield images of you with a backdrop of pink clouds and the silhouettes of sails – very romantic. Morning light is also lovely and much quieter; the boats will be front-lit by the rising sun from the east, which brings out the colors of their sails and hulls. Midday can be quite bright with strong shadows (and it’s warm), but you can still find some shade under the marina’s awnings or use fill flash if doing portraits then.
The Historic Seaport is a working harbor and tourist spot, so you’ll see people around, but it’s usually not as congested as Mallory Square. The busiest times are around meal hours (as there are popular restaurants on the boardwalk). For fewer people in the background, shoot in the morning when the shops haven’t opened yet and fishermen are just quietly going about their day. Alternatively, find a more secluded section of dock – walk towards the far ends where fewer tour boats operate. If a yacht or ferry tour just unloaded, give it a few minutes for the crowd to disperse. Also, weekdays are calmer than weekends.
Couples – especially those who love sailing or have a nautical theme (we’ve had engagement sessions where the couple wore navy-and-white to match the boats!). Solo travelers/bloggers – the marina screams “Key West” and makes a great backdrop for travel blogs or Instagram, showcasing the island’s boating lifestyle. Families – a stroll along the docks yields natural, candid photos (kids love looking at the fish in the water or boats). Also ideal for portrait themes like senior photos or even surprise proposal shoots – we’ve seen proposals on docks with a sunset and boat backdrop, which is incredibly picturesque.
For vibrant color and cultural flair, Bahama Village is unmatched.
This historic neighborhood, established by Bahamian immigrants, is a patchwork of conch-style cottages painted in every hue of the rainbow. Strolling through Bahama Village, you’ll find murals, pastel walls, and funky décor (think hanging lanterns and wandering roosters) at every turn.
The streets are lined with flowering bougainvillea and decorative shutters, exuding an authentic island vibe. It’s common to hear reggae or calypso music wafting from a nearby cafe, which might just put some extra pep in your step during the shoot! Every corner here could be a backdrop: a teal-blue wall with peeling paint, a vibrant yellow storefront, or a rustic wooden fence draped in greenery.
Simply put, color and character. Bahama Village is a portrait photographer’s dream in Key West. The bright backgrounds infuse energy into photos and can reflect a playful or tropical mood for your session. If you’re after a casual, lively feel – perhaps a couple laughing in front of a hot pink wall, or a family posed under a sign for a coconut stand – this is the place.
It’s also great for showcasing authentic Key West: the neighborhood’s mix of history and Caribbean influence gives depth to images (versus a plain studio backdrop). Clients who say they love funky, offbeat locations are thrilled with the shots from here. You might even catch one of Key West’s famous wild chickens strutting into your frame for an extra local touch! Bahama Village offers a nice change of pace from beaches and ocean views, bringing urban island charm into your portfolio.
A couple poses playfully in front of a brightly painted building in Bahama Village. The vivid orange and red wall, adorned with tropical murals and palms, creates a lively and colorful backdrop that showcases Key West’s Caribbean flair.
Because this is a street scene, the ideal timing can depend on the specific spot (some streets run east-west or north-south, affecting how light falls). Generally, morning to mid-morning light is great – it illuminates the colorful walls without the harsh overhead glare of noon. Late afternoon can also be beautiful when the sun is lower, casting a warm glow on the pastel buildings. Bahama Village’s colors pop best in softer light; however, even midday can work if you find open shade (position your subject just at the edge of a shaded area so they’re lit evenly while the background still gleams). Overcast days are actually fantastic here, as the diffuse light makes all those colors saturated and even.
Bahama Village is usually laid-back. It’s a neighborhood, not a major tourist hub, so you won’t face throngs of people like Duval Street. That said, certain spots like the popular restaurants (Blue Heaven, for example) see spikes of visitors. If you want a particular mural or cafe front, go in the morning before shops and restaurants fully open – you’ll have the streets mostly to yourself. Also, midday in Key West many people retreat from the heat, so oddly enough early afternoon can find the streets quiet (just stay hydrated!). If a street is busy, just wander one block over; there are plenty of photogenic lanes in the area.
Couples – especially those wanting something fun and unconventional (imagine a pair in summer outfits popping against a turquoise wall, or dancing in the street). Families – kids respond to the bright surroundings with genuine excitement; you can get cute shots of them peeking into colorful shop windows or petting the neighborhood cats. Solo portraits or fashion – the area is popular for blogger shoots and senior portraits because of the artsy, bohemian atmosphere. Also great for engagement sessions that want a mix – we often start on these streets for a casual look before heading to a beach for sunset, giving couples the best of both worlds.
Truman Annex is a beautifully preserved neighborhood in Old Town Key West, known for its quiet, picturesque streets.
Think white picket fences, charming pastel-hued colonial houses, and brick sidewalks shaded by palms and banyan trees. This gated residential area (open to pedestrians) feels like a step back in time – it was once part of a Navy base and now is an upscale neighborhood with immaculate landscaping. Flowers spill over garden walls, and you might find an American flag fluttering on a porch or an old lamppost wrapped in bougainvillea.
One famous spot here is “Love Lane,” a tiny alleyway covered by a canopy of tropical greenery – you can literally be enveloped in green leaves for a secluded, romantic shot. Everywhere you turn is another postcard-worthy scene, from the idyllic Curry Mansion-style homes to the picturesque park benches under shade trees. Truman Annex leads out to the waterfront at Truman Waterfront Park, offering even more backdrops like the old harbor and an anchored historic ship.
This area showcases classic Key West charm without the distraction of crowds or commercial signs. It’s perfect if you want elegant, timeless photos – for instance, a couple strolling hand-in-hand down a palm-lined lane, or a family seated on a lush green lawn with colorful homes in the background. The historic architecture and lush foliage create an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy.
Photographers love how clean and serene the backgrounds are – it really lets the subjects shine while still clearly placing you in Key West (the tropical plants and conch-style homes are unmistakable). For engagement shoots, Truman Annex often gives that storybook feel – like you’re walking through your own romantic movie set.
And for family portraits, the kids can be captured running down a safe, quiet street or peeking through a picket fence, which comes out adorable. The mix of vibrant greenery and pastel architecture yields a lovely color palette in photos, often with soft pops of pink from flowers or the teal of a front door, etc.
Because of the tree cover and narrow streets, early morning or late afternoon works best, when the sun is at a lower angle. In the morning, sunlight filtering through palm fronds can create dreamy patterns on the ground. Late afternoon (the golden hour before sunset) bathes the pastel houses in a warm glow and can backlight the foliage nicely. Midday sun can be a bit harsh and direct on some streets with less shade, so if you must shoot then, find a tree-lined avenue or use the shade of a building for even lighting. The good news is there are plenty of trees and porches to duck under to diffuse the light. Also, consider night-time for a different vibe: the street lamps and porch lights come on, creating a cozy romantic ambiance – a skilled photographer can play with those lights for a unique evening portrait.
Truman Annex is a residential area, so you’ll mostly encounter locals walking dogs or the occasional bicycle passing by. It’s generally very quiet. Just be respectful since people do live there – avoid loud disruptions, and if someone’s on their porch, a friendly wave or asking permission if you want to shoot by a particular house goes a long way. The only times it gets “busy” is perhaps when a cruise ship crowd walks through en route to the park or if there’s an event at the nearby amphitheater. But even then, the side streets remain tranquil. If one lane has a maintenance truck or something, just move to the next; the backdrops are equally gorgeous throughout the Annex.
Couples – ideal for engagement sessions where you want a mix of romantic garden and historic urban feel. It’s also a favorite for wedding “first look” photos; many brides and grooms love meeting under the tropical arches of these lanes for that private moment. Families – the safe, traffic-calmed streets let kids relax and be themselves; you can get them skipping down a lane or sitting on a picturesque doorstep. Solo portraits – if you want a Key West feel without being on a beach, this is the spot (authors, professionals or social media influencers often choose these pretty streets as backdrops for a distinct Key West vibe). It’s also suitable for graduates (cap and gown photos under palm trees are quite memorable!).
One of Key West’s most famous photo-ops is a larger-than-life mural that reads “Greetings from Key West, Florida” in classic postcard style.
This vibrant mural is painted on the side of the Cuban Coffee Queen cafe at the seaport (near Margaret St. and Greene St.), and it features the letters K-E-Y W-E-S-T filled in with iconic island images – from conch shells and Key lime pie to underwater coral scenes. The colors are bold and cheerful: turquoise, red, yellow, green – a true rainbow that screams tropical fun.
In front of the mural is a small patio where coffee-goers sit, but there’s enough space to stand or pose without obstruction. The whole setup looks just like a vintage postcard come to life, making you the star of the front image. Next to the mural, there’s also Mac’s Sea Garden shop, which has funky displays of buoys and a rustic fishing skiff, plus a beloved old vintage truck often parked nearby – so this corner is rich in quirky backdrops.
If you want a single shot that says “Key West” loud and clear, this is it. The mural is bright, playful, and uniquely Key West, making it perfect for save-the-date cards, vacation keepsakes, or social media wow-factor. Couples have even used a photo in front of this mural for their wedding thank-you notes or invites because it captures the destination vibe so well. It suits a fun, casual style – you probably wouldn’t do a formal wedding portrait here, but for honeymooners in sundresses and shorts, or a family in colorful outfits, it’s fantastic.
Kids especially love the big letters; you can have them each lean on a letter or jump in front of it for a cute pose. And since it’s at a coffee shop, you can even incorporate props (hold a Cuban Coffee Queen cup for a candid “morning in Key West” feel). The adjacent decor (buoys, signposts showing distances to Havana or Miami, etc.) can give you multiple mini-scenes within a few feet, which is super convenient during a shoot.
Best lighting: These mural faces northwest, if we recall correctly, which means it actually gets a nice bit of indirect light for much of the day. Early morning is ideal because you won’t have harsh sun on it (and fewer people around). Late afternoon works too, but be mindful of shadows cast by nearby buildings as the sun lowers. The mural is partially shaded in the early morning, but as long as the whole mural is not in direct sun, your subjects will be evenly lit. Cloudy days are no problem here (colors still pop). If the sun is low and causing odd shadows, try a little fill flash or come back when it’s a bit higher. Generally, avoid high noon only because the adjacent area can be bright and cause squinting – but even then, since the mural isn’t directly sun-facing, it’s often fine.
This is a popular spot, but turnaround is quick – people usually snap a pic and go. To have it to yourself, aim for early morning (shortly after sunrise) before the coffee shop gets busy, or later in the evening around sunset when the cafe is closed or quiet. If you arrive and a small line is waiting to take photos, don’t worry; it usually moves fast as each group takes a minute or two. Use that time to prep your camera settings. Pro tip: sometimes a car might be parked partially in front of the mural (there’s a few parking spots); if that happens, come back at a different time or ask politely inside if the vehicle could be moved for a moment (if it belongs to staff – Key West folks are often accommodating to polite requests). Most of the day, though, it’s clear. Weekdays have fewer tourists than weekends at this spot.
Couples – perfect for engagements or honeymoon shots that are fun and less formal (lots of our couples take one “serious” romantic shot elsewhere and one goofy smiling shot here to show their personalities). Families – a great family vacation photo, with everyone lined up under the giant “Key West” letters. Solo travelers – you simply have to have this in your Key West album, even if you ask a stranger to snap it! It’s also great for announcements or invitations (as mentioned, engagement announcements, save-the-dates, or postcards home). Basically anyone who wants an unmistakable memory of Key West in full color will cherish a photo here.
Finally, no photography tour of Key West would be complete without mentioning two tiny-but-iconic landmarks: the Southernmost Point Buoy and the Mile Marker 0 sign. Description: The Southernmost Point Buoy is a massive, striped concrete buoy located at the corner of South and Whitehead Street. Painted in black, red, and yellow, it declares “90 Miles to Cuba” and “Southernmost Point of the Continental USA.” It sits right by the ocean, often with waves crashing against the seawall behind it.
The Mile Marker 0 sign, on the other hand, is a simple green road sign on a pole at the corner of Fleming Street and Whitehead Street, marking the end (or beginning) of U.S. Highway 1. It’s smaller in scale, but symbolically it means you’ve reached the end of the road – a classic photo for road-trip enthusiasts. Each of these spots is more of a quick snapshot locale than a full session backdrop, but they’re worth including in your shot list for the sake of that “I was there!” moment.
These landmarks are Key West bucket-list photos. The Southernmost Point buoy is one of the most photographed spots in Key West – a must-snap for visitors. Including it in your gallery adds that iconic touch, and it can be a fun, casual way to start or end a photoshoot (many of our clients want a picture here for their album, even if it’s just with a cell phone). It’s not “beautiful” in the traditional sense, but it’s authentically Key West.
The Mile Marker 0 sign is great for anyone who’s done the drive down the Overseas Highway; it tells a story of a journey. For engagement sessions, some couples like to pose by it if they traveled a long way to marry in Key West – symbolizing the start of a new journey together. Both spots suit a lighthearted, touristy shot – think big smiles, maybe even a celebratory gesture (we’ve seen people pop champagne at the buoy after eloping!). These images often end up in scrapbooks or social media as the defining symbol of reaching Key West.
Early morning is absolutely the trick for Southernmost Point. It’s open 24 hours, and dawn is the perfect time to visit because you might catch a beautiful sunrise and, more importantly, no line. At sunrise, the buoy will be front-lit by the rising sun over the Atlantic, giving you a lovely glow and even lighting on the painted text. By mid-morning and midday, you’ll often have harsh sunlight and shadows (plus crowds) to contend with. Late afternoon can work too (the buoy will be in shade as the sun moves west), which gives even lighting, though the background sky might be bright. For Mile Marker 0, lighting is easier it’s on a street corner with decent open space around, so morning or late afternoon both work. Midday sun might reflect off the green sign, but generally a quick shot any time is fine (just watch for glare and adjust angle as needed).
The Southernmost Point Buoy is notorious for its lines – on busy days, people wait 15+ minutes for their turn. To avoid this, go at sunrise (or very early morning) when hardly anyone is there. You’ll not only get unobstructed photos, but also a peaceful experience with the ocean morning light. If sunrise isn’t possible, try late at night for a moody flash-lit shot with nobody around. Otherwise, if you find a line during the day and still want the shot, be prepared to wait politely – the line usually moves as each group takes a quick photo.
It’s part of the experience! At Mile Marker 0, there’s usually not a formal line, but people do stop by often. Typically you can walk right up, snap a photo, and step aside in under a minute. Just be cautious of traffic (it’s a street corner). For both, weekdays and off-peak tourist seasons (like fall) will be easier than holiday weekends.
Anyone – these are classic tourist/photo spots, so they’re not so much about a professional photoshoot as they are about capturing a memory. That said, we include them often at the end of engagement shoots if the couple wants a few fun shots. Couples – it’s cute for honeymooners or newlyweds to pose kissing next to the “90 miles to Cuba” sign, showing they made it to the end of the map together. Families & friends – pile together around the buoy or under the road sign for a group hug shot. Even solo travelers should grab a selfie here. It’s the kind of image that might not be artistically stunning, but will definitely have personal significance and get lots of “❤️” when you share it, because everyone recognizes it.
Key West offers an incredible array of outdoor photography locations, from sun-drenched beaches to vibrant streets and historic hidden gardens. Each spot has its own mood – be it romantic, adventurous, funky, or serene – so you can truly tailor your photoshoot to your personality or occasion. The Key West photography scene is all about embracing the natural beauty and quirky character of the island. We at Senses at Play Photography love guiding our clients through these locales, capturing not just pretty backdrops, but the memories and emotions of the moment.
When planning your shoot, remember our key tips: time of day can make all the difference (think golden hour or quiet sunrise), and a little preparation (like visiting a popular spot early to beat the crowds) goes a long way. Most importantly, relax and have fun with it! Whether you’re posing under palm trees or dancing at sunset on the pier, the best photos happen when you’re enjoying the experience.
We hope this guide to the best outdoor photoshoot locations in Key West helps you envision your own session. If you’re ready to capture some magic, Senses at Play Photography is here to help – feel free to reach out to us for more tips or to book a session. Here’s to creating stunning images and lasting memories in paradise!
