The Como Zoo Butterfly Lot

in St. Paul, Minnesota, is one of my favorite locations for outdoor portraits. It offers a perfect mix of natural backdrops, including lush trees, seasonal flower gardens, and elegant architecture. This versatile location provides plenty of space to work with, making it an excellent spot for both creative portraits and professional headshots. Plus, the dedicated parking lot makes it super convenient for clients!


One of the best things about Como Zoo Butterfly Lot photography sessions is the variety of looks you can achieve depending on the lighting and time of day. Whether it’s soft golden hour light or bright afternoon sunshine, this location delivers timeless, elegant images.

Woman in navy pinstripe dress and white cardigan with purple geometric pattern on sleeves poses outdoors by evergreen trees.
A smiling person in a navy pinstriped dress stands against a backdrop of lush green cedar trees.
Stylish woman in dark blue ribbed dress sitting outdoors with blonde ombre hair against natural background.

Adding a White Backdrop for Professional Portraits

For this session, my client also wanted studio styled headshots so we made it happen using my Impact Pro Raid Portable Background. This portable white backdrop has been one of my best investments for 2025. It allows me to capture on-location professional portraits while doubling as a reflector when needed.


I purchased it from B&H Photo (not sponsored but always welcomed!), and while some reviews mention that it’s not ideal for outdoor use due to its tendency to tip over, we lucked out with calm weather. The setup held up beautifully, allowing us to capture clean, polished headshots in St. Paul without any issues.

Smiling woman with blonde ombre hair wearing a navy pinstripe fitted dress against a light background.
Professional headshot of someone wearing a navy pinstriped top and long wavy blonde ombre hair against light background.

Embracing Minnesota’s Early Spring Aesthetic

Since Minnesota spring is just starting (and got frozen the day after), the flower gardens at Como Zoo weren’t in full bloom yet. However, the location still provided stunning backdrops with its architecture structures and surrounding trees. Even without flowers, the setting created an elegant and timeless look for outdoor portraits in St. Paul.


If you’re looking for a Minnesota portrait photographer to capture your business headshots, senior portraits, or creative lifestyle sessions, I’d love to help! The Como Zoo Butterfly Lot is just one of the many beautiful locations I recommend for unique, breathtaking images.


Looking to book a St. Paul portrait session? Let’s connect!