Below are locations around Austin that I love to shoot at. The first thing I always look for in location scouting is beautiful light! I want to see that a location provides a good variety (backlight, sidelight, and direct light). Next I look to see if the location provides an array of backgrounds to make for an interesting, full gallery. And finally, I look to see how much walking is involved – from the parking lot and then within the different shooting spots. I am very particular with locations and I’m excited to share a my favorites with you below:
The 360 Bridge – Field
4801 Plaza on the Lake #1200 Austin, TX 78746
This is a field location along Lake Austin with the 360 Bridge (aka the Pennybacker Bridge) in the background.
It has beautiful backlight opportunities as well as the gorgeous 360 Bridge and Lake Austin in the background.
Challenges: The grass has a lot of sharp burrs in it; closed toed shoes are highly recommended!
This location is unavailable from May-September.
The 360 Bridge From Above
This location is near the field mentioned above, but you actually park along 360 and walk a quick, 5 minute hike up. It provides breathtaking views from a high up location with Lake Austin and the 360 Bridge below. It is also a very outdoorsy location with beautiful trees, rocks, and flowers. It provides a good opportunity for silhouette photos as well.
Challenges: parking along 360, it can be crowded (although not always – this is unpredictable), you have to walk up a short but steep trail to get to the location, once there you are high up without any fences (may not be the best location for small toddlers).
Bull Creek District Park
6701 Lakewood Dr Austin, TX 78731
Bull Creek District Park provides a very outdoorsy backdrop with water, rocks, and beautiful, big trees.
If the water is shallow and the weather warm enough there is an opportunity for playful water photos and/or water maternity photos.
Challenges: Can be crowded during the fall
The Woodlands at River Place
8820 Big View Dr Austin, TX 78730
The Woodlands at River Place is a gorgeous location providing big, beautiful trees and a gorgeous leaf floor (during the fall) with an inlet of Lake Austin in the background.
During the spring bright flowers bloom, adding pops of color to the photos.
It also has unique benches to sit on created from fallen trees.
Challenges: None
Brushy Creek in Cedar Park
3300 Brushy Creek Rd Cedar Park, TX 78613
Brushy Creek Lake Park is a beautiful location providing sprawling fields and a large lake. This is a particularly stunning spot during Bluebonnet season in the spring.
Challenges: Can be a bit busy and it is a little bit of a walk from the parking lot.
Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park
The Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is a beautiful location with trees, trails, bridges, and waterfalls. This area provides variety, is sprawling, and is excellent for furry friends.
Challenges: Trails can be tricky in high heeled shoes, a little bit more walking (over rugged terrain) involved than a typical shoot.
The Long Center
701 W Riverside Dr Austin, TX 78704
The Long Center provides an edgy, urban location showcasing Austin’s beautiful skyline in the background! In addition, the steel metal wall along with the reflective windows of the Long Center provide great opportunities for some unique photos!
Challenges: It is necessary to arrive early for parking, the location can be a bit crowded at times (which we work around, but may result in waiting a few minutes for optimal set up of some of the photos), and we need to check the Long Center schedule to ensure we aren’t there when a show is beginning or ending.
The Sekrit Theater
1145 Perry Rd, Austin, TX 78721
The Sekrit Theater is a beautiful glass house surrounded by trees in a shabby chic setting offering a picture perfect location for stunning photos.
Challenges: There is a fee of $145 to photograph here. Because of this I offer mini sessions one evening in October for an opportunity to take advantage of this location without the added cost for my clients. Mini sessions at this location last about 15 minutes and include at least 15 edited images. Spots are limited and fill up quickly. If you are interested in booking a regular session here, it is best to contact me early – golden hour reservations fill up fast!
Field in River Place
6500 Sitio Del Rio, Austin, TX 78730
This simple yet gorgeous field provides a beautiful backdrop where your family will stand out against the rays of the setting sun.
Challenges: Not a lot of variety, but beautiful none-the-less.
Star Hill Ranch
15000 Hamilton Pool Rd, Bee Cave, TX 78738
Star Hill Ranch is a beauitful, rustic location that provides so much variety, texture, and color!
Challenges: A $65 fee is required to shoot here and there are often events at this location on the weekends. A weekday shoot is preferable if possible.
Your Home
Your home is a fantastic space to capture your family! What better way to document your lives than within the walls where you spend the most time? In home sessions are done at 10am for best light and we typically concentrate locations in teh master bedroom, family room, and kitchen (all depending on light).
Challenges: Sometimes kiddos are more distracted at home
home
The Domain
11520 Rock Rose Ave, Austin, TX 78758
The Domain Shopping Center is a fun, urban location with lots of color and energy! This location is best utilized for a shoot during the morning (hour after sunset) to minimize crowds. It is a fantastic option for branding, seniors, and/or families!
Challenges: A good amount of walking is involved here
Seaholm District
710 West Cesar Chavez St, Austin, TX 78701
Located in downtown Austin, the Seaholm District provides a unique urban landscape with a variety of backgrounds, colors, and lines. It is a great option for branding shoots and/or families with older children.
Challenges: A good amount of walking is involved so it is not recommended with families with small children. It can be crowded for evening shoots, so some waiting may be involved.
The Lumen Room
2307 Thorton Rd #213, Austin, TX 78704
The Lumen Room is a studio located in downtown Austin that is fantastic for simple, clean photos. It is a bright white space filled with natural light and fun seating options (velvet couches, chairs, and a variety of stools). The Lumen Room is a fantastic choice for headshots or a modern family shoot (examples of both below). Morning shoots are best here (9am-12pm).
Challenges: $75 booking fee for 1 hour
Lake Travis or Lake Austin
Does your family own a boat? If so, why not do something a little different and go for a lifestyle shoot!? We’ll head out about 1.5 hours before sunset and take some active photos along with some posed photos on the boat! The kids will love it! The photos below show Lake Travis first, followed by Lake Austin.
Challenges: None
Commons Ford Ranch
614 North Commons Ford Rd, Austin, TX 78733
Commons Ford Ranch is a gorgeous location offering beautiful backlight and open fields along with an old barn which provides texture and variety to the photos. One of my favorite locations!
Challenges: none
Mayfield Park & Nature Preserve
3505 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703
Mayfield Park with it’s stunning grounds provides a beautiful and unique backdrop for a photoshoot. With scattered coy ponds and peacoacks walking around, beautiful backlight highlighting lush greenery and a bright white building complete with a perfect porch all make this a great option for photos.
Challenges: A $60 fee and reservation is required to shoot here. Early booking is imperative to secure this location, especially during the fall. Young children may be distraced by the peacocks and coy ponds which means the shoot may be more of a documentary style and less posed.
Circle C Ranch
6301 W Slaughter Lane Austin, TX 78739
Circle C provides a beautiful, natural location with open fields, tall grass and gorgeous trees. The light is stunning in the morning or the evening providing a unique opportunity for photos either time of day!
Challenges: Parking is fairly close and there is a trail, however plan on walking through fields – closed toed shoes are a must!
The University of Texas
110 Inner Campus Dr Austin, TX 78705
The University of Texas is a unique location that provides a variety of appointed architecture and stunning light. More natural spots are sprinkled within the campus to give a good variety of both nature and buildings. This is a great location for anyone looking to take family photos in Austin, but particularly for Alma Maters to UT.
Challenges: Parking and a good amount of walking to take advantage of the many beautiful spots – may not be the best for young children unless you bring a stroller or a wagon.
Festival Beach
Nash Hernandez Senior Rd, Austin, TX 78702
Festival Beach is a public park nestled on lady Bird Lake. It provides an opportunity with photos on greenery with water in the background, walking paths with leading lines and the best part is a gorgeous iron bridge that is the perfect frame for family photos.
Challenges: Parking can be rough, more often than not it is busy, and even if you check the calendar and it comes up clear, there could still be a large event happening at this park. With all of that said, the iron bridge – which is the best part is tucked just far enough away from the crowds.
That is a lot of locations! Please reach out with questions – I am always happy to help! Locations can make or break a shoot so it is important to get it right!
