The Ultimate Guide to Shooting at Commons Ford Ranch in Westlake, Austin, Texas
If you’re looking for the perfect spot for your Austin family photography session, Commons Ford Ranch in Westlake is a hidden gem! Located just outside the hustle and bustle of downtown Austin, this stunning park offers everything you need for a variety of beautiful, natural backdrops that will make your family photos pop. Whether you’re planning a laid-back session in the field or a more structured shoot by the barn, Commons Ford Ranch provides it all.
Why Commons Ford Ranch is Perfect for Your Austin Family Photography Session
There’s a lot to love about shooting at Commons Ford Ranch in Westlake, and I’m excited to share all the reasons why this location is one of my go-to spots for family photography. Let’s dive in!
1. Easy Parking and Accessibility
One of the first things I love about Commons Ford Ranch is how easy it is to park. The lot is spacious and conveniently located near the main entrance. Whether you’re coming for a quick family session or a longer shoot, you won’t have to waste any time driving around looking for parking. Once you’ve parked, it’s a short walk to the best shooting spots, making the whole experience stress-free.
2. A Large, Open Space with Plenty of Room to Shoot
If you’ve ever visited a popular photography location, you know that crowded spots can sometimes make it tricky to get that perfect shot. Luckily, Commons Ford Ranch is large enough that even on busy weekends or during peak seasons, there’s plenty of space to work with. You’ll never have to worry about running into other photographers or families, so you can truly make the location your own.
3. A Variety of Backdrops in a Short Walking Distance
One of the standout features of Commons Ford Ranch is the variety of stunning backdrops available in such a short distance. In just a few minutes’ walk, you can go from a rustic barn setting to a golden wheat grass field, to wooden fences with leading lines, or even head down to the lake dock for some beautiful water shots. This gives you a lot of flexibility in terms of the look and feel you want for your photos.
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The Barn: If you love texture, the barn is the perfect place for that rustic, country vibe. It adds a warm, earthy tone to your photos, and the light streaming through the wooden beams can create some stunning effects.
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Wheat Grass Fields: These fields are gorgeous year-round but especially magical in the fall when the grass is at its most vibrant. The tall wheat grass adds a soft, organic feel to family photos, making for an idyllic backdrop.
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Wooden Fences and Leading Lines: The wooden fences at Commons Ford Ranch are perfect for creating beautiful leading lines in your photos, guiding the viewer’s eye to your family. These lines add depth and interest to your shots, making them feel dynamic and engaging.
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Stone Stairs and Lake Dock: Don’t forget about the picturesque stone stairs that lead down to the lake dock. These areas are perfect for creating intimate moments in the photo, with a beautiful view of the water and the surrounding trees.
4. Stunning Light at Golden Hour
If you’re an Austin photographer like me, you know how important light is to creating beautiful, timeless images. Fortunately, Commons Ford Ranch is an absolute dream for light lovers. The best time to shoot here is during golden hour, which occurs in the morning or evening.
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Morning Light: The soft morning light hits the fields just right, offering a soft, ethereal glow for your family photos. The colors in the wheat grass are often more vibrant in the early hours, making it perfect for capturing the warmth of the sunrise.
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Evening Light: The evening light at Commons Ford is truly spectacular. The backlight in the fields, with the golden sun casting a warm glow on your family, is absolutely dreamy. After the sun sets, the light transitions into cool blue tones that make for stunning photos with a soft, almost ethereal vibe. This blue hour light is perfect for creating dramatic, timeless black-and-white photos that really stand out.
5. Seasonality: How the Landscape Changes Throughout the Year
The beauty of Commons Ford Ranch is that it changes with the seasons, giving you plenty of variety for your family shoot. The most notable shift happens in the spring. If there’s been a good amount of rain, the wheat grass transforms into a vibrant green, making it perfect for springtime sessions.
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Spring: If the weather cooperates, everything turns vibrantly green, creating a lush, fresh feel for your photos. Clients planning sessions during this time should consider lighter, more spring-appropriate outfits to match the lively landscape.
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Fall: The wheat grass in the field shifts to a soft golden hue, giving your family photos that warm, autumnal feel. Think cozy sweaters and fall colors to complement the backdrop.
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Winter and Summer: Even in the winter, the fields at Commons Ford Ranch have a unique beauty, with muted tones that create a more subdued, peaceful feel. Summer, on the other hand, brings long, sunny days that bathe the area in beautiful light, though it can be a bit hot for outdoor shoots, so timing is important!
6. No Major Drawbacks
Honestly, it’s hard to think of any drawbacks when it comes to shooting at Commons Ford Ranch. The space is vast and varied, the lighting is stunning, and parking is easy—what more could you want? The only thing to keep in mind is that if you’re shooting during a busy time (like weekends or peak seasons), there could be other families and photographers around. But given the size of the park, it’s usually easy to find a secluded spot.
Final Thoughts
Commons Ford Ranch in Westlake is one of my absolute favorite spots for Austin family photography. Whether you’re looking for rustic charm, golden hour magic, or variety in your backdrops, this location has it all. From the stunning fields and barn to the beautiful light, there’s something special here for every family. Be sure to plan your session around the season to get the best out of the landscape, and don’t forget to consider your outfits based on the time of year!