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! Location is unavailable May - September.
5300 N Capital of Texas Highway Austin, TX 78730
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).
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. This location is unavailable during May-September.
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
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.
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.
12138 N Lamar Blvd Austin, TX 78753
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 involved than a typical shoot
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 and/or an outdoor event is not happening on the terrace where we shoot.
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 $130 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 30 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!
14284 FM2769, Leander, TX 78641
The Art Barn is a creative space unique to Austin with a variety of spaces to shoot beautiful photos. There is a textured barn, beautiful light rays coming through trees, and shabby chic art throughout the grounds to add a little spice to the photos.
Challenges: Coordination of date and time for the shoot with the owner of Art Barn is required.
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.
Challenges: none
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 seniors, branding, or families!
Challenges: a good amount of walking is involved here
2307 Thorton Rd #213, Austin, TX 78704
The The Lumen Room is a studio in downtown Austin that is great for simple, clean photos. It is a bright white room filled with beautiful natural light and fun seating options (velvet couches and chairs). This is an excellent choice for headshots or a modern family shoot. Morning shoots are best here (9am-12pm)
Challenges: $75 booking fee for 1 hour
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, color, and lines.
Challenges: A good amount of walking invloved so is not recommended for families with small children. It is usually crowded, so some waiting may be required for shots with certain backgrounds.
16410 Stewart Rd, Lakeway, TX 78734
Does your family own a boat? If so, why not do something a little different and go for a lifestyle photoshoot? We'll head out about 1.5 hours before sunset and take some active photos along with some posed photos! The kids will love it! Photos shown below were taken on Lake Travis, but I'll meet you at your favorite lake!
Challenges: None
Star Hill Ranch, 15000 Hamilton Pool Rd, Bee Cave, TX 78738
Star Hill Ranch is a beautiful, rustic location that provides so much variety, texture, and color!
Challenges: $65 fee to shoot here and there are often events scheduled on weedkends. A week day shoot is best at this location.
6500 Sitio Del Rio Blvd, Austin, TX 78730
River Place Field is a simple location offering beautiful backlight and an open field. Short sessions are best here.
Challenges: lack of variety in backgrounds
3505 W 35th St Austin, TX 78703
Mayfield Park with it's stunning grounds provides a beautiful backdrop for a photoshoot. Scattered coy ponds and peacocks walking around, in addition to beautiful backlight highlighting lush greenery and a variety of backgrounds all within a short walking distance.
Challenges: A $60 fee and a reservation is required to shoot here. Early booking is imperative to secure this location. Young children may be distracted by the peacocks and coy ponds which means the shoot may be more of a documentary style and less posed.
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Lindsay is an award winning, published, natural light photographer with over 10 years of experience. Based in Austin, TX, she specializes in photographing brands, families, maternity, and newborns. Lindsay serves the greater Austin area, including: Bee Cave, Cedar Park, Round Rock, Georgetown, Lakeway, Leander, and Pflugerville.