PHOTOGRAPHY OF
Family Photoshoot Location Guide
Hi friend! So glad to have you here!
Choosing the location for your special session can be difficult when you don't know what it will look like in pictures. Hopefully these photos will help you decide the location you want to do your photoshoot at. Don't forget you can always email me if you have a special location in mind. I want you to feel secure in how AMAZING your photos will look.
Love, Sarah
Quick Overview
Below are the types of different photography locations you'll find around the DFW metroplex:
• BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE
• NEAR WATER
• WOODED AREA
• OPEN FIELD
• URBAN
• INDOOR STUDIO
• SEASONAL
If you know what type of background you want to do your photoshoot at, go ahead and click on the section to see what locations I recommend with that type of scenery.
BEAUTIFUL ARCHITECTURE
DALLAS ARBORETUM
The Dallas Arboretum offers a magnitude of gorgeously maintained plants and backgrounds to set your photos apart. Throughout the holidays the gardens are filled with some great accents as well (like gourds in Oct, strung lights in Nov/Dec, etc.) **Entry and parking is covered by photographer's membership.
ADRIATICA VILLAGE
This hidden gem in McKinney will make people wonder if you traveled to Europe for your family photoshoot. Cobblestone walkways and architecture that lends itself to classy and upscale vibes. In the Spring, the dogwood trees are in bloom.
DAVIS PARK
In Dallas, this location has beautiful manicured grass, lots of ivy and stonework, and a gorgeous rock bridge. It gets dark earlier here, so we need to make sure we schedule our session a little earlier than normal.
Other beautiful locations
MANDALAY CANAL (Irving)- This is a small and charming area along the canal in Irving feels more like you’re taking a walk through Europe than through Texas. Plenty of unique textures, beautiful doors, bridges, columns, stairways surround this beautiful waterway.
(I haven't done a family photoshoot here, but I have done some bridals!) *A $50 photography permit is required for this location*
NEAR WATER
WHITE ROCK LAKE
This gorgeous Dallas location is famous for its beautiful views, from the Winfrey point side of the lake you can see downtown Dallas in the background to the other side of the lake (Plaza Solana) where there is a very charming pier, beautiful rock bridge and open field.
PRAIRIE CREEK PARK
This beautiful location in Richardson sports both a gorgeous wooden bridge, waterfall, and winding trail all within 3-5 minute walk. Especially shady during the evening, this is a perfect setting for those golden light photos.
VITRUVIAN PARK
This beautifully maintained park rests in downtown Addison. With tree-lined walking paths, and a wide creek that cuts through the park it makes such a gorgeous background for engagement photos. For a more industrial look we can even take some fun pictures on the large red bridge that crosses the creek in front of the downtown area.
KATHY SEEI PARK
This hidden gem is in Frisco, TX, just a stone's through from IKEA. It's contains a gorgeous little walking path, a creaked, grassy amphitheater and a cute stone bridge. And even though it's in the heart of Frisco, it doesn't get crowded!
Other beautiful locations:
ROCKLEDGE PARK (Flower Mound) - This location is SO unique! It has a coastal/beachy feel, and it’s seriously so amazing. When the water levels are normal, you can walk down to the beached areas and also make use of the cliffs. Please note, there is a $50 photography permit to do a session here, and the entree is $10 per car.
WOODED AREA
MURRELL PARK
Lovers of the outdoors will appreciate this Flower Mound location as you’re surrounded by beautiful greenery and the lakeshore. This is one of my favorite spots as it always has fantastic lighting, and the nature preserve is massive!
This Flower Mound location is stunning. The rocks around the creek give all sorts of great feels! The spot is very popular during golden hour in the spring/summer. I suggest hitting this location midweek, or in the morning for a private session
Other beautiful locations:
DECATUR PINES (LBJ Grasslands) - This hidden gem sports tall pine trees, and a ground littered with pine needles. It is reminiscent of being up in the mountains. It's a bit of a drive, but it's totally worth it! In fact, it's where I had my own family photos taken in 2022!
OPEN FIELD
ARBOR HILLS NATURE PRESERVE
Arbor Hills is a 200 acre preserve in Plano with beautiful fields and small charming hills. It is my favorite spot to shoot at sunrise time, because the light is always on point and hits between the trees. This gorgeous spot also sports a beautiful little stream for the more adventurous families.
ERWIN PARK
A beautiful open field in McKinney surrounded by tall trees and winding bike trails make this location the perfect location for those tall grass photos (without actually having to wade through the grass).
NORTHWEST COMMUNITY PARK
A beautiful park outside Fort Worth, this sweet location boasts an open grassy field, low rock wall, and small pond and pier.
PROSPER SILOS
This Prosper field is bookmarked by these proudly standing silos. They make such a uniquely rural landmark that'll bring such a fun element to your photos.
Other beautiful locations:
Tandy Hills (Ft Worth)- Open fields, wild flowers, Fort Worth landscape view and very cute hills, this place has it all! The best part is, the access to the fields is easy and the sunset view is stunning.
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URBAN AREA
DOWNTOWN MCKINNEY
This spot will always be a favorite of mine. Here you'll find charming and photogenic store fronts and a handful of murals. A bonus feature of this location is a park on one end for those wanting both urban and nature filled images in their session. Plus there are lots of cute places to grab dinner or dessert within walking distance after your photoshoot.
DOWNTOWN CARROLLTON
This picturesque downtown area is home to some sweet photo-ops, including: the Carrollton Theatre, gazebo, fountain, I "heart" Carrollton sign, as well as some charming store fronts and murals.
DALLAS OPERA HOUSE
This location allows you to choose between contemporary high-rise buildings with cobblestone-paved promenades or perfectly manicured lawns with vine-draped walls. I especially love the shallow pool in front of the Opera House for splashing around in and getting beautiful reflective photos.
FORT WORTH STOCKYARD
While the stockyards are definitely famous for their rustic 'cowboy' feel, this location has so much more to offer with its beautiful cobblestone and brick downtown shopping district, to the gorgeous trinity falls trail. If you book an hour long session we can even visit the pretty cactus garden around the corner!
INDOOR STUDIO
LUMEN ROOM
In Texas the weather can be very unpredictable, which is why I absolutely LOVE the Lumen Room! They have three studios- two in Dallas and one in Fort Worth. Each studio has something special about it, whether it be the furniture/backdrops they offer, or the color of the floor and brick wall. The room rental is added on top of the session fee, but in my opinion, it’s SO worth it. I love the simplicity of the room, because it makes the subjects shine! *Rental starts at $80hr.
SEASONAL
BLUE BONNET FLOWERS - APRIL
This Texas tradition sweeps through the Dallas metroplex mid-April. There are several locations I love to capture family photos at, including Carrollton (cute bridge/stream), McKinney (young trees and pond), and Sunnyvale, TX (evergreen trees and small hills).
WILD FLOWERS - MAY
Picture this: wide-open green spaces, cute little bridges, and a chill pond – talk about the perfect recipe for epic shots! In Richardson you'll find nature's beauty in full swing at this park.
ROSE GARDENS - NOV/FEB
With winding paths, a stunning array of blooming roses, and quaint vine-covered arches, the Rose Gardens in Farmers' Branch offer a variety of picturesque spots to craft unique and timeless compositions.
Other beautiful seasonal options:
CHRISTMAS (Indoor Set Up in McKinney or Bedford)- Typically these set-ups have Christmas trees, presents, wreaths, etc. If you are interested in what there is available at our local studios give me a holler and I can send you some promo pictures.
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SUNFLOWERS - JUNE - There is a beautiful sunflower field and greenhouse just South of Dallas in Waxahachie that I have been DYING to go capture family photos at. I'm talking drop-dead gorgeous larger-than-life flowers, and a beautifully sunlit glass greenhouse just waiting for us to frolic and play in.
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Whew! Thanks for perusing all of these beautiful locations with me. I hope you found a spot that speaks to your heart.
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This is by no means a complete list of all the places I've taken family photographs at, just my favorites. ;) If there is anything that you didn't see that you would like to get a photographer's opinion please let me know!
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I'm so excited to photograph you and your beautiful family at our session! I hope you are getting excited too.
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xoxo,
Sarah Mae