Locations For Your Family Photo Session in Austin, Texas
Perfect Locations for Your Family Photo Session in Austin
Choosing the right location for your family photo session is one of the most exciting parts of the process! Austin is full of stunning, diverse spots that make for unforgettable photos—whether you're looking for a serene natural setting, an iconic cityscape, or a more intimate, controlled environment. Below, I've compiled a list of some fantastic locations for family photos, along with details on parking, crowd levels, and any special considerations to help you make the best choice for your session.
Commons Ford Metropolitan Park
Located along Barton Creek, Commons Ford offers a peaceful, natural setting with a combination of grassy fields, wooded areas, and creekside views. It’s perfect for families seeking a tranquil, scenic atmosphere.
Crowd Level: Generally less crowded, especially on weekdays, which means you can enjoy a peaceful, relaxed session.
Parking: Ample parking available at the entrance, usually easy to find a spot.
Best For: Families looking for nature and serenity with a variety of natural backdrops.
Red Bud Isle
Red Bud Isle, on Lady Bird Lake, provides beautiful views of downtown Austin, as well as overhanging trees, small trails, and lake access. It's ideal for families looking for a mix of greenery and water.
Crowd Level: Can get busy, especially on weekends, as it's a popular spot for walkers and dog owners. Please be aware that there are often dogs off leash at this location. Usually these dogs are very friendly, however, if you or your kids are not comfortable with dogs, I would not recommend this location.
Parking: Very limited parking is available in a small lot near the park entrance. It’s best to arrive early morning to secure a spot and avoid crowds.
Best For: Families seeking water views and a wooded environment. During the fall seasons, the foliage is turns beautiful colors.
Circle C Park
Circle C is a spacious park offering open fields, wooded areas, and a lovely pond, providing a variety of landscapes for your photo session. It's an excellent option for families who want flexibility and wide-open spaces.
Crowd Level: It can get moderate to busy, especially on weekends, but with its large size, there are always quieter areas to explore.
Parking: Ample parking is available, though it can fill up quickly during peak times.
Best For: Families who want variety—open fields, or trails.
Brushy Creek Regional Trail
Brushy Creek Park, located north of Austin, features a wide open field, walking trails, and areas that overlook a pond. This location offers a blend of nature and rustic charm. This is a popular location for Bluebonnet photos during the season they are in bloom.
Crowd Level: Can be moderate to busy, particularly on weekends, but there are many quieter sections along the trails.
Parking: Several trailheads with ample parking available, but a little walk may be required as the park is on the larger side.
Best For: Families who love walking trails, creeks, and natural backdrops.
Pease Park
Located near downtown, Pease Park features tree-lined paths, open grassy areas, and access to Shoal Creek. It’s perfect for families who want a nature-focused session close to the city.
Crowd Level: Can get busy, especially on weekends, but there are quieter areas along the creek or further back in the park.
Parking: There’s plenty of parking, but it can fill up during peak times. There are also street parking options available.
Best For: Families who want a balance of urban vibes and green space.
Auditorium Shores
Auditorium Shores offers spectacular views of the Austin skyline and Lady Bird Lake. It’s one of the best spots in Austin for wide-angle shots with a backdrop of downtown and the lake.
Crowd Level: This park is quite popular, especially on weekends, so expect a fair amount of foot traffic. However, the expansive space offers plenty of options to find quieter areas.
Parking: There are several parking lots nearby, though they can fill up quickly. Street parking is also available, but be prepared to walk.
Best For: Families who want iconic Austin skyline shots with the lake in the foreground.
Blanton Museum of Art & UT Campus
The Blanton Museum of Art and surrounding University of Texas campus offer stunning architecture and peaceful courtyards with lush greenery. This spot provides a unique mix of urban beauty and natural elements.
Crowd Level: The museum and campus are generally busier during weekdays but quieter on weekends, especially in the courtyards and garden areas.
Parking: Limited parking is available near the museum. Be prepared to pay for parking in the nearby lots.
Best For: Families seeking an artistic, architectural backdrop with a blend of urban and natural elements.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is perfect for families who love flowers and natural landscapes. With native plants, beautiful gardens, and stunning seasonal blooms, this location offers a vibrant, colorful backdrop.
Crowd Level: Quieter than many of Austin’s other parks, but can get busier during events and peak blooming seasons.
Parking: Plenty of parking available, but it can fill up during special events, so plan ahead.
Best For: Families who want a botanical, garden-inspired feel with seasonal beauty.
Balcones District Park
Balcones District Park is a lesser-known gem in North Austin. This park offers scenic views of wooded areas, open fields, and an area with wildflowers making it a perfect option for families who want a peaceful, nature-filled environment.
Crowd Level: This park is relatively quiet, especially compared to other popular locations, making it ideal for families who want to avoid the crowds.
Parking: Ample parking is available in the main lot, and it’s usually easy to find a spot.
Best For: Families who enjoy a more secluded, nature-filled setting with less foot traffic.
Your Family's Home
For a more personal and intimate setting, having your photo session at home is a wonderful option. Capturing family moments in a space that is meaningful to you and your children often results in relaxed, authentic images.
Crowd Level: This is a private location, so you won't need to worry about crowds or other people.
Parking: Parking is simple—right in front of your house!
Best For: Families who want to capture memories in their own environment, whether it's snuggling in the living room, documenting your baby’s nursery, playing outside in the backyard, or cooking together in the kitchen.
Sekrit Theatre
Sekrit Theatre is an intimate, lush, and unique venue located in East Austin. The private gardens, charming outdoor spaces, and whimsical vibes make this an ideal location for families seeking a more private, creative session.
Crowd Level: As a private venue, Sekrit Theatre offers exclusivity, meaning you won’t have to worry about crowds. However, there is a fee to reserve the space.
Parking: On-site parking is available. It's a private venue, so you don’t need to worry about public parking or crowds.
Best For: Families looking for an intimate, private session with a creative, whimsical garden atmosphere.
Rental Fee: Starting around $150 per hour depending on the time of year and availability.
Check out Sekrit Theater’s Instagram to see a preview of the space. Also, please review Sekrit Theater’s booking policy here.
Indoor Studio Rental Locations in Austin
If you're looking for a more controlled environment with consistent lighting, an indoor studio session can be a great option. Below are a few popular studio spaces in Austin that offer a variety of backdrops for your family’s session. A rental fee is required to reserve these locations. This fee is in addition to my session fee. I've included details about the rental fees and any props included with each studio to help you make an informed decision:
Lumen Room
Lumen Room is a beautifully designed, bright, and airy studio located in East Austin. Known for its minimalist aesthetic, the space is perfect for families looking for a clean, modern feel with natural light that pours in from large windows.
Rental Fee: Starting around $75 per hour
Props Included: The studio has a selection of props available, including simple furniture like stools, benches, and couch. The space is designed to allow for creative flexibility, so you can bring your own props as well. During the holiday season, Lumen Room also has a faux Christmas Tree.
Best For: Families looking for a minimalist, modern look with natural light and subtle, elegant backdrops.
Check out The Lumen Room’s Website to see a preview of the space and available props.
The Spot Studio
The Spot Studio is a spacious and versatile location in Pluggerville that provides a wide range of backdrops, from industrial to modern, all with plenty of natural light. It’s ideal for families who want flexibility and variety in their photo shoot.
Rental Fee: Starting around $85 per hour
Props Included: The studio offers a selection of props such as chairs, couches, rugs, and textured walls. While the props are more minimalist in style, the studio allows plenty of room for creative setups. You’re also welcome to bring your own props to personalize your session.
Best For: Families looking for a versatile space with a modern, clean aesthetic and the flexibility to customize the shoot to their style.
Check out The Spot Studio’s Website and Instagram to see a preview of the space and available props.
The Best Time for Family Photos: Sunrise, Sunset, & Considering When The Kids Are Happiest
One of the most important factors in getting beautiful, timeless family photos is timing. The lighting, the energy of the kids, and the overall mood of the session can all be influenced by the time of day we choose to schedule your photoshoot.
Here are some key considerations when picking the best time for your family session:
Golden Hour: Sunrise and Sunset
The golden hour—the period shortly after sunrise and just before sunset—offers the most flattering, soft, and warm natural light for photos. The light during this time is golden and diffused, which creates a magical, almost dreamlike atmosphere. It’s also the perfect time for creating those beautiful, glowing family portraits that you’ll treasure forever.
Why It Works:
Soft, Flattering Light: The low angle of the sun at these times creates soft shadows and a warm glow, making everyone look their best.
Calming Atmosphere: The quiet of early mornings or the peaceful vibe of evenings can create a calm and serene atmosphere, allowing your family to feel relaxed and natural in front of the camera.
Beautiful Backdrops: Sunrise and sunset provide some of the most stunning skies—think golden hues, soft pinks, or even dramatic sunsets—that will make your photos pop.
Best For:
Families who want soft, glowing light with beautiful, dreamy backdrops.
Families who want fewer distractions (sunrise tends to be quieter, and sunset is a quieter time, too).
Couples and families who want to include a romantic or serene vibe in their photos.
Considerations:
Timing: Sunrise session usually take place around 7:30 AM, depending on the season, while sunset sessions are around 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM, depending on the time of year.
Children's Sleep Schedules: Sunrise can be great for babies and younger children. However, sunrise session times might be tough if older kids are not early risers or have a hard time waking up. In that case, the evening golden hour might be a better fit. Remember - we want to capture your family’s authentic smiles so plan on picking a session time where everyone is happy!
When Your Kids Are Happiest
While the lighting is crucial, the mood and energy of your children are even more important! The best time for a photo session is also when your kids are happiest, most engaged, and most comfortable. For some families, that may mean mid-morning, right after breakfast, when the kids are rested and energized. For others, it may mean late afternoon, after they've had a nap and are feeling refreshed.
Why It Works:
Natural Expressions: Children’s best expressions come when they’re comfortable, happy, and not rushed. If they’ve had a snack, played for a bit, or are in a relaxed mood, we’re more likely to capture genuine smiles and natural moments.
Less Stress: When kids aren’t too tired, hungry, or overstimulated, they are much more likely to enjoy the experience, making for a more enjoyable shoot for everyone.
Flexibility: Depending on your family’s daily rhythm, finding a time when your kids are at their best often leads to less stress during the session and more authentic, relaxed images.
Best For:
Families with younger children or babies, where a happy, well-rested mood is key to getting great photos.
Families who want candid, playful images of their kids having fun rather than posed shots.
Families who may not be able to do early mornings or late evenings but still want great, natural photos.
Considerations:
Make sure to avoid scheduling your session during nap time or when your child tends to be cranky (usually right before lunch or bedtime).
For babies or toddlers, it’s often best to plan your session around their usual routine, so they’re well-rested and in a good mood.
Final Thoughts:
Whether you’re drawn to the lush greenery of Balcones Park, the iconic views at Auditorium Shores, or the intimate charm of your own home, Austin has a wealth of locations that can help capture your family’s personality and unique bond.
Each location offers something special, from natural settings to creative studios, and I’m happy to help you choose the one that best suits your vision. If you’re ready to plan your session, or if you’d like additional suggestions based on your family’s preferences, don’t hesitate to reach out!
I’m looking forward to help capturing memories for you and your family soon!
