Best Locations for Family Pictures in Dallas

As a family photographer, I hear from lots of clients that they just don’t know where the best locations for pictures in Dallas are.  We are so fortunate that there is a huge variety of locations available to us here.  From urban, to rustic, to beautifully manicured, or indoor studio, we have them in the Dallas area.  There are a few things that you want to think about when you are deciding on a location, and it’s important to talk with your photographer about these things.

 

How to determine the best location for a photoshoot

1. Time of Day

   – For typical outdoor sessions, within an hour before sunset or an hour after sunrise is the absolutely best time to shoot.  The light won’t be harsh and cause terrible shadows, and you can stand out in the open without worrying about being blinded by the sun or having bright spots in the pictures.  Some locations have better times, though, because they might get dark sooner or they get too busy right at sunset.  If you have young children and an hour before sunset is just too late, there are other options.  Places that have large trees will have good open shade, and some urban places might have buildings that block the sunlight earlier in the day.  

2. Type of Location

   – You probably already have an idea of a location in mind – you are picturing a big open field, or concrete steps, or maybe surrounded by water.  If you have a specific idea, make sure you share that with your photographer so they can suggest locations that work best for you.  Some locations, such as the Dallas Arboretum, Rockledge Park, or a special studio, are beautiful but do require extra fees.

3. Wardrobe

   – This goes along with the type of location.  If you have a specific wardrobe for your family already in mind, that might help you narrow down your locations.  If you have a beautiful flowy boho dress, a modern urban location might not be the best backdrop for you.  If your images are going to be more formal, standing in the middle of tall prairie grasses might not work.  So keep this in mind too, as you are planning your session.

4. Weather

   – Texas has some crazy weather, and it’s not always predictable.  If you have no flexibility in your schedule to change dates if your session date ends up with pouring rain, or a cold front with below freezing temperatures, then an indoor location would probably work best for you.  There are certain situations that just don’t work well for photography – young kids and cold weather, or if it previously rained and will be really muddy. I try not to reschedule sessions unless I really need to, and sometimes I will check in with clients just for a heads up and to see how they’re feeling.  Because again, Texas weather can change so quickly.  Sometimes those days when it’s supposed to rain but doesn’t, end up with the most beautiful sunsets.  

5. Final Plans for Images

   – Are you planning on printing these out and putting them on your walls?  If so, think about what background and colors would work best with your home decor.  You wouldn’t want to put something up that has a ton of green in it, for instance, if that color doesn’t work with the rest of your color scheme.  

Urban-

Deep Ellum 

AT&T Performing Arts Center

Klyde Warren Park

Bishop Arts

In Dallas near I35 and I30, this location has lots of pops of color and great textures for pictures.  It can be busy on weekend evenings but, we can always find a good spot.

Shops at Legacy in Plano

Legacy West

Old Town Lewisville

In Lewisville just off I35, this location has been updated in recent years and includes some beautiful concrete pathways, old style buildings, and some greenery.

 

Las Colinas Canals

Not Urban-

Murrell Park

At the lake in Flower Mound, parts of the park can flood after a lot of heavy rain, so we keep an eye on that.  There is a beautiful field, and also some gorgeous spots down by the water.

Rockledge Park

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Grapevine Springs Park

Grapevine Botanical Gardens

In Grapevine, this location has a very manicured look, and is beautiful throughout the year.  Check the schedule to make sure there isn’t an event there on the day of your pictures.

Stone Creek Park

Heritage Park

In Flower Mound, this location has a little pond with a bridge, tall trees, and as a bonus has a playground so kids can play once their session is over.

White Rock Lake

Davis Park

In Dallas, this location has beautiful manicured grass, lots of ivy and stonework, and this gorgeous bridge entrance.  It gets dark earlier here, so we need to make sure we schedule our session a little earlier than normal.

Dallas Arboretum

Indoor Studio-

Each of these locations has something special and unique to offer.  Check with your photographer about using them, and know that sometimes they are decorated for the season.

The Lumen Room – Dallas/Plano

Painted Lens

Studio Bella’s

Pink Pineapple

Newborns | Milestones | Maternity

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Melinda Wilkinson Photography is a Flower Mound, Tx portrait studio providing services to the surrounding Dallas and Denton communities.  We capture posed newborn and maternity portraits, and provide clients with beautiful artwork to look back on.