Best Photography Locations Around Dallas...

1/18/2019

Along with the seasons and time of day, locations can have a big impact on your photos. When considering your location, choose one that best suits you personally. What you have to wear to your session can also help narrow down your decision. Don't be shy to dress up at a more natural location, but do consider the type of shoes you'd bring to a park. ;)

Anyways, here are some of my favorite photography locations around Dalas that I have found to love!

1. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve / Address: 6701 W Parker Rd. Plano, TX 75093
This location has so much to offer because it is just so large. I usually only shoot just around the entrance of the park and I am able to deliver many options to my clients. The open field they have is perfect to capture a gorgeous sunset as well. You must visit right when the leaves begin to change their colors...it's beautiful. This park is usually filled with many other photographers, but with so much space, there is plenty of room for all of us!
Cost: FREE

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve Plano, TX

2. Samuell Farm Trail / Address: 100 US Highway 80 E. Sunnyvale, TX 75149
For awhile, I thought this park was private but it is actually open to the public. There is a small lake in this park and a couple of barns to include in photos. Right across the highway is Samuell Farm North Park that offers a gorgeous trail in the middle of a field of tall trees. I loved shooting at the North Park location for my Christmas sessions. Both places have impressed me!
Cost: FREE

Samuell Farm Trail Sunnyvale, TX

Samuell Farm North Park Sunnyvale, TX

3. Prairie Creek Park / 2514 W Prairie Creek Dr. Richardson, TX 75080
This park is in the middle of a beautiful neighborhood of homes. It has a gorgeous little waterfall on the corner of Prairie Creek Dr. and Lookout Dr. You'll be able to walk down to get the perfect backdrop to your photos. My only downfall for this location is on a beautiful day, it can fill up with many other photographers that may stall some session time. Still...it is worth the wait. During early May there is a beautiful field of wildflowers to enjoy as well on the other end of the park!
Cost: FREE

Prairie Creek Park Richardson, TX

4. Historic Downtown McKinney / Address: 111 N. Tennessee St. McKinney, TX 75069
I love this location, and for my sessions I like to arrive here a little earlier than scheduled just to walk around and browse the shops. (I have to add that they also have an Emporium Pies) I think this location works best for senior and couple sessions. Nearby is the popular McKinney Cotton Mill, but you should know that specific location does charge $150 for two hours.
Cost: FREE

Downtown McKinney, TX

5. Texas Discovery Gardens / Address: 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Dallas, TX 75210
I had to include this location just because I have a deep love for butterflies. I do have their "Photography Membership" which gives me entry for up to 6 people. (without the membership there is a professional photographers fee) Parking is free at this location but there is an entry fee. Butterflies live best in humid temperatures, so the inside feels a little hot and stuffy, but they do have a garden outside of their greenhouse for fresh air.
Cost: https://txdg.org/info/

Texas Discovery Gardens Dallas, TX

6. Meadow View Nature Area / 1901 Laneview Dr. Ennis, TX 75149
Bluebonnets are just about everywhere in Texas but this spot in particular is so beautiful! It is a secluded area and has a gorgeous lake that is perfect to watch during sunset. You will be surprised by the number of bluebonnets you will see. It is a bit of a drive outside of Dallas but worth it in my opinion. Your best time to visit is around early April. Ever since I made this trip, I grew an obsession for bluebonnet sessions.
Cost: FREE

Meadow View Nature Area Ennis, TX

7. Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens / Address: 8525 Garland Rd. Dallas, TX 75218
The Dallas Arboretum offers many gardens to shoot at year round! This helps me during my winter sessions when I want greens in my photos. I find the best time to visit is right when it opens because there is less people and best lighting. Do keep events in mind that they may be going on because parking can fill up on certain events. Pumpkin sessions are pretty popular at this location during the Fall. So far, my membership has been worth every penny.
Cost: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/visit

Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

8. Deep Ellum / Address: Near Downtown Dallas
I have always loved Deep Ellum for the number of murals it has to offer. At certain spots you can capture a glimpse of the beautiful Dallas Skyline. I recommend shooting early Sunday mornings because you will have plenty of parking. However, this location is gorgeous during golden hour, but just a bit busy! You will do plenty of walking at this location because it has so much variety. I love this location for my couples that enjoy the city life because they can grab a bite to eat after their session to enjoy each other.
Cost: FREE

Deep Ellum-Downtown Dallas

9. Stone Creek Park / Address: 1400 Fuqua Dr. Flower Mound, TX 75028
This park is in the middle of a neighborhood, so it may feel like you have the wrong place when you first arrive. Once you walk through the bridge you should soon see the gorgeous "Stone Creek" on the right side of the trail. I love this location for family and maternity sessions. I first got to visit this location during the most perfect weather early in the morning. I loved it! It is stunning when the light peeks through the trees. You don't have to walk too far in to get the most out of this location.
Cost: FREE

Stone Creek Park Flower Mound, TX

10. Japanese Botanical Gardens / Address: 3300 Japanese Garden Ln. Fort Worth, TX 76107
Another garden, but not at all disappointing or overrated. There is a fee for professional photographers to shoot here in addition to an entry fee. I think this location best suits couples for their engagement sessions. The first time I got to shoot here was for a first birthday session. It is of course outside of Dallas, but so unique I had to visit!
Cost: http://www.fwbg.org/gardens/#/the-japanese-garden/

Japanese Botanical Garden Fort Worth, TX

Whoever you are, a fellow DFW photographer or someone else's client, I hope this helps out! There are so many other locations Texas has to offer but these have just been my personal favorite. When in doubt, just have your photographer choose for you! They know what locations are best during the time of year for your session...trust their decision. I want to add that even the most simple location can be perfect for photos, just remember that it's whats in front of the camera that matters most. Even if you do not have a photo session planned, I still recommend visiting these places for a nice stroll with the family.

Have a beautiful day!
Vanessa Castillo