I have clients ask me all the time “Where should we take our photos?” Obviously, a lot of it depends on where they live. I try to always work with my clients and do their session relatively close to their home. A lot of times, they have a specific vision in mind. Sometimes, though, they have no idea and I get to throw out suggestions. So, here’s a list of my absolute favorite photography locations in the DFW area!

Natural Vibes:

LBJ Grasslands – Decatur, TX

This location is literal heaven and I wish more people were willing to make the drive! This spot doesn’t even look like Texas with its wide open fields and towering trees. There are two separate sides to this location; the pine trees and the fields/hills. I especially love this spot in the fall because it’s always deserted, unlike all my other locations that get overcrowded during the fall family photo rush. Plus, this is the closest pine tree forest to Dallas, which makes a perfect backdrop for your holiday photos. I love this location year round solely based on the fields, though. Maternity and family sessions are a dream here, especially if you have younger kids that want to be able to run free and would be easily distracted by other people around them. 

Erwin Park – McKinney, Texas

Erwin Park is the gift that never stops giving. Seriously. I do 90% of my family sessions here just because it’s so absolutely stunning, not to mention there’s so many good spots to choose from! It’s really nice no matter the season, which is also a plus. In the winter, the grass isn’t as tall or green, but you can still get a gorgeous shot in the field without having to worry about chiggers or other wildlife. You can get some really pretty rainbow sun flares in the winter too, because of the position of the sun and lack of haze. In the spring, the grass starts to grow back and there are even a few wildflowers that pop up. The summer is my favorite time to shoot here, because the grass is really tall and gorgeous. The summer sun creates a lot of haze, too, which is something I love having in my photos. The fall is great because the grass takes on a more greenish tint and there’s usually some clouds in the sky!

The Keller Pointe – Keller, Texas

I don’t get a chance to shoot at The Keller Pointe often, but it is one of my top 3 favorite locations for sure! This may look like just a normal rec center, but behind the main buildings is a huge and absolutely stunning field. The grass gets taller in the summer for some really whimsical family photography shots, or if you’re not a fan of tall grass, they do occasionally mow it. It’s always pretty short at the beginning of spring, as well. I highly recommend bringing bug spray for the summer months. There’s even a little creek right before the fields if you want to get some fun shots of your little ones playing in the creek. We actually got some gorgeous family photos done for ourselves last summer in that very creek! The Keller Pointe is seriously a dream location.

Murrell Park – Flower Mound, Texas

Murrell Park is perfect for maternity and family photography. Any time I have a client that wants photos by the water, I suggest Murrell. The only issue with this location is that since it’s right by a lake, if there’s been any recent flooding it’s typically closed to the public. That being said, every time I’ve been there, it’s been open and absolutely amazing!

Arbor Hills – Plano, Texas

While I’m sure you’ve heard of Arbor Hills, it’s still worth mentioning! Arbor Hills has so many hidden spots, and all of them are gorgeous. In the fall, there’s even a few trees that will give you pretty fall colors! Arbor Hills has a little bit of everything, from trees to open fields to ponds.

Farmers Branch Rose Garden – Farmers Branch, TX 

I’ll be honest, I don’t like shooting at the Dallas Arboretum. It’s always crowded, you have to pay to park and get in, there’s a ton of walking, and because of their operating hours you can’t do sessions during golden hour when the light is best. I stumbled across the Farmers Branch Rose Garden awhile back and I’m officially in love! It’s so much better than the Arboretum, in my opinion. If you’re looking for a whimsical garden to do your next session at, this is the place to go! Minimal walking, yummy light, and of course, free to enter and never crowded. I especially love this location for maternity and milestones, but you could definitely do a short family session here too. 

Urban Vibes:

Downtown McKinney – McKinney, Texas

Rooftop – DFW Metroplex

There are lots of rooftops to choose from all over the metroplex that allow photography, and all of them create such a fun and unique backdrop for your shoot! The one I use most is in Plano, but there are also a few in downtown Dallas and Fort Worth.

Deep Ellum – Dallas, Texas

Grungy, vibrant murals, hip bars and nightlife, always changing. You can have a lot of fun here, and your photos will certainly reflect that!

Lakeside and Creek Options:

Limestone Quarry Park – Frisco, Texas

I absolutely adore this location for family photos! It is such a fun spot to do a full on lifestyle session. Your kids will love playing in the creek, and you’re sure to get lots of candid smiles and fun-filled images.

Rockledge Park – Grapevine, TX

I ADORE this spot for maternity, but it’s great for family photography, too! There’s gorgeous cliffs that you can stand on to get the water in the background, or you can get some sweet shots of your little family walking along the beach. This location is usually pretty windy, so make sure to have any long hair secured or be prepared for some stunning windswept photos! Please note, there is a $50 fee to shoot at this location. I promise it’s worth it, though!

White Rock Lake – Dallas, Texas

Another obvious yet beautiful choice! White Rock Lake is different from the other lakeside locations because it has piers that go out on the water, as well as boats docked nearby for several different background options. There are also a few fields and grassy areas that are great for photography. I recommend going in the spring or fall so that you don’t have to worry about the summer crowds.

Little Elm Beach Park -Little Elm, Texas

If a rocky lakeside beach isn’t your thing, check out Little Elm Beach Park! This man-made sand beach along Lake Lewisville will make you forget you’re in Dallas. It’s perfect for a true beach session without having to drive 5 hours to Galveston! I suggest going on a weekday and avoiding the summer months for the smallest crowds.

The Colony Lakeshore Trail – The Colony, Texas

I especially love this spot because it looks good year round. My personal favorite time to use this location is during the summer or fall. I also love the variety this location offers. We can get both open field (with the lake in the background) and beachy lakeside shots.

Stone Creek Park – Flower Mound, Texas

A cute creek surrounded by tall trees. Lots of flat stones in the creek (hence the name!) that are great for walking across. A great location for the more adventurous family.

A Little Rustic:

Prosper Silos – Prosper, Texas

I absolutely love the Prosper Silos! Just the right touch of country without overdoing it. There’s even a food truck park across the street, perfect for a quick bite after your session.

Parker Rose Garden – Allen, Texas

Parker Rose Garden is a great outdoor spot with lots of open fields, trees, grass, a small pond, and an old barn. Great for a mix of natural and rustic photos.

Frisco Heritage Center – Frisco, Texas

Frisco Heritage Center is a great outdoor location with lots of grass and Western charm. Easy to walk around and change locations quickly.

Samuell Farms – Sunnyvale, Texas

Samuell Farms has two sides, one with a rustic barn and one with lovely fields, trees, and a gorgeous pond. You truly can’t go wrong here!