Location Guide
I photograph portrait sessions the way I like to be photographed myself: outdoors, in natural light, because I love images that are clean, bright, fresh and timeless. Images that look and feel like you! That’s why I begin all of my sessions 1-2 hours before the scheduled sunset ––during the magical “golden hour” –– when the light in the sky is the softest and most flattering. If young kids or babies are involved, this might change as the best time to photography kids is when they are happiest (rested and feed).
Some things to keep in mind when selecting a location:
Open and airy locations are perfect - sometimes this might mean an open field by the side of the road
Interesting structures or timeless architecture always makes a nice background
Buildings and roads can create creative spaces with natural lines to highlight the most important subject in the photo - YOU!
In the end, I want to highlight you in the photos, not the scenery - so unless we’re at the Grand Canyon, or show casing an amazing building, the photos will primarily focus on the people and not the location.
Locations
The location of your portrait session is completely up to you!
As you’ll see throughout this guide, most of my clients love showcasing the natural beauty of our home town. For most of my sessions, outdoor, open-air environments are always my first choice.
I love shooting in wide-open natural spaces because the light is divine, especially during golden hour.
There are great options all around the city and state, so even if you've never seen me photograph in a specific place before, I’m always up for exploring a new spot!
When it comes to location, it is best to brainstorm ideas for locations that are unique to you or that maybe only you have access to - a family farm or industrial park, even your own yard can make a memorable and fun experience for everyone.
Top Location Suggestions
Somewhere that is special to you
Your favorite bar/patio
Stevenson Park - Friendswood
Christina Adair Park - Houston
Little Ranch Farm - Sante Fe
Out Under the Trees - Angleton
Helen’s Park - Bellaire
Discovery Green or EADO - Houston
Independence Park in Pearland, TX
Park or Field
You can't go wrong with a park or an open field. Some of the best pictures have been of people captured at a park or in a field.
Favorite parks around Pearland include: Independence Park, Dixie Farm Road Park, Tom Bass Park, or Christina Adair Park.
The park or a field also helps to give little ones something to do - pictures are most fun and come out the best when the kids are relaxed and allowed to play - I have captured some great shots of kids on a playground or swing.
Your local neighborhood park might be a great option
Structure
If you are looking for something besides an open field, we can try a background that has a classic building, like a gazebo. Pearland City Hall, or Stevenson Park in Friendswood are great options. There is also interesting architecture at Helen's Park in Bellaire.
Downtown or EADO
While many people go with a nature theme - sometimes you are looking for a more urban feel. There are many locations in Downtown Houston to achieve the look you are going for...
Some suggestions include: Discovery Green, Texas A&M University Park on Main Street, Market Square Park, Allen's Landing, or your favorite bar
Skyline locations: Elenore Tinsley, Sabine River Bridge, Buffalo Bayou off Allen Parkway
Building or Road
If you are looking for a little mixture of nature, fences and a road, we can go to a few places to capture this look and feel.
Sweet P Farms is located in Manvel, TX and offers 3.5 acres that include a barn, fences, a tree lined road and a pond. Likewise, Out Under the Trees in Angleton is a perfect far location with a barn, greenhouse, swing, and horses. Little Ranch Farm in Sante Fe has a greenhouse, garden, pond with a dock, and other structures, as well.
There are other options we can explore in League City or further out.
Museum District
There are parks and art installations all around the museum district. It is common to see photographers in this area of Houston, as the area lends itself to photos with Herman Park, the rose garden, the Houston Zoo, McGovern Centennial Park, and the Japanese Gardens.
Note: this area can be crowded and permits may be required
