Stuck on Location? Let's Find Your Perfect Photoshoot Spot!
What's the best location for our photoshoot?" This is hands-down one of the most frequent questions I get, and for good reason! With a sprawling city like Houston, the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming. But here's a secret: while the backdrop matters, you are always the most important element in the photo. I truly believe beautiful portraits can be made anywhere, even in your own backyard!
If you're feeling stuck, don't worry. I'm happy to suggest a location based on your personal style or even my own creative vision. To get you started, I've put together a curated list of fantastic spots.
Note: While some of these images are from earlier in my career and may not reflect my current editing style or skill level, they're perfect for giving you a sense of the diverse backdrops available.
The Waterway Square - The Woodlands, Tx
For a quintessential Woodlands feel, The Waterway Square off of Waterway Ave. delivers with its abundant architectural details and diverse textures. While its beauty is undeniable, it's also a highly active public space. We'll skillfully navigate the foot traffic to ensure we capture beautiful images that reflect the area's unique charm, understanding that passersby are part of the scene.













The Waterway at Lake Robbins Rd - The Woodlands
Escape the crowds and uncover a picturesque corner of The Waterway, nestled moments from Waterway Square. This delightful area, with its exquisite landscaping, captivating architecture, and soothing water features, provides a serene retreat. I love it for its relaxed ambiance and fewer visitors, making it perfect for a peaceful stroll. You'll find ample parking right at Landry's restaurant.










Pundt Park - Spring, Tx
There are several access points to Spring Creek, but Pundt Park is often the easiest with ample parking and a short hike. The sand is soft, so barefeet is often ideal for this setting.














Alden Bridge Park – The Woodlands
A tucked-away gem with a beautiful bridge, small trails, and grassy areas that photograph beautifully in the golden hour light.
Riva Row - The Woodlands, Tx
The area near the Riva Row Boat House offers a gorgeous backdrop, combining serene water features with striking rock elements and a charming bridge. It's a highly sought-after location for photography. Do be aware that it becomes exceptionally popular for prom photos in April and May.







Town Green Park - The Woodlands, Tx
Located at 2099 Lake Robbins Dr, The Woodlands, TX 77380, Town Green Park is a four-acre green space that features a large emerald green lawn the length of two football fields that plays host to some of the largest events in The Woodlands





Market Street - The Woodlands
Market Street in The Woodlands, TX, offers a diverse range of photographic opportunities.








Old Town Tomball - Tomball, Tx
Old Town Tomball offers charming backdrops with its boutiques, antique stores, and unique shops, providing interesting textures for photos. The nearby Museum Center features historic buildings like the 1800s Griffin Memorial House and Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, plus an old schoolhouse, doctor's office, and jail for unique settings. Remember to check Tomball's event schedule for any parades or festivals that might impact your photoshoot.











Mercer Botanic Garden - Humble, Tx
Located at 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd., Humble, TX 77338, Mercer is a beautiful places for a variety of photography and because of that, can be crowded from time to time. If you’re looking for something natural, but not quite wild, then this is the place for you. The colors are beautiful year round as Mercer updates the plant life for the seasons. Hours vary for winter and summer. Photography sessions must be concluded at least 30 minutes prior to the park closing.









East Shore Subdivision - The Woodlands, Tx
Located near Woodlands Parkway and Grogan's Mill, this subdivision offers an assortment of unique features. Lighting and time of year determines the types, vibrancy and presence of foliage.















Hughes Landing - The Woodlands, Tx
If you’re looking for a more urban setting without leaving The Woodlands, Hughes Landing offers a chic, modern backdrop. The mix of restaurants, shops, and scenic views along the water creates a sleek and sophisticated environment. Families and seniors alike will appreciate the clean, modern aesthetic here—perfect for stylish portraits with a city vibe.












The Palm - Woodforest, Tx
The Palm is a beautifully appointed space where Woodforest residents can gather both inside and out. For non-residents, we can capture photography outside on the grounds and in the courtyard.








Town Center - The Woodlands, Tx
Discover a fantastic urban backdrop nestled beneath towering office buildings. This dynamic setting offers endless opportunities to create striking perspectives using stairs, road bridges, and modern architectural lines. It's perfect for a contemporary and edgy photoshoot.











Magnolia Acres - Magnolia, Tx
27619 Decker Prairie-Rosehill Rd., Magnolia, Tx , 77355
This quickly became one of my favorite locations for portraits of families, couples, and seniors. There is a rustic barn, farmhouse and large fields when you rent out this property! You will also have access to an old truck. This location is perfect for golden hour and give you a large variety of options to choose from. $95/hr Monday-Thursday; $125 Friday-Sunday https://www.magnolia-acres.com/







Downtown Conroe
If you’ve ever made a trip over to Historic Downtown Conroe, you already know that it’s home to some delicious restaurants and unique shops. It’s a bit quieter than some downtowns, but it has twice the charm! I love the overall vintage feel, and it’s one of my favorite locations for guy’s senior sessions because of the more rustic look. Don’t forget to grab a bite at Flour-ish or the Red Brick Tavern after the session.















Stillwater Subdivision - Conroe, Tx
Located near FM 1488 and I-45, the Stillwater Neighborhood has given permission before to photographers to come and take pictures. They have a lovely stone bridge with lanterns and a white pavilion with brick stairs.









Memorial Park - Houston, Tx
Dubbed “the largest urban park in Texas,” Houston's Memorial Park, just inside Loop 610 at Woodway.













Downtown Houston
Downtown Houston offers numerous opportunities for photography, from iconic cityscapes to unique architectural details and bustling street scenes. Some popular spots include the Main Street Square, Buffalo Bayou Park, Discovery Green, and the Julia Ideson Building (fee applies).















WG Jones State Park - Conroe, Tx
A consistent favorite for its incredible tree rows, this location (near I-45 and 1488) is extremely popular throughout the area. To combat the significant crowds and parking difficulties, particularly in the fall, I only book sessions here on weekdays and earlier than sunset. This ensures a smooth, stress-free experience for everyone, guarantees beautiful lighting, and allows for convenient earlier shooting times, which is ideal for families with early bedtimes.






Rob Fleming Park - The Woodlands, Tx
Rob Fleming Park is another top choice for portrait sessions, especially for families. It boasts wide-open spaces, a lovely pavilion, and colorful wildflower gardens in the spring. The park’s relaxed vibe makes it great for family portraits, but it's also a wonderful spot for seniors looking to embrace nature in their portraits.
Post HTX - Houston, Tx
Permits must be requested in advance for any professional photography (engagements, weddings, graduations, advertising, publications, etc.) Please email photos@posthtx.com to obtain a permit. Fee is $125.











McGovern Centennial Garden - Houston, Tx
McGovern Centennial Gardens is technically part of Hermann Park, but we listed it separately because it requires a permit and $140 fee. But it is a beautiful location and worth the small hassle. The Centennial Green is a long manicured lawn with a large mount at the end of it. The Arid Garden is full of cacti and succulents, while the Rose Garden is full of, you guessed it, roses. We can make it look like you’re in the dessert and in a beautiful flower garden while walking only about 100 yards. We’ll handle the permit application if this location sounds good to you.











Rice University - Houston, Tx
It’s a gorgeous backdrop with stunning arches and columns, giving this spot a very classic and regal look. There is also a sweet garden area the main entrance.
It is a popular spot for photographers to do photos so permits are required here and they do enforce them. The permit to shoot here is $50 and there is also a fee to park on school grounds.










MKT - Houston, Tx
600 N Shepherd Dr, Houston, TX 77007
MKT is a large shopping compound which has a large variety of fun and modern backdrops to use. To quote their own website, it “is the adaptation of 5 industrial buildings reimagined into a mixed-use urban destination providing visitors with a creative environment that promotes innovation, productivity, and a walkable way of life.” This is a great spot if you want a modern look and lots of options. And BONUS, it’s one of the few places where you don’t need a permit! I reached out and photography is allowed. They asked that if you’re a retailer’s property that you step in and ask permission but it’s otherwise allowed. And they encourage tagging them at @mktheights. This is a super fun and modern spot for great photos!


Menil Collection - Houston, Tx
It is located at 1533 Sul Ross St, Houston, TX 77006.
It’s a fun and modern backdrop and photography is allowed here. At the time of this article, this is their policy from their website: “We allow professional portrait shoots in our green spaces. Advance permission is not required for these outdoor portrait shoots. The Menil does not allow commercial shoots or large-scale productions.” This location has a good variety of modern backdrops and natural ones. There is a large and beautiful tree on the grounds that makes for a gorgeous scene.