The right location can make the difference between gorgeous family photos and “well, we can always try again next year.” Fortunately, Houston is home to dozens of great spots for a photo shoot, from classic backdrops to one-of-a-kind scenes. Just check out DeAndre Johnson, father, photographer and videographer’s photo above from the Sugar & Cloth color wall! Whether you’re preparing for a maternity shoot, doing gender reveal photos, planning your holiday minis or doing a family photo session, this list of family-friendly locations all over town has you covered! (Plus, click through our links to find a handful of amazing Houston photographers!)
Make more sweet family memories (and capture them on camera!) at our favorite city murals, by taking on a destination playground and, of course, planning for bluebonnet season.
Photography by Jacques
Murals are often recommended as fun backgrounds for photos, but too many clashing colors and patterns can overwhelm your shots. Plus, some murals are located in places that don’t lend themselves to a photo shoot (for instance, a perennially full parking lot). While the old Sugar and Cloth Color Wall in EaDo was demolished, the new one at GreenStreet in Downtown, which has all the same perks, plus a new color blocked rainbow staircase. “I love the bright and pastel colored background, especially the fact that the colors extend out on the ground a couple feet. This gives me plenty of room to work with and its just such a unique spot,” says full-time dad, psychologist and photographer Kevin Jacques Siffert.
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Amanda Sorena
This Montrose mural also looks custom-made for a photo shoot. The wall will add a pop of color to your photos without overshadowing you and your family.
3. North and South Boulevard
Jessica Gomez Photography
An archway of oaks is a classic Houston backdrop, and there are oak “tunnels” in several places around town. But you can’t beat North and South Boulevard in the Boulevard Oaks neighborhood when it comes to picture-perfect trees and a near-total lack of pedestrian and car traffic. “South Boulevard is by far my number one spot to go for a session,” says professional photographer and mom of two Jessica Gomez. “It’s a small and beautiful spot, and not so much walking since sometimes children don’t like to in Houston heat!” (Keep in mind that North and South Boulevard are part of a residential neighborhood if you’re going to take photos there. Make sure to be respectful of the property!)
Photography by Jacques
Where: 6201 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX
Hermann Park’s Centennial Gardens haven’t been open all that long, but they’ve already become one of the city’s most popular spots for photo sessions. The gardens offer a half-dozen unique backdrops within a few feet of each other, which means that small children and/or expecting moms don’t need to run from place to place to get a variety of good shots. Some of our favorite spots: the jagged stone steps just outside the gates, the slate gray background of the pavilion, the fountains and the garden’s piece-de-resistance—a 30-foot hill circled by a spiral path with water cascading past. “It’s quite a sight to see!,” says Jacques Siffert. “Beautiful gardens all around is a great place to shoot when the sun is going down during the golden hour.”
Stephanie Jones Photography
If you need to take photos in the middle of Houston but want them to look like you’re in the middle of nowhere, this hidden gem in the Heights might be the right location for you. This tranquil park offers a slice of wilderness in the city, with walking trails winding through 20 acres of native Texas forest. “I’m always pleasantly surprised with the little neighborhood parks that Houston provides,” says Stephanie Jones, a local professional photographer. “I like to look for areas with some trees, a patch of grass, and time my sessions around sunset so the kids don’t have the sun in their eyes and there’s a soft light coming down.”
6. Graffiti Park (St. Emanuel St. and Leeland)
If you are looking for a traditional photo session, this probably isn’t the spot for you. But if you want funky, one-of-a-kind urban photos, you’ll definitely want to consider this art wall wonderland which brings together dozens of graffiti walls in the span of a couple blocks. With so many choices, you won’t have trouble finding your preferred vibe and color scheme!
Rory James
Where: 2800 Post Oak Boulevard, Houston, TX
This classic Houston site can bring the “wow” factor to your photo shoot with a 64-foot semi-circular cascading fountain. It’ll work as well for sweet maternity portraits as it does for fun photos of your kids splashing in the water. Just watch your little runners carefully by the water since there’s a bit of a drop. “The Waterwall overwhelms all the senses for children which causes them to form expressions you wouldn’t normally see and its perfect for capturing if you are fast enough!,” says Rory James, a dad of three boys, nutritionist and amateur photographer.
8. Houston Zoo
Ryan Cruse
Where: 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX
From carousel action shots to animal close-ups to a family portrait in front of the fountains, the zoo offers tons of unique photo possibilities. Plus, your kids will actually be excited about spending an hour taking pictures! Weekends and holidays get very busy, so schedule your session at an off-peak time or find a photographer who can avoid/edit out unintentional photo bombs.
Where: 1800 Allen Pkwy, Houston, TX
This park is full of breathtaking photo possibilities. Pose in front of dramatic views of the downtown skyline in Eleanor Tinsley Park, go natural on the banks of the bayou, or get a modern look near one of the sculptures scattered throughout the park.
10. Smither Park
Smither Park
Where: 2402 Munger St, Houston, TX
This new park in the East End is still in progress—each week, local artists add more colorful tiles to the mosaics that seem to cover almost every available surface. This whimsical location has a variety of fun spots for photos, from an amphitheater and swings to green space.
11. Memorial Park
Cassie Schott
Where: 7575 N Picnic Ln, Houston, TX
Here’s another slice of wilderness that offers beautiful nature scenes for your photos (plus spots to play if little ones get antsy). “There are so many wonderful parks in Houston that provide a great backdrop for photos while allowing children to let loose, explore, play and just be kids,” says Cassie Schott, a professional portrait photographer in Houston. “Some of my favorites are Hermann Park, Memorial Park, and The Arboretum.”
12. Helen’s Park
Nestled between a YMCA and a local library, Houston’s secret garden is home to a winding brook, a mosaic fountain and carefully landscaped green spaces. What this small park doesn’t have is jogging trails, playgrounds or picnic tables, which means that you’ll usually find it quiet and uncrowded—perfect for a photo shoot!
Erica of Aiming for August
If your babe is your sunshine and you want to proclaim it to the world, check out the art wall on children’s resale boutique Thread in the Heights. Its neutral colors provide a great backdrop, and the heartwarming message is perfect for a Mommy & Me or maternity session. “I love street art because it’s like finding a hidden treasure within our city,” says Erica August, mom, registered nurse and blogger at Aiming for August. “Street art is fun, colorful and exciting. It also breaks a lot of rules, as do most children. It’s the perfect backdrop for our crazy lives!”
Jessica Gomez Photography
Where: 22306 Aldine Westfield Road, Humble, TX
A serene oasis nested along Cypress Creek, Mercer Arboretum and Botanic Gardens is home to dozens of picture-perfect nature scenes. An extra bonus: admission is free! “It’s a pretty big location so I would suggest snapping some shots in the front area of the gardens first,” says Gomez. “The beautiful flowers in the background are absolutely perfect for some portraits.”(Note: This site was temporarily closed after Harvey; while they reopened March 17, 2018, Mercer Society is still looking for community support to fully rebuild.)
Where: 510 N Pine St, Tomball, TX
This collection of early 20th-century buildings could be the perfect location for a family of history buffs looking for something a little different for their photo session. Some of the most appealing structures include a gazebo, a white-washed church with a picturesque steeple and a one-room schoolhouse.
16. Cullinan Park
Cullinan Park
Where: 12414 Highway 6 S, Sugar Land, TX
You won’t find amenities like playgrounds or sports fields at Cullinan Park. But with creeks, lakes and wetlands, you can get up close and personal to nature. Check out this large park in Southwest Houston if you’re looking for a serene, peaceful outdoor location devoid of man-made structures.
17. Helen’s Garden
This quaint garden in League City has a whole range of classic props, from fountains to a small waterfall to greenery and colorful flowers. You’ll also find railroad tracks and an old-timey clock.
18. Kemah Boardwalk
Where: 215 Kipp Avenue, Kemah, TX
For a fun photo session, take advantage of the carnival atmosphere at the Kemah Boardwalk. You can take photos with rows of sailboats and colorful Ferris wheels in the background! This is another spot that’s especially exciting for kids.
Did we miss one of your favorite Houston photo spots? Share in the comments below!
