Portrait Locations

The Ultimate Guide to Dallas Photoshoot Locations

Richard, TX Engagement

Whether you’re planning your next family, engagement, bridal, senior or other portrait session; one of the hardest decisions to make always comes down to the location.  Some of the most beautiful Dallas photoshoot locations I’ve found happen to be nestled in small neighborhood parks.  So, unless you happened to stumble upon them, you would simply never know these locations even existed!

My goal as a wedding and engagement photographer is to make your photography experience as simple and as stress-free as possible so that you can stay focused on what really matters most: you and your loved ones.

With that said, today I wanted to help by pulling together 50+ of my personal favorite Dallas and Fort Worth photography locations to try and help make your decision just that much easier.

Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect downtown Dallas photo spots, beautiful waterfalls, lush rivers/streams, unique rock formations, European-esque towns, beautiful indoor studios, Fort Worth / Dallas skyline photography locations and more – you’ll find them all right here in this guide to photoshoot locations in Dallas and the greater metroplex area!

Have a specific question – or still on the hunt for portrait or Dallas engagement photographers? I’d love to help answer them and hear more about your vision for your upcoming session!  Send me a message here and let’s chat!

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THE BEST

Dallas Photoshoot Locations

Scroll down to check out my full guide to the best Dallas Photoshoot Locations.  Click on a specific location to see more detailed information, example images and any relevant photography permit information*.  If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out – I’m happy to help however I can.  Now, without further ado, let’s dive into some of my personal favorite photography locations in Dallas!  Happy location hunting – I hope this guide is helpful!

* Please note that, while I do my best to keep this guide up-to-date: hours, permit requirements and fees are subject to change. So, always double-check websites before your session.

Interactive DFW Photoshoot Locations Map:

Quick Guide to Photoshoot Locations in DFW:

Tandy Hills Nature Reserve | Mandalay Canal Walk at Las Colinas | White Rock Lake | Prairie Creek Park | Prather Park | Stone Creek Park | Colleyville Nature Center | Adriatica Village | Arbor Hills Nature Preserve | Downtown Fort Worth & Sundance Square | Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge | Trinity Park Overlook | Keller Pointe | TCU | Deep Ellum | Fort Worth’s Trinity Park | Chandor Gardens | Cedar Ridge Preserve | Lakeside Park | Addison Circle Park | Harry Myers Park | Murrel Park | Rockledge Park | Airfield Falls | Fort Worth Water Gardens | Lone Star Mansion | Aldredge House | Windsor at Hebron Park | Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden | Fort Worth Botanic Garden | Japanese Botanical Gardens | Clark Gardens | Fort Worth Nature Center | Winspear Opera House | Klyde Warren Park | Kimbell Museum of Art | The Foundry District | TWU | SMU | UT Dallas | Pink Pineapple | Gaylord Texan Resort | The McKinney Cotton Mill | The White Sparrow Barn | Fort Worth Stockyards | Cowboy’s AT&T Stadium | Savannah’s Meadow Lavender Farm |  Samuell Farm | Historic Granbury Square

Tandy Hills Nature Reserve

in Fort Worth, Texas

Tandy Hills Natural Area Engagement Photoshoot with Fort Worth skyline in background

Highlights: open and easy-to-access fields, a beautiful view of the Fort Worth skyline, tons of wildflowers in the spring, open sky (perfect for sunsets) and looks great year-round. One of my personal favorite Fort Worth photography locations for the skyline specifically.

To learn more about the details, location, and relevant pricing, and to see photo examples of engagement sessions I have photographed during different seasons – visit my Tandy Hills Nature Reserve page:

Mandalay Canal Walk

in Las Colinas, Texas

Engagement session at Las Colinas in Irving

Highlights: small and charming walking area along the canal, feels more like Europe than Texas. Has a variety of textures, a unique staircase, a few bridges and feels as though you’ve been transported out of Dallas. It is easily one of my favorite Dallas photoshoot locations.

To see more about this unique Dallas photoshoot location, head to my Mandalay Canal Walk at Las Colinas page:

White Rock Lake

in Dallas, Texas

man dipping and kissing woman on grassy field overlooking lake during golden hour engagement session at Dallas Photoshoot Location white rock lake

Highlights: plenty of grassy/golden fields, a massive beautiful lake with walking paths all around it, and cute and simple docks overlooking the water (incredible for sunrise and sunset sessions).

To learn more about this beautiful and serene location, head to my White Rock Lake page:

Prairie Creek Park

in Richardson, Texas

Couple holding hands and walking across waterfall during Prairie Creek Park Engagement Session in Dallas Texas

Highlights: beautiful park nestled inside a cute neighborhood with walking trails, grassy areas, lots of trees, unique bridges and a gorgeous waterfall cascading over stacked stones. This is a popular location – for a reason!

To see more about this lush and beautiful park, head to my Prairie Creek Park page:

Stone Creek Park

in Flower Mound, Texas

Engaged couple sitting on rocks at stone creek park in flower mound

Highlights: beautiful creek surrounded by tall trees, featuring very unique slated rocks throughout and is beautiful for photographs year-round. It also has grassy areas and a couple of cute bridges nearby as well.

To learn more about this beautiful and unique park and to see engagement sessions from different times of the year, head to my Stone Creek Park page:

Prather Park

in Dallas, Texas

man lifting woman in creek under bridge for Dallas Photoshoot Location Prather Park Engagement Photo

Highlights: a lush park in an upscale neighborhood, with unique stone stairways and bridges and a beautiful creek passing through. There is a lot of variety when it comes to photo spots here and it’s one of my favorite photography locations in Dallas!

To see more about this beautiful and lush park, head to my Prather Park page:

Colleyville Nature Center

in Colleyville, Texas

Colleyville Nature Center Engagement Photos

Highlights: a 46-acre park with lots of trails, beautiful wooden bridges, tons of trees, and nine ponds. Beautiful for sunsets!

To learn more about this beautiful and versatile park, head to my Colleyville Nature Center page:

Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

in Plano, Texas

Couple walking 2 dogs during Engagement Photos at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano

Highlights: 200-acre preserve with beautiful fields, trails, tons of trees, cute hills (that are great for sunset photos), a neat wooden bridge with a breathtaking view and a flowing creek.

To learn and see more about this big and beautiful preserve, head to my Arbor Hills Nature Preserve page:

Downtown Fort Worth & Sundance Square

in Fort Worth, Texas

Highlights: there is nothing cuter than downtown Fort Worth if you’re looking for a clean urban setting. Great during the day and also makes for some epic nighttime photography as well!

To learn and see more about where and when to shoot at this Fort Worth photography location, head to my Downtown Fort Worth & Sundance Square page:

Trinity Overlook Park

in Dallas, Texas

Dallas wedding photographer captures couple hugging and dipping while smiling at Trinity Overlook Park

Highlights: Trinity Overlook Park is the perfect blend of city + country. Explore the tall grass and walking paths at this easily accessible park with the beautiful Dallas skyline as a backdrop.

To learn more about what a session at this unique location could look like, head to Trinity Overlook Park page:

Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge

in Dallas, Texas

Engagement Session Photos in Downtown Dallas on Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge

Highlights: features the Dallas skyline and the unique Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. It is one of the most popular Dallas skyline photography locations – so plan to shoot early or during the week to avoid crowds.

To see more examples of a session at this unique location, head to my Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge page:

Fort Worth’s Trinity Park

in Fort Worth, Texas

DFW Engagement Photos

Highlights: 40-mile park/trail that runs along the river, also features a variety of stone structures and bridges. Just a few minute’s drive from Downtown Forth Worth, so it’s great to combine the two locations for more variety!

To see more examples of a session at this unique location, head to my Trinity Park page:

Adriatica Village

in McKinney, Texas

Family Session in front of the Bella Donna Chapel at Adriatica Village in McKinney Texas

Highlights: a stunning village patterned after a town in Croatia with unique architecture and stunning water views. There is nothing else like it in Dallas! With cute shops and restaurants along the water, it’s a great place to spend an afternoon!

To see more examples of a session at this unique location, head over to my Adriatica Village‘s article below:

  • Website: https://www.adriaticavillage.com/
  • Address: 6602 Mediterranean Drive McKinney, TX 75072
  • Pricing: Free to shoot outside. The Bella Donna Chapel does have a fee.
  • Hours: Open 24/7
  • Phone Number: 972-540-5955

Keller Pointe

in Keller, Texas

Family session with mom dad and two sons holding hands and walking across a bridge at keller pointe in keller texas

Highlights: Keller Pointe has beautiful land surrounding it and features a big and beautiful park with lots of open grass fields, a variety of bridges, several ponds, creeks and a unique tree tunnel.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Keller Pointe’s website below to learn more:

Texas Christian University (TCU)

in Fort Worth, Texas

Couple hugging at TCU campus in Fort Worth Texas during engagement session

Highlights: beautiful variety of architecture throughout the campus. Also, a great spot to shoot during Christmas – they have lovely decorations and a huge tree!

To see more examples of a session at this beautiful campus, head to my Texas Christian University (TCU) page:

Deep Ellum

in Downtown Dallas, Texas

Dallas Wedding photographer Stefani Ciotti Photography captures couple kissing in booth during Deep Ellum Texas during downtown Dallas engagement portraits

Highlights: downtown Dallas’ entertainment district is a fun, artsy and edgy area featuring vibrant murals, hip bars, and nightlife, and is ever-changing. It is one of the more popular downtown Dallas photo spots, so expect a busy and fun night out!

To learn more about what your portrait session in Deep Ellum could look like, head to my full article below:

Chandor Gardens

in Weatherford, Texas

Highlights: gorgeous 3.5 acre estate with the ornate design of ancient Chinese architecture combined with the elegance of a formal English garden – features a 30-ft waterfall, fountains, ponds, and flowers.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Chandor Garden’s website below to learn more:

  • Website: https://weatherfordtx.gov/170/Chandor-Gardens
  • Address: 303 Palo Pinto Street Weatherford, TX 76086
  • Pricing: $30/hr for a photography permit
  • Hours: Tues-Fri 9am-5pm | Sat 9am-3pm | Sun 12pm-4pm
  • Phone Number: 817-598-4334

Cedar Ridge Preserve

in Dallas, Texas

Highlights: tons of open fields, scenic trails, ponds, barns, and beautiful wildflowers + bluebonnets in the spring.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Cedar Ridge Preserve’s website below to learn more:

  • Website: https://audubondallas.org/cedar-ridge-preserve/
  • Address: 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75249
  • Pricing: Free – but $3 donations are encouraged (closed on Mon)
  • Hours: Tues-Sun 6:30am – dusk | closed on Mondays and when it rains
  • Phone Number: 972-709-7784

Lakeside Park

in Highland Park, Texas

Highlights: 14 acres of lush and manicured grounds sitting creekside (along Turtle Creek) featuring walkways, and wooded areas. Be sure to check out the cute teddy bear statues and the view from the dam!

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Lakeside Park’s website below to learn more:

Addison Circle Park

in Highland Park, Texas

Highlights: 10-acre park with open spaces, pavilions, unique stone structures and fountains – bonus: the big fountain makes for incredibly unique nighttime portraits.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Addison Circle Park’s website below to learn more:

Harry Myers Park

in Rockwall, Texas

Highlights: a simple park featuring a lake, wooden barns, overhanging, amphitheater and bridges that overlook the lake.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Harry Myers Park’s website below to learn more:

Murrel Park

in Lake Grapevine, Texas

Highlights: unique location that offers a variety of trails, open fields, and sits on the bluffs overlooking the main lake.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Murrel Park’s website below to learn more:

Rockledge Park

in Grapevine, Texas

Highlights: coastal/beach area with scenic views, biking and hiking trails. This park surrounds the Grapevine Lake (be aware of the water levels as the water can rise up to the edge of the cliffs and cover the beach area).

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Rockledge Park’s website below to learn more:

  • Website: http://rockledgepark.com/
  • Address: 3600 Pilot Point, Grapevine, TX 76051
  • Pricing: Free
  • Hours: 8am-8pm
  • Phone Number: 817-454-1058

Airfield Falls – Trinity Trail

in Wentworth Village, Texas

Highlights: beautiful park featuring the largest natural waterfall in Tarrant County.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Airfield Falls’ website below to learn more:

Fort Worth Water Gardens

in Wentworth Village, Texas

Highlights: gorgeous and unique water fountain/structure – a Fort Worth landmark. And a great addition to a session in downtown Fort Worth.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Fort Worth Water Gardens’ website below to learn more:

Lone Star Mansion

in Burleson, Texas

Highlights: beautiful old white mansion, classic architecture and interior design and stunning manicured grounds.

Head to our blog on Lone Star Mansion to learn more!

  • Website: https://lonestarmansion.com/
  • Address: 629 John Charles Dr Burleson, TX 76028
  • Pricing: $300 for 2hrs
  • Hours: 9am-6pm
  • Phone Number: 817-857-6233

Aldredge House

in Dallas, Texas

Highlights: extremely unique and stunning historic house/mansion with a regal vibe. One of the most luxurious Dallas photo shoot locations.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Aldredge House’s website below to learn more:

  • Website: https://www.aldredgehouse.org/
  • Address: 5500 Swiss Avenue Dallas, Texas 75214
  • Pricing: $200-$300 for 2hrs (depending on the time and day)
  • Phone Number: 214-823-2972

Windsor at Hebron Park

in Carrollton, Texas

Highlights: elegant variety of backdrops and textures; including brick, arches, ivy, cute and a vintage lamp, etc.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Windsor at Hebron Park’s website below to learn more:

  • Website: https://windsorparkdallas.com/
  • Address: 3016 E. Hebron Parkway, Carrollton, TX 75010
  • Pricing: Free around the outside of the property
  • Hours: Appointment Required
  • Phone Number: 972-306-3300

Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden

in Dallas, Texas

Highlights: stunning gardens with lots of variety, gorgeous year-round & one of the most naturally beautiful photoshoot locations Dallas has to offer.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden’s website below to learn more:

  • Website: https://www.dallasarboretum.org/
  • Address: 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
  • Pricing: $17/person + $10/car parking
  • Hours: 9am-5pm
  • Phone Number: 214-515-6615

Fort Worth Botanic Garden

in Fort Worth, Texas

Highlights: smaller than Dallas arboretum and less foot traffic, but still 109 acres and very beautiful all year – especially the Rose Garden.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Fort Worth Botanic Garden’s website below to learn more:

  • Website: https://fwbg.org/
  • Address: 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd Fort Worth, Texas 76107
  • Pricing: $75/hr
  • Hours: 8am-4pm
  • Phone Number: 817-463-4160

Japanese Botanical Gardens

in Fort Worth, Texas

Highlights: stunning year-round & features cherry trees, Japanese maples, magnolias, bamboo, bridges, trails and ponds (flowers are only blooming in the spring).

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Japanese Botanical Gardens’ website below to learn more:

Clark Gardens

in Weatherford, Texas

dallas wedding photographer captures dfw engagement pictures with man and woman holding hands at the end of a reflective pool in Clark Gardens in weatherford

Highlights: a stunning, hidden gem, of a park with a little bit of everything – one of my personal favorite gardens as the variety of backdrops are truly endless!

This also happens to be a gorgeous spot for weddings. If you’re looking for more wedding venues in Dallas or a wedding photographer in Dallas, let me know. I’d love to help you with your search!

Head over to our blog about Clark Gardens to learn more:

Fort Worth Nature Center

in Fort Worth, Texas

Highlights: a nature center comprised of forests, prairies and wetlands and features 20 miles of hiking trails.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Fort Worth Nature Center’s website below to learn more:

  • Website: https://www.fwnaturecenter.org/
  • Address: 9601 Fossil Ridge Road Fort Worth, TX 76135
  • Pricing: $5 entry fee
  • Hours: 8am-5pm
  • Phone Number: 817-392-7410

Winspear Opera House

in Downtown Dallas, Texas

Highlights: easy to walk around, offers a variety of textures with a clean and modern feeling.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Winspear Opera House’s website below to learn more:

Klyde Warren Park

in Downtown Dallas, Texas

Highlights: cute park right in the center of Dallas, giving you a great mix of city and greenery.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Klyde Warren Park’s website below to learn more:

Kimbell Museum of Art

in Fort Worth, Texas

Highlights: centrally located in Fort Worth, chic, modern and clean architecture and beautiful evening light.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Kimbell Museum of Art’s website below to learn more:

  • Website: https://kimbellart.org/
  • Address: 3333 Camp Bowie Boulevard Fort Worth, Texas 76107
  • Pricing: Free
  • Hours: 10am-5pm
  • Phone Number: 817-332-8451

The Foundry District

in Fort Worth, Texas

Highlights: like the quieter “Deep Ellum” of Fort Worth: features fun murals, great bars and coffee shops and is ever-changing.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to The Foundry District’s website below to learn more:

  • Website: https://foundryfw.com/
  • Address: 200 Carroll Street Fort Worth, TX 76107
  • Pricing: Free
  • Hours: 7:30am-7:30pm

Texas Woman’s University (TWU)

in Denton, Texas

Dallas wedding photographer captures engagement pictures at Texas Women's University with woman leaning onto a man as they stand together on a bridge over a lake filled with Lilly pads for engagement session

Highlights: features clean architecture, stunning gardens, wooded trails and a beautiful fountain.

To see more examples of a session at this beautifully unique location, head to my TWU page:

Southern Methodist University (SMU)

in Plano, Texas

Highlights: features stunning and elegant architecture and staircases + the gorgeous Highland Park United Methodist Church.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to SMU’s website below to learn more:

  • Website: https://www.smu.edu/
  • Address: 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205
  • Pricing: Free
  • Phone Number: 214-768-2000

University of Texas Dallas (UT Dallas)

in Richardson, Texas

Highlights: lots of trees and grassy areas with a man-made pond and cool architectural buildings.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to UT Dallas’ website below to learn more:

  • Website: https://www.utdallas.edu/
  • Address: 800 W. Campbell Road Richardson, Texas 75080
  • Pricing: Free
  • Phone Number: 972-883-2111

Black & Light Studio

in Richardson, Texas

Highlights: If you are looking for some great indoor photo locations Dallas has some great options! Including this 2100 sq.ft studio with natural light flooding through 10 grand floor-to-ceiling windows. It includes a variety of glam, mid-century modern, and contemporary furniture, plus a queen-size bed and a full assortment of props, throws, rugs, pillows, and plants.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Black & Light Studio’s website below to learn more:

Pink Pineapple Studio

in Bedford, Texas

Highlights: modern, clean and bright studio space in the heart of DFW. One of the most well-respected indoor photo locations Dallas has to offer.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Pink Pineapple Studio’s website below to learn more:

The McKinney Cotton Mill

in McKinney, Texas

Highlights: loved for their clean industrial charm, unique and abundant textured walls and history of the building/warehouse – it’s a very popular photography backdrop. One of the more industrial Dallas photo shoot locations.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to The McKinney Cotton Mill’s website below to learn more:

The White Sparrow Barn

in Quinlan, Texas

Highlights: beautiful, clean and elegant white barn with high ceilings surrounded by lush greenery.

This is also a beautiful spot for a wedding. If you’re looking for more wedding venues in Dallas or a wedding photographer in Dallas, let me know. I’d love to help you with your search!

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to The White Sparrow Barn’s website below to learn more:

Fort Worth Stockyards

in Fort Worth, Texas

Highlights: the ultimate rustic location and embodiment of Western heritage. With original brick walkways, wooden corrals and a cactus field at River Ranch – you feel as though you’ve been transported back in time. It is definitely one of the quintessential Western photoshoot locations fort worth has to offer. It’s recommended to plan your session for the mornings to avoid crowds.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Fort Worth Stockyards’s website below to learn more:

Savannah’s Meadow Lavender Farm

in Celeste, Texas

Highlights: one of the few farms that grow lavender in North Texas, since it’s not natural to the area, it’s hit or miss whether it’ll grow – but typically plan for June-July. They also have the coolest treehouse rentals! Definitely plan a stay there sometime!

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Savannah’s Meadow Lavender Farm’s website below to learn more:

  • Website: https://www.savannahsmeadow.com/
  • Address: 4445 FM 903 Celeste, Texas 75423
  • Pricing: ranges from $60-$325 for 2hrs (additional $260 for use of treehouse)
  • Hours: 9am-6pm
  • Phone Number: 214-668-4299

Samuell Farm

in Mesquite, Texas

Highlights: this 600-acre park is a rustic alternative to your average park. Featuring a big red barn, hiking trails, ponds and the most beautiful bluebonnets in the spring.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Samuell Farm’s website below to learn more:

Historic Granbury Square

in Granbury, Texas

Highlights: charming city square that feels straight out of a Western.

Full feature coming soon!  In the meantime, head over to Historic Granbury Square’s website below to learn more:


As you can see, there are so many amazing and varied Dallas photoshoot locations.  Hopefully, this guide to photoshoot locations in Dallas (and beyond) has been helpful!

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and would like additional help narrowing down a location for your next portrait session. I would recommend checking out this series here on How to Choose the Perfect Photo Location for Your Session.  Or reach out and let me know how I can help!

Lastly, if you’re still searching for Dallas portrait photographers for your next session. Or even Dallas wedding photographers for your upcoming celebration, I’d love to connect!  Simply reach out HERE.  I look forward to connecting!

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  1. Love discovering new places to shoot, especially ones that aren’t overcrowded. This hidden gem looks like it has such a peaceful atmosphere. I’m adding it to my bucket list for sure!”

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