My Top 13 Photoshoot Locations in Houston
Houston has a lot of beautiful parks to showcase for a wide range of backdrops for photos. Below are some of my favorite ones to use for family, maternity sessions and milestone sessions. In 14 years, I have covered a lot of ground and captured a lot of memories all over the place. Below are my favorite spots within the inner loop area of Houston.
I’ve listed the good stuff along with any possible challenges that may come with each spot, if relevant.
Keep in mind that all Houston City Parks require a permit to shoot on their grounds. Most private parks also require a permit, sometimes at a hefty fee, so please check with each location to learn of their policies and permit rates.
Below is the list, with details within each section:
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W 11th St. Park
This park is located at 2600 W 11th St. Houston, TX 77008. It is nestled in the Timbergrove neighborhood. It is also called The Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve
This location is a great, easy and accommodating park for many reasons. For one, there is good lighting at some part of the park at any given time during daylight hours. It’s also a small park so there is very little walking involved. All parking is street parking, which is never very busy. So you just pull up and go. The backdrop is simple but beautiful and the look can change based on the time of day and time of year. One of my favorites!
Pro tip: If you shoot along the outer rim of the park, the light bounces off the street and makes for a great softbox for your subject. It’s a very flattering light.
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The Houston Arboretum
This is located at 4501 Woodway Dr, Houston, TX 77024
This location is a beautiful nature’s haven. There is vegetation that varies at different times of the year but it is always stunning. The light is best during sunrise and sunset here.
Parking during peak times can sometimes be a challenge and there is a little bit of walking involved. There are also events that often take place at this location, so checking their site for any large events is helpful before picking a date.
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MKT
MKT is located at 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!
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Memorial Park - Eastern Glades
The Eastern Glades are located at Washington Ave, Houston, TX 77007. I’m unable to find the address number but if you type in “Clay Family Eastern Glades” into you map, it should take to you the parking area at the easternmost part of that particular park within Memorial Park.
This is a beautiful area where nature meets modern embellishments. It’s fairly large, so prepare families ahead of time.
The number one thing to be aware of here is that they require a permit and do enforce it.
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Buffalo Bayou - Bagby and Preston
This spot is located at the intersection of Bagby St. and Preston St. directly across from the Houston Aquarium.
It’s a great area with a variety of backdrops, including some of downtown Houston. There are steps to get down to the main path so be aware if anyone has mobility issues or are bringing a stroller.
There is a bike path running through this spot so be cautious and mindful of them so no one gets hurt.
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Buffalo Bayou - Studement & Allen Parkway
This is a long path leading up to the Tolerance Statues at Studemont (Montrose) and Allen Parkway. It’s best to park along the public street near the Windsor Memorial Apartments (but not on their grounds). From there you can walk along the hike and bike trail, be mindful of bikes.
There is a great variety of backdrops ranging from a wall of vines, to the skyline, to the actual statues.
It is a long walk to get to the statues, so make sure moms are not in heels, or ask them to also bring along comfortable shoes. Parking can be challenging to find during prime time (after work hours and weekends). There is also a pay meter so be sure to feed it so you don’t get a ticket.
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Jane Gregory Garden
Jane Gregory Garden is located at the intersection of Allen Pkwy & Gillette St, Houston, TX 77019.
It’s a small but very pretty garden which opens up to a field with a gorgeous view of the Houston skyline. It also has a fun statue which is a always a hit for the littles to climb on.
It can get very busy with people having picnics on weekends. It’s also best to shot here in the evening time when the sun hits the buildings and gives them a warm glow.
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Gazebo - Heights and 11th St.
This cozy little gazebo is located along Heights Blvd at the southern side of 11th St.
It’s a small shooting area but provides a very soft and delicate backdrop and is very convenient for anyone living in the Heights.
Be cautious of cars driving along either side of Heights Blvd and also the bike path which this gazebo is right next to.
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Hermann Park
Hermann Park is located at 6001 Fannin St, Houston, TX 77030. It’s a huge park with a vast variety of backdrop options.
It’s hard to pinpoint one area that is good, but I usually shoot along the reflection pool. The Japanese Gardens are near here but photography is not allowed within the gardens.
Hermann Park does allow photography but a permit is required and they do enforce it. Parking is also a beast here on the weekends, so be sure to give yourself plenty of time and be aware that you may be walking a bit.
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Rice University
Rice University is located at 6100 Main St, Houston, TX 77005.
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. There is also a fee to park on school grounds.
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Menil Collection
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.
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Discovery Green
It is located at 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010.
It’s located in the heart of downtown and has a fun a vibrant feel to it. Lots of bright colors and urban backdrops.
They do require a permit so check their website to apply for one.
It can get very crowded here during the weekends and parking can be hard to find and it can be a long walk from whatever spot you can find. It can also change a lot based on art installations they have going on, so you may want to check the area in advance.
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Marmion Park
Marmion Park is located in the Heights at 1800 Heights Blvd. Houston, TX 77008
For this location, we can take photos in the gazebo and on the grounds of the small park. You can also walk directly across the street and take photos along the Heights walking trail along Heights Blvd. During the Fall, this street is often lined with some trees that are in their full Fall color beauty. Parking is fairly easy to find.
This is a popular spot for weddings and other local events so be sure to have a backup plan in case there is something else happening here.
