MY FAVORITE austin LOCATIONS
If you live in Austin or are thinking about taking photos there, you're in LUCK. This city and the landscape around it is beautiful. There are tons of great locations for portraits.
I've listed all of my favorite locations and fun ideas for photo sessions here on this page. Scroll through the examples, and let me know if you have questions or ideas for your session! – Lauren
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Natural Areas
The first few locations listed are some of my FAVORITES. Many of the best photo locations are simply a big field. Unlike downtown spots, you'll have tons of room to move around. Your session will automatically feel private and comfortable.
commons ford ranch
This is my FAVORITE natural location/park in Austin. It has stunning hills, trails, a barn, huge trees, river access, and a dock. It changes throughout the year, and often has wildflowers.
The park is very unknown and private. It's my secret location, so don't tell anyone! ;)
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pedernales falls state park
This is definitely one of the most unique and beautiful landscapes in Texas! You'll find streams running across rocky ground, waterfalls, lakes, huge rocks to climb, and hill country views.
(30 miles west of Austin)
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mckinney falls state park
This stunning park is one of my very favorites!! Waterfalls + Awesome Rocks + Forest-like Trees + Grassy Fields
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circle c ranch park
This park has grassy fields, trails, and foresty trees.
There are usually great bluebonnets in the Spring!
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Brushy creek Park
(CEdar Park)
The park has forest-like trees, grassy fields, a creek, and cool bridges.
This park often has bluebonnets in the Spring!
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bull creek parK
Bull Creek has huge natural boulders, a creek, small waterfalls, grassy fields, and overgrown paths.
Plus, it's right by the 360 bridge overlook! We could easily combine the two locations.
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The meadows Center (San marcos)
This park is beautiful and super unique. It's a nature preserve with grassy fields and ponds with lily pads.
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stagecoach park (buda)
The unique, twisted old trees, walking paths and lake make this park great. It’s usually not crowded either!
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mills pond
Mills Pond is a park and natural area with trails, pretty landscaping and trees, and a beautiful pond with docks.
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Downtown + City
Austin has a beautiful skyline, lots of unique wall art, and parks that blend nature + city. Downtown sessions require a bit more planning, and I'll send you information about finding parking. Many of these location require a lot of walking.
auditorium shores + skyline theater
This park at the edge of downtown Austin has park trees and benches, cool architecture and plants, a giant glass wall, and an open field with a great view of the downtown skyline.
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ut campus
This is one of the prettiest campuses in the country and a gold mine portrait location for high school seniors, engagement photos, bridal portraits, and of course, for UT seniors.
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seaholm district +
lamar pedestrian bridge
The Seaholm District is the coolest area behind a power plant that you never knew existed. Paired with the pedestrian bridge and the trail along Lake Austin, this is an awesome place for portraits.
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south congress ave.
Walking up South Congress makes for fun and colorful portraits with urban backgrounds – colorful walls, painted brick, beautiful southwestern landscaping, and downtown skyline views.
This area is much more bustling and busy than most locations on this list. It's not the best place if you might feel overwhelmed by having people around.
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The Boardwalk
The boardwalk is the part of the walking trail along Lake Austin that takes you over the water, on the south side of the lake. It's beautiful!
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austin city hall
City Hall is the place for anyone who loves architecture and cool design. There are also trees and natural backgrounds.
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Zilker Park
Zilker Park is classic Austin spot with a big open field, park trees and trails, and a view of the city skyline (although I think the view from Auditorium Shores is a bit better).
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downtown san marcos
It's a classic small town downtown... red brick walls, cute shops, and Kissing Alley (a famous spot for Texas State students).
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downtown georgetown + blue hole
Georgetown has a really cute downtown square, with small town charm. Blue Hole Park is also very close by, and these locations can usually be paired together!
downtown round rock
This small town downtown has white picket fences, a cute square, benches, and nice landscaping.
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Overlooks
360 bridge overlook
This is one of Austin's iconic views, overlooking the 360 Pennybacker Bridge with downtown Austin in the distance.
It's also very close to Bull Creek Park! We could easily combine the two locations.
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mount bonnell
This is the highest point in Austin, and the views are spectacular.
This is a great spot for proposals!
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Venues + Areas to Reserve
If you want an elevated and more private experience, renting a space is a great option!
One Eleven east (hutto) ~$100
This minimalistic white-brick venue in downtown Hutto is one of my favorites!
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Laguna Gloria ~$150
Laguna Gloria is one of my favorite venues in town! It's located along Lake Austin and has beautiful indoor and outdoor options. It's elegant and totally unique.
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The sekrit Theater ~$200
The Sekrit Theater is a beautiful greenhouse tucked in the trees of an East Austin neighborhood.
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lady bird johnson wildflower center ~$100
This place is huge and beautiful, especially in the spring and summer! It's great during other seasons too, but it's not as green.
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Chapel Dulcinea –Free m-TH,$500 weekends
This is Austin's famous "free wedding chapel"! It's on a small cliffside overlooking the hill country.
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Mattie's –Free
Mattie's is a historic mansion, restaurant, and event venue on an amazing piece of land in South Austin. It's great for proposals! It's actually free to take photos here at certain times.
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Zilker Botanical Garden ~$50
Right next to Zilker Park is the botanical garden. It's large, with a variety of backgrounds and styles. It's well-maintained year round, which makes it like a more groomed version of the Wildflower Center.
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more (fees required):
Jennifer’s Gardens
The Greenhouse at Driftwood
Mayfield Park
Venues + Areas to Reserve
If you want a truly unique location, these are some favorites!
Pinballz - $75
If you want to take natural, candid photos while doing something fun, consider Pinballz! They have tons of classic games. It's Chuck E. Cheese for adults! This location is dark, so most of your photos will be taken with flash.
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Peter pan mini-golf
This is a classic Austin spot! Located near downtown, it has that quirky charm. Photos here are colorful and fun! There is no fee to take photos here.
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