The Best Places to Take Family Pictures in Dallas Fort Worth

Updated August 2023

What Makes a Great Location For Family Pictures?

Among the many upsides to being a family, maternity, & newborn photographer is getting to meet families throughout the metroplex, as well as getting to explore the beautiful parks, nature preserves, and outdoor areas that often make the best photoshoot locations.

Believe it or not, one of the most important behind-the-scenes tasks for a professional family photographer is scouting new locations throughout Dallas Fort Worth. For many families, it’s understood that the photoshoot location sets the backdrop — literally — of your final family portrait gallery. You want it to be special, unique, and an expression of your family’s character.

The best Dallas locations for photoshoots provide more than just a gorgeous scenery - although that’s also a must. The most popular photoshoot locations in DFW are (unsurprisingly) pretty crowded during the peak family photography seasons, which has potential to distract from the session. For this reason, I place a high value on finding unique, picturesque natural outdoor photography locations in Dallas and Dallas Fort Worth, so we can keep the focus where it should be: you and your family.

With that said, here are the best Dallas photoshoot locations. In this guide, I will break up locations by which town they’re in, and whether they’re indoor and outdoor. Hopefully, this helps you best find a location within a comfortable driving distance that suits your needs.

The Best Outdoor Family Photo Locations in Dallas Fort Worth

Crowley Park, Richardson

Let me tell you about why Crowley Park is one of my favorite outdoor locations for photos in the Dallas area. Imagine this: wide-open green spaces, cute little bridges, and a chill pond – talk about the perfect recipe for epic shots! At Crowley Park, you'll find nature's beauty in full swing, making it a total jackpot for your photo session. Whether you want fun family pics or lovey-dovey couple shots, this place is like a photogenic wonderland.

Oh, and here's the best part – it's super relaxed! No stiff poses, my friend. Just let your crew be themselves, having a blast while I work my magic capturing those genuine moments. So, grab your gang, and let's have a photo party at Crowley Park!

Murrell Park, Flower Mound

Oh, let me tell you about Murrell Park! It's like stepping into a wonderland of jaw-dropping beauty right here in Dallas, Texas! As a family photographer who's all about authentic moments, this place is a total gem. Can you imagine? It's nestled by Grapevine Lake, so you get these dreamy landscapes and peaceful waters all in one spot for your stunning photos.

You won't believe the variety it offers. From family portraits to fun engagement shoots, Murrell Park has it all covered. Picture this: scenic trails, rocky shores, and lush greenery creating the perfect canvas for your unique photos. Oh, and don't worry about stiff poses here – the open space lets everyone be themselves, laughing, playing, and just having a blast! I promise you, these photos will be more than just pictures. They'll capture the real love and connection your family shares against this breathtaking backdrop.

Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch

The Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch are an absolute dream for capturing exquisite photos in the Dallas, Texas area! This location truly never disappoints. The gardens' beauty is beyond compare, with a stunning array of blooming roses in every color imaginable, creating a romantic and enchanting atmosphere for your photo session.

Whether you're looking to capture a family portrait, maternity shoot, or romantic couple's photos, the Rose Gardens provide a captivating backdrop that exudes elegance and charm. The vibrant colors and sweet fragrance of the roses infuse each image with an undeniable sense of beauty and love.

With winding paths and quaint gazebos, the Rose Gardens offer a variety of picturesque spots to craft unique and timeless compositions. This idyllic setting encourages genuine interactions and candid moments, resulting in photos that beautifully reflect your family's love and joy. If you're seeking a captivating and dreamy photo location, the Rose Gardens of Farmers Branch are a perfect choice to create lasting memories.

White Rock Lake, Dallas Texas

White Rock Lake in Dallas, Texas, is an absolute gem for capturing stunning photographs! As a family photographer who adores authentic moments, this location has it all. With its picturesque beauty and natural charm, White Rock Lake offers a plethora of opportunities to create magical images. The first thing that strikes you is the breathtaking scenery. The shimmering lake, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic trails, provides a serene backdrop for any photo session. Whether you're looking for family portraits or capturing sweet moments with your little ones, the lake's tranquil atmosphere sets the stage for genuine smiles and laughter.

As the sun sets over the horizon, the golden hour casts a warm and flattering glow, turning every photo into a masterpiece. The vibrant colors of the sky reflect beautifully on the water, adding an ethereal touch to your images. Trust me, you won't want to miss this magical time to capture your family's joy and love in its purest form.

Not only is White Rock Lake visually stunning, but it also offers endless possibilities for creative compositions. From the charming bridges to the picturesque shoreline, each corner of this location presents a new opportunity to tell your family's story through photographs. And let's not forget the fun factor! White Rock Lake provides ample space for kids to run, play, and explore freely. By letting the little ones take the lead, I can capture their authentic personalities and adventurous spirits, resulting in heartwarming and cherished memories.

ARBOR HILLS NATURE PRESERVE, PLANO

Arbor Hills offers an incredible mix of nature's best, making it a dreamy backdrop for your photo session. Sprawling green meadows, lush trees, and winding trails – the perfect recipe for stunning photos! Whether it's sweet family portraits or love-filled couple shots, this place has got you covered. Can you imagine strolling hand in hand through the park, capturing those candid, heartwarming moments?

The best part is the relaxed vibe. No stiff poses here! You and your loved ones can roam freely, exploring the beauty of the park while I snap away. It's all about capturing your family's unique love and connection in the midst of this breathtaking scenery. It's like a nature wonderland with its lush green meadows and scenic trails, making every shot a stunner. Plus, there's plenty of space for the kiddos to run wild and have a blast. It's all about capturing those precious family moments amidst this dreamy backdrop.

The Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, Dallas

Dallas locals are familiar with the draw of the picturesque Arboretum in East Dallas. For family portrait photographers, there’s much to love about this near-perfect outdoor photoshoot location in Dallas. For starters, there’s no photography fee or permit needed to bring your camera, which saves you and your client that additional cost.

While you’re likely to bump into other shoots happening around the Arboretum, it is so spacious that you will have free range to take advantage of all the gorgeous backdrops the Arboretum offers. Do note that a reservation is required for both the photographer and each family member coming to the shoot, so be sure to cover this ahead of time. This vast garden is saturated with stunning seasonal tones. In the past, I’ve spent entire afternoons exploring the Dallas Arboretums, both scouting locations for future shoots as well as enjoying the scenery. At times, the gardens feel endless. Around each corner is a new, unexplored area to take in.

Note: as of spring 2022, the Arboretum updated its photography policy to limit professional portraits with a handheld camera to after 9am, and professional photography with additional equipment to a 3pm-5pm time-slot. For the majority of family photo sessions, only a handheld camera is necessary. This updated policy can make scheduling a session at the Arboretum more difficult, and the Arboretum is often more crowded during this allotted time. Read more about the Arboretum’s photography police here.

The Best Indoor Photoshoot Locations in Dallas Fort Worth

The Space on Southside, Dallas Texas

Get ready to fall in love with The Space on Southside Studio for your family and maternity photoshoots! The Space on Southside in Dallas is a local favorite among Dallas portrait, branding, and family photographers for its stunning indoor natural-light and photo-worthy seasonal setups.

Photographers like Space on Southside because of its versatility. The inside studio offers multiple reversible, rolling backdrops as well as sofas, peacock chairs, patterned rugs, greenery, and bar stools. After thirty minutes at this studio, you’ll leave with a variety of unique photos to fit your needs. This studio is also a personal favorite for holiday and Christmas photos, and is where I hold me yearly Christmas mini sessions.

This place is pure magic, offering a blend of vintage charm and modern flair that's simply captivating. The studio's unique and versatile settings provide endless possibilities to create stunning and intimate moments with your loved ones. With ample natural light flooding through the large windows, you'll get those dreamy, magazine-worthy shots without worrying about the weather. Whether you're aiming for cozy and heartwarming or chic and elegant, The Space on Southside Studio is the perfect indoor location to craft timeless memories that you'll cherish forever.

Artist Uprising Studio, Richardson

Artist Uprising Studio is the ultimate indoor haven for family and maternity photoshoots, and let me tell you why! This place is oozing with creativity and style, making every shot a work of art. The studio's modern and versatile spaces provide the perfect canvas for capturing those heartwarming family moments or the radiant glow of an expectant mom.

Plus, it's all indoors, so no worries about weather surprises! With top-notch lighting and a professional setup, your photos will be magazine-worthy. Whether you're looking for cozy and intimate or fun and playful, Artist Uprising Studio has it all – the ultimate spot to create timeless memories!