LOCATIONS
To help you plan your next photo session, here is a list of locations where I have previously had sessions. You can choose from this list or suggest another location you have in mind. See the end for some locations on my "bucket list".
Confluence
Address: 310 W Mitchell St, San Antonio, TX
Best time of Day: Morning or Evening Golden Hour
Best time of year: Spring and Fall
Fees: None
Pros: Offers a variety of backdrops in a small area, a mix of urban and natural elements, and signature architecture unique to SA. There's also a parking lot.
Cons: There is occasionally events or yoga occurring under the pavilion on the weekends
Need to Knows: Kids may be tempted to get into the river
Hardberger
Address: 8400 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX
Best time of Day: Morning or Evening golden hours
Best time of year: Any time of year
Fees: None
Pros: There is a large parking lot within walking range, beautiful golden colors, great spot for sunset
Cons: Very busy during October - November
Need to Knows: Grass is itchy so best to bring a blanket or ask for me to provide one
Walker Ranch
Address: 12603 West Ave, San Antonio, TX
Best time of Day: Evening
Best time of year: All year
Fees: None
Pros: Beautiful foliage and light and a bridge for great backdrops without venturing far from your car
Cons: Small parking lots are usually full because its a popular park for exercising, photography, and kids
Need to Knows: Its a very popular spot (for good reason) in the Fall for family photos
Cibolo Nature Center
Address: 140 City Park Rd, Boerne, TX
Best time of Day: Mornings
Best time of year: All year
Fees: $20 photo permit (included in session fee)
Pros: Beautiful fields, pathways, and creek offer stunning backdrops year round. Bathrooms
Cons: Very popular spot for photos, especially in the evenings, and crazy busy during November
Need to Knows: Small parking lots are available but fill up fast in the evenings during fall.
Botanical Gardens
Address: 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TX
Best time of Day: Morning
Best time of year: All year
Fees: $195 photo permit (paid by client on day of session) will be required for photography (7 ppl max)
Cons: Very steep photography fee
Need to Knows: Sessions begin based on opening and closing times. As of 2022, this location is best choice for longer sessions
Joshua Springs
Address:716 FM 289, Comfort, TX
Best time of Day: Evening
Best time of year: Year round
Fees: None
Pros: Large parking, bathrooms, several backdrop options with the river and grassy hill
Cons: Can't swim in the river
Need to Knows:
Park near Canyon Lake
Address: Provided upon booking to keep park location discreet
Best time of Day: Evening
Best time of year: Year round
Fees: None
Pros: less crowds
Cons: very limited parking and in a neighborhood
Need to Knows:
Enchanted Rock
Address: 16710 Ranch Rd 965, Fredericksburg, TX 78624
Best time of Day: Sunrise or Golden Hour/ Sunset
Best time of year: Fall through Spring
Fees: $8 per vehicle
Pros: Parking, unique to hill country, beautiful scenic views
Cons: Requires a permit - must purchase 30 days ahead of session - no earlier
Need to Knows: Hill is steep, dogs not allowed on Hill.
Crescent Bend
Address: 12780 W Schaefer Rd, Cibolo, TX
Best time of Day: Evenings
Best time of year: All year
Fees: none
Pros: Lots of fields, trails, and access to River
Cons: Very busy during the fall on weekends
Need to Knows: Only a few parking spots available within park. Best for weekday evenings or mornings on weekends
Park in Heltoes
Address: a Secret until you book
Best time of Day: Evening
Best time of year: year round
Fees: $40 photo permit, paid by client
Pros: small, somewhat hidden natural area, there is a hike to an overlook
Cons: Very few parking spaces (hence my keeping location secret)
Need to Knows: There is a bumpy dirt road when you enter. Portapotty is available
Essex Modern City
Address: 51 Essex St, San Antonio, TX
Best time of Day: Morning or Evening, within business hours M-F only
Best time of year: All year
Fees: none
Pros: Best location for graffiti and murals without worrying about traffic
Cons: Weekends are not available, after operating hours require a fee
Need to Knows: Some days may be unavailable if they are hosting events or closed for maintenance
Studio
to view studio options in
San Antonio
Keep in mind that Studio Sessions will be dependent on availability at your preferred studio location.
McNay Art Museum
Address: 6000 N New Braunfels Ave, San Antonio, TX
Best time of Day: Morning
Best time of year: All year
Fees: $30 photo permit paid by client
Pros: Beautiful building surrounded by gardens and sculptures
Cons: Evenings are very popular for bridals so getting spots with good lighting may require patience
Need to Knows: Only outdoor photography is allowed. Special permission is required for inner courtyard access
J Street Trailhead
Address: 3500 J St, San Antonio, TX
Best time of Day: Evening
Best time of year: Spring and Fall
Fees: None
Pros: Spanish moss hanging from the trees
Cons: Just need to watch out for cyclists
Need to Knows: It's a small stretch of the trailhead so most images will be taken on the path, bridge, and near the path
Landa Library
Address: 233 Bushnell Ave, San Antonio, TX
Best time of Day: Evening golden hour
Best time of year: Spring and Summer
Fees: None - a permit is required with 10 days advance notice
Pros: Elegant backdrop
Cons: Small space
Need to Knows: No photos are allowed indoors. There is a small parking lot
Bullis County Park
Address: 27583 Old Blanco Rd,
San Antonio, TX 78260
Best time of Day: Golden Hour/ Sunset
Best time of year: Spring
Fees: $0
Pros: Parking, wildflowers in spring
Cons: Its a bit small, closes early (must park outside gate)
Need to Knows: Park closes at 6 pm year round
Valerie Marie Greenhouse
Address: Private Property on southside of
San Antonio, TX
Best time of Day: Golden Hour/ Sunset
Best time of year: Spring and Fall
Fees: $75/hr
Pros: Privacy, greenery year round
Cons: Availability is limited
Need to Knows: Changing room available but no bathroom
Hot Wells
Address: 5503 S Presa St, San Antonio,
TX 78223
Best time of Day: Evening or Morning
Best time of year: Year round
Fees: None
Pros: Parking, unique to SA, restrooms, close to the River
Cons: Not a lot of shade
Need to Knows: Bug spray is recommended
Southtown
Address: Brick and Blue Star Arts Complex
Best time of Day: Hour after Sunrise or Golden Hour/ Sunset
Best time of year: Year round
Parking: The lot is for customers and fills up quickly so be prepared to buy a coffee or stay for dinner or park on the streets
Pros: Urban feel with access to the San Antonio River and King William neighborhood
Cons: Can be busy
Need to Knows: Can be distracting for young kids but also lots of things to see and explore
Canyon Lake
Over Look Park Address: 601 Coe Rd, Canyon Lake, TX 78133
Comal Swimming Park Address: 1178 Comal Park Rd, Canyon Lake, TX 78133
Best time of Day: Golden Hour/ Sunset
Best time of year: Year Round
Fees: $8 per vehicle
Pros: Lake, Grass and Tree backdrops beautiful scenic views, perfect for summer sessions
Cons: Limited parking
Need to Knows: Hill is steep to reach rocky beach, trails are steep and rocky, must leave before blue hour
Stone Oak Park
Address: 20395 Stone Oak Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78258
Best time of Day: Golden Hour
Best time of year: Year Round, preferably during the slow season for photography
Fees: Free
Pros: urban field with trails on the northside, minimal walking required
Cons: small parking lot usually occupied by hikers, small field
Need to Knows: two entrances to park, will provide correct entrance upon booking
Guadalupe River State Park
Address: 3350 Park Rd 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070
Best time of Day: Golden Hour
Best time of year: March - September
Fees: $7 per vehicle
Pros: Ability to get into the river during warmer months
Cons: Can be busy in the summer months
Need to Knows: There is a fee to enter, lots of rocks so need good footwear
Eilan Hotel & Shops
Address: 18603 La Cantera Terrace, San Antonio, TX 78256
Best time of Day: Golden Hour
Best time of year: Year Round
Fees: Free
Pros: City scape with a European vibe
Cons: Busier in the evening when the lighting is best
Need to Knows:
Location Bucket List
I'm looking for a family or couple to join me at one of these locations! Will you be the first to explore a new location with me?
*I may give a discount if you are the first to choose & have your session take place at one of these locations marked with a *. To receive a discount, you must sign a model release. If you choose a location not marked with a * and sign a model release, you may be allotted more time for your session at no extra cost.
Downtown
San Antonio
Location: Courthouse & Plaza, Market Square, San Pedro Creek Culture Park
Medina or Boerne Lake*
Must be willing to get in the lake in summer
Location: Lakehills, Texas
Southtown
San Antonio
Location: Neighborhood near Rosario's/ Liberty Bar/ Good Kind
West Texas*
Location: Big Bend, White Sands, Marfa, etc.
A green House
The Beach*
Location: Corpus to Port A
A Note on Other Locations
The Pearl
This favorite hangout spot in San Antonio has a lot to offer for photos but it's not a good fit for most sessions. This spot is best for individual portraits or couples photos. I will also only do sessions at this location on weekday mornings or weekday evenings that do not conflict with a market or event occurring at the Pearl. Since it is such a popular spot, it has become too crowded for majority of sessions. It can also be extremely distracting for children.
San Antonio Missions (not the Alamo)
The Missions are an iconic backdrop for sessions but there are a few Need to Knows before you settle on this option. First sessions are only allowed between 9 am and 4:30 pm, when the sunlight is harsh. Second, you need to apply for a permit at minimum two weeks in advance. The permit fee costs $50 and is non-refundable. There is an additional $50 for the location (this number is subject to change). These costs will be included on your invoice as I will need to submit the application as the photographer. Lastly, if there is a wedding or event happening on the day of your session, you cannot have a session. The park will notify me when your application is being processed.
The Alamo does not allow portrait photography except for special events.