San Antonio Family Photographer
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. These are just my go-to favorites.
Once you book, I'll provide a more extensive guide to locations all over the city and surrounding areas.
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
Studio
to view studio options in
San Antonio
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Keep in mind that Studio Sessions will be dependent on availability at your preferred studio location.
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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
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
Greenhouse
Address: Private Property near Blanco, TX
Best time of Day: Morning (hour after sunrise)
Best time of year: year round
Fees: $150 / session
Pros: Privacy, protection if rains
Cons:
Need to Knows: dirt road to property
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
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
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.
West Texas*
Location: Big Bend, White Sands, Marfa, etc.
Downtown
San Antonio
Location: Courthouse & Plaza, Market Square, San Pedro Creek Culture Park
A green House
The Beach*
Location: Corpus to Port A
A Note on Other Locations
The Pearl
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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)
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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.
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The Alamo does not allow portrait photography except for special events.