About Austin
One of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, Austin serves as the energized capital of Texas and beats to the quirky motto, “Keep Austin Weird.” It’s home to the flagship campus of the University of Texas and architectural landmarks such as the State Capitol building, as well as diverse neighborhoods where you can explore the city’s exciting culinary scene.
With its rich musical and artistic culture on display each year during the SXSW festival, Austin draws creatives in every field. Its diverse photo shoot locations, picturesque parks surrounding Lake Austin, and eclectic venues make it an ideal place to hold a photoshoot regardless of style or target audience.
Austin TX is known for the Austin skyline, Mueller Lake Park, Downtown Austin, Lady Bird Lake, Mayfield Park, Lake Austin, and more. Apart from being a lovely place to live with family, it's also the perfect spot for a photoshoot. You can click all the family photos you want, surrounded by a lovely garden with gorgeous trees in South Austin or an urban park in East Austin. You can stroll hand in hand with your loved ones at Cedar Park and get photographed as you grab a bite outside South Congress. While there’s not a lot of greenery and natural light in Downtown Austin, the walking paths, street art, and steel metal wall can also be great places for a fun family photoshoot with kids.
Photo Shoot Options in Austin
Once you’ve settled on your family photo shoot locations in Austin, it’s time to secure the services of some of the city’s professional vendors to ensure you have fun photos at your great spot.
- Photographers
A photoshoot isn’t complete without a professional photographer (or photographers) behind the camera for the best location, and Austin has no shortage to draw on. Whether you’re after fashion, food, family, or advertising photographers, you’ll be able to find individuals with the experience you need.
- Hair and makeup artists
For fashion or people-centric photo shoots, a team of hair and makeup artists can be invaluable to give your images a professional touch. Austin’s experienced beauty professionals will do the job whether you need nail technicians, hairdressers, or makeup gurus.
- Equipment rentals
If your Austin, TX, photoshoot location lacks everything you need, you can rent furnishings, lights, and decor from one of the city’s gear rental companies. These equipment rental companies are available for photoshoot locations in East Austin Park, Riverside Dr, Barton Springs, Auditorium Shores, the Sekrit Theater, and coffee shops.
- Catering
Keep your models and crew refueled throughout the shoot with the help of one of Austin’s catering companies, which can deliver platters, multi-course meals, or buffets for your event. Suppose you’re clicking family photos and have organized a get-together. In that case, you should choose one of your favorite locations near natural areas with vibrant colors to match the fun and happiness with some incredible food.
- DJ
Want to create a certain ambiance at your shoot? A live DJ spinning tunes can keep the morale of your models and crew high, even during long sessions while you’re taking photos of Texas history at the Blanton Museum or are hosting family during Bluebonnet season.
Event Companies in Austin
Need help getting your photo shoot off the ground? One of Austin’s experienced event planning companies can handle all the logistics so that you can focus on the artistic side.
- Pearl Events Austin
Pearl Events is an award-winning Austin event management company led by the talented Becky Navarro. They’re dedicated to creating uniquely Austin events and draw on the best locations and vendors the city has to offer for your photo session or family photo shoot.
- Kennedy Creative Events
Kennedy Creative Events focuses on corporate, social, and non-profit clients, assisting with everything from finding an event venue in Austin's urban setting to day-to-day management services for photo ops for family photos.
- Events Unleashed
Whether you need help brainstorming ideas for your photoshoot or finding experienced vendors for the perfect location or a stunning spot, Events Unleashed is highly experienced in all facets of event management.
Pros and Cons of Photo Shoots in Austin
Finding photoshoot locations in Austin has many advantages, including the city’s vibrant arts scene and sunny weather. But with scorching summer temperatures and notorious traffic, there are a few drawbacks to remember.
Advantages
- The arts scene
Austin boasts a vibrant arts and music scene, drawing many creative people to the city. Festivals and events take place throughout the year, so there’s always something happening outside of your photoshoot hours.
- Multiculturalism
Multicultural backgrounds of the city can help make your photo shoot exciting and interesting.
- Diversity of venues
From private studios to contemporary homes and creative warehouse spaces, there are plenty of photoshoot locations in Austin to inspire you. You can also take inspiration from offbeat locations of big trees at Commons Ford, Seaholm District, a burnt orange sunset, the Sekrit Theater, Pennybacker Bridge, Brushy Creek, River Place, and urban areas.
- Experienced vendors
Whether you need photographers, caterers, or hair and makeup artists, you’ll be able to find event vendors to make your photos in Austin a reality.
- Favorable weather
With around 300 sunny days each year, your Austin photo locations don’t have to be confined to the indoors. You can take advantage of the city’s leafy parks or desert-like surroundings without worrying about getting rained out.
Disadvantages
- Traffic is terrible
Although the city’s public transport network is improving, locals still rely heavily on cars. This has resulted in traffic issues throughout the city center, particularly during daily rush hours.
- Property prices are high
Compared to other major cities in Texas, Austin’s property prices are relatively high, so you may pay more for a photo shoot location here than elsewhere.
- Summers can be scorching
There’s no denying it – Texas experiences hot summers, and Austin experiences the highest point in temperature during June, July, and August. Hosting an outdoor photoshoot during this period might be uncomfortable for everyone involved.
- The bugs can be fierce
Austin’s bugs and mosquitoes can be unbearable at certain times of the year, and being outside without repellant is only for the brave.
- It’s easy to overspend on eating
With so many great places to eat in Austin – from barbecue joints to taco restaurants and craft breweries – it’s easy to spend way more than you intended on dining.
Famous Photo Shoot Locations in Austin
- Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum
Showcasing the works of American sculptor Charles Umlauf, this impressive museum and garden lies adjacent to Austin’s leafy Zilker Park. It features regularly changing exhibitions, themed activities, and live music evenings, as well as offering yoga classes in its stunning gardens. The gardens are known for their beautiful light, tall grass, and more. If you arrive early, you can take a round and click some lovely family photos. Base your photo shoot in a modern home setting in Westlake Hills or a studio in West Austin, and you can easily extend your session at this cultural hub.
- The Broken Spoke
For a classic Texas bar, you can’t go past the Broken Spoken, which claims to be the “last of the true Texas dance halls.” It’s been holding live music evenings and dance classes for over 50 years, accompanied by its signature chicken-fried steak.
- Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Situated on the campus of the University of Texas at Austin, this picturesque center celebrates the flora and fauna of the Lone Star State. It offers hands-on gardening courses for young and old and kid-friendly investigative sessions in Central Gardens, Texas Arboretum, and Savanna Meadow. It is one of the best places for family photos as a nature preserve with a pretty sunset.