Best Photoshoot Locations in Houston

We’re often asked what it’s like to be a photography studio in Houston. Our answer? Magical.

Houston is a city full of mesmerizing photoshoot locations. From bustling streets and tranquil parks to picturesque landmarks, Houston offers photographers a myriad of exciting opportunities. The trick is to know how to find them. 

Today, we’d like to share with you some of our favorite places to take pictures in Houston. Read on and find inspiration for your next photoshoot!

#1 Bayou Bend Collection & Gardens

Our favorite spot for a Houston photoshoot is, by far, the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens. Located on 6003 Memorial Drive, this scenic location is the perfect place for a wedding or engagement photoshoot

From the majestic natural beauty of the surrounding forests to picturesque and colorful gardens and classical sculptures, the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens has everything a photographer could want from a romantic photoshoot spot. 

It’s a magical place that will help create unforgettable memories. 

Pro Tip 💡: The best time for a photoshoot at the Bayou Bend Collection and Gardens is around 4-5 p.m., just before it closes, to avoid crowds and take advantage of the best lighting.

#2 Memorial Park Conservancy

With nearly 1,500 square feet of lush greenery, the Memorial Park Conservancy is home to many excellent spots for taking pictures. Truth be told, if we were to name them all, we would have to write a separate article. 

That said, let’s stick to our favorite one, which is the Eastern Glades. 

This is where nature and modern architecture meet to create a truly unique and mesmerizing scenery, perfect for family photoshoots or graduation portraits

It’s a must-see spot for anyone visiting Houston, ideal for both a photoshoot and an afternoon stroll. 

Pro Tip 💡:The best time for a photoshoot at Memorial Park is either 6-7 a.m., when the gates open, or 6-7 p.m., just before they close. This way, you can avoid crowds that usually storm the park during peak hours.

#3 Smither Park

If you’re looking for something different and unique from your photoshoot, Smither Park is definitely the place. Nestled within the heart of the city at the corner of the famous East End and Third Ward neighborhoods, Smither Park is a vibrant cultural urban spot, perfect for quirky and out-of-the-box photoshoots. 

Most famous for its mesmerizing mosaics and many interactive features, Smither Park is a place where artists can feel at home. And that, among many other things, makes it one of our favorite spots to take pictures in Houston. 

Pro Tip 💡:To avoid crowds and enjoy more vibrant lighting, opt for early or late hours, for instance, around 8 a.m. or 6 p.m.

#4 The Kemah Boardwalk

Nothing can beat a theme park photoshoot, especially if the park in regard is the Kemah Boardwalk. 

Located 20 minutes from Houston downtown, the Kemah Boardwalk is quite a ride from the city, but its vibrant atmosphere and views make the trip more than worthwhile. 

It’s a great spot with plenty of photo opportunities, perfect for a family photoshoot, an event photo session, or even a unique and memorable wedding session. 

Pro Tip 💡:The Kemah Boardwalk is open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., which creates tons of opportunities for great photoshoots. However, for the most vibrant pictures, opt for evening hours. This is when the whole park really comes alive.

#5 The NASA Johnson Space Center

One of our favorite locations in Houston for family photoshoots is the NASA Johnson Space Center. It’s an awesome spot, especially if you’re looking for that sprinkle of vintage flair on your photographs. 

It’s also a good spot for graduate portraits, especially when shot in front of the SpaceX Falcon 9 Booster Exhibit. 

Pro Tip 💡:Want to avoid tourists and tours? Opt for photoshoots mid-morning, around 10-11 a.m. This is usually when the first wave of tourists leaves, leaving you with the center to yourself (figuratively speaking, of course).

#6 The Rothko Chapel

Another fantastic spot for an engagement or wedding photoshoot in Houston is the Rothko Chapel. It’s an unforgettable visit, and the location is absolutely stunning, especially the outside with the famous “Broken Obelisk” sculpture. 

The combination of art, architecture, and ambient scenery make the Rothko Chapel an incredible spot for taking pictures, perfect for romantic photoshoots. 

Pro Tip 💡:The chapel holds numerous events throughout the year, so check it in advance to ensure nothing collides with your planned photoshoot.

#7 Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park

Possibly the most iconic and famous landmark in Houston, the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is also a top spot for taking incredible photos. 

The monument is simply stunning, and the water cascading from 64 feet is hypnotizing, creating an incredible background for your pictures. The lush green area surrounding the Waterwall also provides exciting photo opportunities.

Pro Tip 💡:The best time to take pictures is either early morning or later afternoon. At this hour, the combination of the lighting and cascading water creates a magical scenery for your photographs.

#8 Mercer Botanic Gardens

Scenic and ambient Mercer Botanic Gardens are one of the most popular places for photoshoots in Houston. And for good reason. 

These gardens are a true botanical wonderland, with paths guiding you through colorful gardens, lush greenery, flower beds, and ponds. The park offers a multitude of photo opportunities, providing a diverse range of settings. 

Whether you seek a spot for a romantic engagement photoshoot or a family session, Mercer Botanic Gardens should be at the top of your photoshoot locations in Houston. 

Pro Tip 💡:The best time to go for a photoshoot at Mercer Botanic Gardens is early in the morning, preferably 8-9 a.m., which is just after the gates open. The lighting then is magical, and there are usually no crowds.

#9 Discovery Green

It is possible to find a tranquil spot in the heart of Houston downtown. Discovery Green is the perfect example of that and an incredible place for a photoshoot. 

Resembling a green oasis in the middle of the concrete jungle, Discovery Green offers numerous exciting opportunities for photography. It’s a place where the modern city blends with nature, creating a diverse range of backgrounds that will breathe life into any picture.

Pro Tip 💡:For the best effect, we recommend doing a photoshoot late afternoon/early evening when the sun is slowly setting down over the city’s skyscrapers: an unforgettable sight and a mesmerizing background for a picture.

#10 Buffalo Bayou Park

And last but not least, we have Buffalo Bayou Park, one of the most beautiful Houston parks and a place full of exciting opportunities for photographers. But if we were to choose one, it would definitely be the Cistern.

Previously an underground reservoir and now an art installation, the Cistern is a gem for us photographers. The concrete columns, dancing shades, and water reflections create a hypnotizing atmosphere, perfect for capturing unique moments and stunning photoshoots. 

Pro Tip 💡:Early mornings or late afternoons are the best times to stroll Buffalo Park in the hunt for your photographs. As for the Cistern, it’s open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., so it’s best to target the later hours, preferably just before closing, for the best lighting.

Picking the Best Houston Photographer for Your Next Photoshoot

So yes, Houston is full of exciting places to take incredible photos. However, finding the perfect place for your photoshoot is one thing. 

Another is picking the best photographer for the job. And when looking for one in Houston, Pixel Studio Productions is your best shot. 

Contact us today to discuss your project. We’ll then provide you with a tailored quote, ensuring you don’t overpay for your photoshoot. Once everything is settled, we’ll schedule your session at your chosen location. 

Your dream Houston photoshoot is just one click away. Schedule your session today!

About Us


With years of experience in the photo and video industry, Pixel Studio Productions is recognized as one of the leading portrait and wedding photographer in Houston TX and the greater Houston area. We strive for a cinematic and story-like quality for all of our productions that preserve your most genuine and precious moments. Our team of professional photographers believes that our photography and videography should capture each of our clients in a way unique to them.

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