2025 Best Photoshoot Locations in ATX and Around

Austin, Texas, offers a diverse range of photoshoot locations, blending natural beauty with vibrant city scenes. Whether you're seeking stunning natural backdrops, charming urban settings, or architectural marvels, Austin has something to offer for every style of photography. 

Here are some of the best photoshoot locations in Austin—places we’ve either had the pleasure of shooting at or are excited to capture in the future. We’ll be sharing gallery links from some of our past sessions so you can see the beauty of each spot. Take a look at the photoshoots we’ve done there, linked under each location below:

Parks and nature preserves

Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve : This tranquil park features walking trails, koi ponds, and peacocks roaming freely, creating a picturesque setting for photoshoots. Lauren + Joe Ankita + Ninad Pre Wedding Liz + Cole Engagement Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park :This scenic 215-acre park offers tall prairie grasses, wooded trails, waterfalls, and riverfront views—perfect for engagements, families, and portraits with a natural Austin backdrop. Lauren + Will Engagement

McKinney Falls State Park : Located just outside the city, McKinney Falls boasts waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and cypress trees, offering a natural and scenic environment for photography.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center: Explore the beauty of native Texas wildflowers and plants, especially stunning during the blooming season (around mid-March to early April).

Zilker Botanical Garden: Discover themed gardens, including a Japanese garden with koi ponds and waterfalls, providing a variety of backdrops for your photoshoot.

Bull Creek Park: With its lush greenery, rocky landscapes, and flowing creek, Bull Creek Park is an ideal spot for nature-inspired photoshoots.

Pease Park: A perennial favorite with varied foliage, a shallow creek, and a long grassy field, Pease Park offers abundant depth and natural beauty for family portraits or headshots. 

Cityscapes and urban settings

South Congress (SoCo): Capture the vibrant urban charm of South Congress with its colorful murals, trendy shops, and iconic landmarks like the "I love you so much." mural.

The Boardwalk Trail at Lady Bird Lake: Enjoy stunning views of the Austin skyline while walking along the boardwalk suspended over the lake. Nichol + Jeryd Engagement

Texas State Capitol Grounds: This is a classic and impressive location, both inside and out, perfect for capturing Austin's history and grandeur. Sierra + Michael Engagement Liz + Cole Engagement University of Texas in Austin : With its iconic architecture, tree-lined walkways, and historic landmarks like the UT Tower, the UT campus offers a classic and collegiate backdrop for portraits, graduation sessions, and lifestyle shoots. The blend of modern and traditional elements makes it a versatile location for capturing timeless, academic, and city-inspired images. Delia + Eric Engagement

Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge: This footbridge connects downtown to Auditorium Shores and Butler Park. It offers dynamic views of the city skyline, especially at sunset, and ever-changing graffiti along the train tracks. 

Unique and artistic spots

Sekrit Theater: This eclectic and whimsical venue offers a variety of unique backdrops, including a greenhouse, making it perfect for creative and artistic photoshoots.

"Greetings from Austin" Postcard Mural: This is a classic Austin landmark that provides a fun and iconic backdrop.

Tau Ceti Mural: This impressive 10-story mural adds a vibrant and artistic touch to photos. 

Tips for your photoshoot

Consider the time of day: Golden hour (sunrise or sunset) provides beautiful, warm light for outdoor shoots.

Check the weather: Austin's summers can be hot, so plan accordingly or consider indoor locations as a backup.

Be aware of crowds: Popular spots like South Congress and parks can get crowded, especially on weekends. Aim for early mornings or weekdays for fewer crowds. 

Remember that some locations may require permits or fees for professional photoshoots, so it's always best to check in advance.