I’ve been meaning to write this blog post for quite some time! After living in Fort Worth the past almost decade, I’ve discovered some absolutely picture-perfect locations around DFW for engagement sessions, bridals, and newlywed portraits.
One of my favorite things about the metroplex is that it has a little bit of everything–open fields filled with wildflowers, vast lakes with rocky beaches, manicured gardens, waterfalls (yes! WATERFALLS!!! I know of 3 so far), and some really funky urban spots with vibrant murals or sleek design.
When you book your portraits with me, I want to take you to places that fit the aesthetic of your wedding day or your relationship. Did you get engaged downtown? Let’s hit up Sundance Square for skyline views and the fountains, then finish up the evening at your favorite coffee shop. If you’re wanting something more elegant, the Botanic Gardens or Museum District would be the perfect fit. There are so many more spots, so I’m excited to list them below. Sidenote: some locations do charge a fee and/or require a photography permit. I’ll make sure to have those listed below the images.
NATURAL VIBES:
Benbrook fields
Why I love them: Secluded, tall grass, absolutely magnificent during golden hour
Waterfalls around Fort Worth. I do try to keep these locations under wraps so they don’t become bogged down with photographers. I’m a firm believer that photographers should have private locations and should scout often.
Why I love them: Hello?! Waterfalls in Fort Worth! That’s almost unheard of. The brave are welcome to get into the water itself. I have recently found a brand new third location that I’m dying to shoot at. I will update this blog posts when I have images of it.
Tandy Hills Nature Reserve
Why I love it: Wide open spaces, views of Fort Worth skyline, looks great anytime of year
Benbrook Parks
Why I love them: large trees, open fields, suspension bridges, trickling creeks, easy access
Benbrook Lake
Why I love it: Full sun, rocky beaches, private
Dallas Arboretum * photography & parking fees required
Why I love it: Perfect lighting almost any time of day, looks great no matter the season, elegant
Downside: The Arboretum closes relatively early at 5:00 p.m., so shoots need to be earlier. Since it’s one of the must-sees in Dallas, the Arboretum does get very crowded. I would avoid on any holidays.
Fort Worth Botanic Garden & Japanese Garden * photography permit is $75/hour and includes 3 visitors passes. Free parking.
Why I love it: beautiful year round, tons of amazing spots for photos, friendly staff, and now that they’ve implemented admission fees, it’s a lot less crowded.
White Rock Lake
Why I love it: golden fields, docks over the water, and it’s right around the corner from The Arboretum
URBAN VIBES:
Crockett Row
Why I love it: Skyline views, quirky spots, easy access, great light
Fort Worth Museum District
Why I love it: Chic architecture, centrally located, amazing golden hour light, 100% free
Downtown Fort Worth + Sundance Square*
Photo permit required. It’s free, but passes must be filled out and approved in advance. Parking is free throughout all of downtown Fort Worth on weekends only.
Why I love it: Downtown has so many hidden gems! The Tarrant County Courthouse is one of my favorite landmarks. Sundance Square boasts the fountains and large umbrellas. The opportunities are endless!
Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge
Deep Ellum
Why I love it: grungy, vibrant murals, hip bars and nightlife, always changing
West 7th + Trinity Park
Downtown Fort Worth
The Foundry District
Why I love it: cool murals, mostly quiet, ever changing, great coffee!
Magnolia Avenue/Near Southside
Why I love it: home to my favorite coffee shop EVERRRR (Avoca), always changing in unique ways, funky shops, historic houses, awesome architecture.
Fort Worth Water Gardens
Fort Worth Stockyards
*Photography permit, parking, $1Million in Liability Insurance required
Downtown Dallas
INDOOR/STUDIO:
Please note that all of these locations require hourly rentals and none are free.
Pants are optional 😉
The Fox & The Narwhal Studio
AirBnb in the Southside Historic District of Fort Worth
The Lumen Room, Dallas (there’s also a Fort Worth location)
Those are a few of my favorites. Of course you’re welcome to have your engagements or bridals at the actual wedding venue itself! Basically, the options around here are endless. Orrrrrrr if you’d prefer to make a quick getaway for something epic, there’s always a destination shoot. The Wichita Mountains, Turner Falls, Palo Duro Canyon, Hill Country, and many state parks are only a few hours drive away. If you really want to go all out, DFW is a major airline hub 😉 Some of my favorite out of state locations are anywhere inside the Little Cottonwood Canyon (Utah), Windansea Beach (La Jolla/San Diego), The French Quarter (New Orleans), Antigua (Guatemala), Huatulco (Mexico), Whistler Blackcomb (Canada), and Stanley Park (Canada).
So babes. Let’s shoot together! Get in touch to plan your adventure.
i couldn’t get into the crockett row parking. every entrance was blocked off.
Hi Avery! That garage is a paid lot. Not sure if it was closed completely when you visited, but you do have to either have a parking pass validated or pay to use.