My 5 Favorite Austin Family Session Locations

I love being an Austin family photographer because there are so many exciting locations to have your session! My favorite local spots range from a simple natural light studio to quirky downtown haunts. I also love photographing families at home. Whether you love the intimate feel of cozying up for portraits on your couch or prefer a different vibe (or want to combine several locations!), let these five Austin family session locations inspire you.

Austin Family Session Locations

The Lumen Room

This location is so lovely in its simplicity. The plain white backdrop brimming with sunlight puts the focus on you and your family! The Lumen Room is a full-time natural light photography studio in the heart of Austin, just south of downtown. You can rent the space any day of the week for one hour or more. My clients usually rent it for two to three hours to allow plenty of time for outfit changes, diaper changes, feedings, you name it. 

The rental fee for this space depends on the length of your booking but starts at $75. It tends to book up fast, and space is limited, so make your reservation early if you want to have your family session here!

Fun Fact: I bring my toddler here for his bi-monthly portraits! I can let him run free in a contained space and easily photograph him because of the great lighting. I bring his favorite toys, set them up, and let him do his thing. The simple backdrop puts the focus on him and his favorite toys.

South Congress Avenue

There’s lots to love about South Congress beyond the “I love you so much” signage tourists go there for. For me, it’s the little nooks and crannies—the details you’ll find if you look closely. There are still a few storefronts with their original architecture, colorful murals, and gorgeous light that hits you just right as you cross the street. Most of all, it’s the beating heart of Austin! 

Beyond the backdrops and lighting, South Congress is also a great place to walk around and forget that I’m taking photos of you, especially if your kiddos are nervous. There’s ample opportunity to wander around and have fun doing it, from grabbing pizza to indulging in an ice cream cone. Since the street gets busy on the weekends, I recommend booking your session for a weekday morning. Don’t forget to wear comfy shoes! 

Lady Bird Lake and Seaholm Power Plant

To me, this area is quintessential Austin. It’s unbeatable for a session that combines city skyline views, greenery, and a gritty urban feel. Situated in the heart of downtown, it’s perfect for a weekday morning or sunset family session. I recommend morning or evening because the light gets very bright during the day—if we don’t time it correctly, there’s little to no shade for the kiddos. However, this isn’t a problem because the lighting at sunrise and sunset is the best anyway!

Be ready to walk if you choose this location, and wear comfortable shoes. You can park near the Seaholm Power Plant or Riverside Drive on the other side of the lake. Using this area involves strolling from the lake to the power plant (or vice versa), but it’s all well worth it for the backdrops and views! We’ll take things as slow as necessary for your kiddos. 

Mueller Lake Park

I love that this park feels like an oasis from the city, but it’s inside the bustling Mueller neighborhood. It’s a perfect city park for little ones because you can park on the street near the areas where I like to shoot. There’s a great combination of tall grass, beautiful trees, walking trails, and some water backdrops, so there’s plenty of variety. If you have wild toddlers who love to run around and blow off steam, this is your place!

Zilker Botanical Garden

This location is perfect for the plant lovers out there! Zilker Botanical Garden is in the heart of Austin’s Zilker neighborhood, with endless areas to explore. It requires pre-booking for a $50 starting fee, depending on the length of your booking. I love to book for the early morning when they open so we can have lots of space to run around and spread out before it becomes busy. It’s another fantastic location for curious kiddos, with a waterfall, koi pond, bridge, and unique plants and flowers.

BONUS: Austin At-Home Family Session

If you’ve followed my work for some time, you know I love shooting at-home family sessions. Photographing a family in their natural environment is another type of magic! It lends itself to the most relaxed images, especially if your toddler stresses you out in public (I see you, mama!).

However, I also understand home isn’t always the most relaxing or photogenic place to shoot. My house is a bit dark and cramped, so I get it. The most important thing is choosing an environment that is unique to you, low-stress, and FUN. Need more guidance? Check out How to Choose Your Austin Family Session Location. 

So, if any of these Austin family session locations resonate with you, let me know! I’d love to photograph you at any of these locations and/or your home—we can always combine your space with another fun spot around the city. Just shoot me an inquiry and give me your thoughts.