Best Locations for Senior Photos in Austin, Texas

Choosing the right location for your Senior Photo Session is an important first step in the process. 

Austin has plenty of great backdrops that work year-round. Here’s a guide to my Top 15 favorite locations below.

1. Long Center for the Performing Arts

Why It’s Great: For a touch of modern architecture and the Austin skyline in the background, the Long Center offers a fun and urban setting. The City Terrace and Palmer Events Center also provide diverse options for creative senior portraits.

Best Time to Shoot: Afternoon sessions cast the best light on the skyline

2. Butler Park

Why It’s Great: Right next door to the Long Center is Butler Park. You can still get the Austin skyline as well as a park setting.

Best Time to Shoot: Afternoon sessions have the best direction of light – and aim for weeknights since weekends tend to get crowded with park goers.

3. South Congress Avenue

Why It’s Great: For seniors who love a mix of urban and eclectic vibes, South Congress Avenue is a fantastic choice. The variety of street art, fun storefronts, and iconic murals create a colorful and dynamic backdrop for senior portraits.

Best Time to Shoot: Weekdays are ideal to avoid large crowds, and early morning (to also avoid crowds) work best.

4. Seaholm District / Butterfly Bridge

Why It’s Great: The Seaholm District, situated in the heart of Austin, provides a dynamic setting for senior photos. With its modern architecture and urban atmosphere, this district offers a contemporary backdrop for capturing the essence of Austin’s vibrant energy.

Best Time to Shoot: Early morning or afternoon work equally well.

5. Commons Ford Ranch

Why It’s Great: For seniors who appreciate a mix of nature and tranquility, Commons Ford Ranch is an excellent choice. The sprawling ranch with its open fields, rustic charm, and serene lakeside views creates a peaceful and timeless setting for senior portraits.

Best Time to Shoot: Spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.

6. University of Texas campus  

Why It’s Great: The University of Texas campus offers a diverse range of backdrops for senior photos. From the Tower to the Littlefield Fountain to the Architecture Library, this campus provides a blend of academic charm and natural beauty.

Best Time to Shoot: When there aren’t major events on campus. Morning or afternoon both work.

7. Blanton Museum Courtyard / Ellsworth Kelly building

Why It’s Great: Nestled within the University of Texas campus, the Blanton Museum Courtyard is a recently updated gem for senior photos. The courtyard’s artistic architecture, colorful paint colors, and sculputral accents provide a sophisticated and cultured setting for capturing timeless moments.

Best Time to Shoot: When the Museum is closed so it’s less crowded.

8. Bull Creek Greenbelt

Why It’s Great: Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Bull Creek Greenbelt. The serene trails, limestone cliffs, and natural water features create a tranquil setting for outdoor senior photos.

Best Time to Shoot: Morning sessions or afternoon sessions both work. The Park may get more crowded on good weather weekends.

9. Tau Ceti Mural / Downtown rooftop

Why It’s Great: For seniors who love an urban and skyline view, downtown rooftops provide a unique and stylish setting. The Tau Ceti mural adds a bright splash of color to your image gallery as well.

Best Time to Shoot: Afternoon or evening sessions to get the city lights.

10. Waterloo Greenway Park

Why It’s Great: If you’re looking for a blend of nature and urban greenery, Waterloo Greenway Park is an ideal choice. The park’s scenic trails, large stage, and vibrant flora offer a variety of backdrops for senior photos.

Best Time to Shoot: Check their Event schedule to avoid conflicts.

11. Pease Park

Why It’s Great: From blue-painted trees to the metal treehouse in the Kingsbury Commons area, Pease Park has a variety of backdrops besides gorgeous Live Oak Trees and the creek.

Best Time to Shoot: Afternoon sessions (and check their Event calendar for conflicts)

12. Domain Northside

Why It’s Great: Colorful backdrops and murals creates a chic and stylish backdrop for Senior Photos.

Best Time to Shoot: When the stores are closed, so it’s less crowded. Permission is also required from the Domain Marketing Department to have a photo session in the Domain area.

13. McKinney Falls

Why It’s Great: Tranquil waterfalls, scenic trails, and natural rock formations create a serene and picturesque setting, offering a perfect blend of nature’s beauty. Make sure to wear (or pack) shoes you can hike around in.

Best Time to Shoot: Afternoon sessions when the water levels are high and the Falls are flowing.

14. Redbud Isle

Why It’s Great: For seniors who love the outdoors and furry friends, RedBud Isle is an excellent choice. This dog-friendly park, surrounded by the waters of Lady Bird Lake, provides a scenic backdrop. The Redbud Trees bloom in the Spring and the Cypress Trees usually have gorgeous Fall colors.

Best Time to Shoot: Early morning before the tiny, tiny parking lot fills up. Spring or Fall.

15. Austin Greenbelt

Why It’s Great: The Austin Greenbelt is a perfect spot for those seeking a natural and rugged setting for senior photos. The vast trail system, scenic viewpoints, and limestone cliffs offer an active and adventurous backdrop that captures the essence of Austin’s outdoor spirit. The water levels vary throughout the year.

Best Time to Shoot: Early morning or afternoon sessions both work. Trails may be more crowded on weekends.