Local Hotspots for Holiday Portraits

With cooler temperatures on their way and beautiful colors filling in, Fall is one of the most popular seasons for family photos. Here’s a few of our favorite local hotspots for holiday portraits that set the scene for perfect family moments… just in time for your annual Christmas cards!

Where to Find Them

1. Woodcreek Reserve

With its rustic bridge, lake and fountain, and lush landscaping, Woodcreek Reserve has become so popular that their HOA has implemented restrictions and fees for professional photographers. It might be advisable to read up on their rules and check with your photographer before scheduling your shoot at this location.

Located at: NE Corner of FM-1463 and Kingsland Blvd.

2. Cane Island Observatory

While the Cane Island Amenity Center has a load of photo-worthy backdrops for your session, it’s popular Observatory seems to get the most attention. While the ‘living wall’ no longer looks like this, it’s still a magnificent locale for your family photos… particularly around the holidays when the developers have it decked out with Christmas cheer.

While you’re there, be sure to grab a bite to eat at The Oaks, and check out the Treehouse!

Located at: Cane Island Parkway at Buffalo Bend Dr.

3. Cross Creek Ranch

There is no lack of fabulous shooting spots in the Cross Creek Community. It was built from the ground up incorporating nature and the restoration of Flewellen Creek as part of its master plan. You’ll find creeks, ponds, lakes, piers, fountains, playgrounds and more that all make incredible backdrops to show off your family!

Located at: Cross Creek Ranch Blvd @ W. Cross Creek Bend Ln.

4. Katy Prairie Conservancy

Born with a mission of land conservation and prairie restoration in Northern Katy, much of the conservancy is NOT open to the public, but the Indiangrass Preserve and the Matt Cook Memorial Wildlife Viewing Platform are.

All told, the Katy Prairie Conservancy manages over 18,000 acres of prairie land and is home to natural grasses, plants, and wild-life. If natural beauty is what you’re after, look no futher.

Located at: 31975 Hebert Rd in Waller, Texas.

5. Mary Jo Peckham Park

Walking trails, a pristine lake, a covered pier and multiple pavilions have long made Mary Jo Peckham Park a popular destination. I’ve seen literally hundreds of family photos taken from the pier with the lake in the background. And you can make a day of it! Bring a picnic basket, feed the ducks, play some free putt putt, let the kids run wild on the playground. Oh, and the Katy dog park is only a short walk away.

Located at: 5597 Gardenia Ln in Katy.

6. Katy Rice Silos

Katy was founded on railroads and rice. The railroads brought families, and the fertile fields, perfect for farming rice, kept them here. The remnants of those days still loom large in Katy’s skyline and are perhaps the most recognizable landmark in town. These days, popular businesses like No Label Brewery and MKT Distillery call them home. The Cardiff dryers are even going through a restoration program. Their renewed popularity though has made them popular destinations for family photos.

Located at: Highway 90 between Katy Fort Bend Rd. and Pin Oak Rd.

7. MKT Park

The Missouri Kansas Texas (MKT) Railroad brought life to the Katy Prairie. Years later, both the Katy Depot Train Station and Red Caboose, both lovingly restored, serve as a museum and visitors center for the City. Just as importantly though, they serve as a backdrop for holiday photos as well as destination spots for prom and homecoming photos.

Located at: 5615 First St. in Old Katy.

8. Katy Heritage Park

Katy’s Heritage Park is a 3-fer. In one location, you’ll find the VFW Park, the Katy Heritage Museum, and Katy’s Heritage Homes… all of which makes for beautiful destination photos. The homes are private property though, so you’ll need a permit to shoot on or around them.

Established in 2003 as a joint project with the City of Katy and the Katy Heritage Society, Heritage Park is best known for its restored historic buildings, beautiful landscaping, the Tradition Bank bandstand gazebo and brick paved patio. To rent or tour the historic homes, please contact the Katy Heritage Society at (281) 377-5710.

Located at: 5990 George Bush Dr. in Old Katy.

Want to see some other great locations? Check out Brian’s Top Local Parks to Visit.