How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Houston Family Photo Session

August 23, 2024

A Guide to the Best Houston Family Photo Locations

Location, location, location! As a seasoned family photographer serving the Houston, TX area, believe me when I say this sentiment applies to family photoshoots too. The location you choose for your session has a ton of influence on your finished gallery, including the wardrobe you choose, the backdrop for the photos, and activity options to keep kids entertained (or potentially distracted.) For these reasons, I like to provide my clients with an in depth location guide and help them through the thought process behind choosing the perfect location for their family photos. Let’s go through it together!

An expectant mother and father stand, out of focus, near shrubs as their toddler son shows off his blue superhero cape that reads 'big brother' during their downtown Houston family photos with Mel B Photo.

A family of four, wearing jeans and button down shirts pose together before a water feature in the Spring area of Houston, TX for family photos with Mel B Photo.

Booking Houston Family Photos

Before we dive into the perks, let’s quickly review the process of booking your session. Once you’ve contacted me to book your session, signed your contract, and paid your deposit, I’ll forward you my location guide for Houston area family photos. If you’re a local, you know there’s a reason they say everything is bigger in Texas because Houston is massive, right? This is partially why I am so hands-on with selecting the location for my family photo sessions!

Once you have the guide, you can browse the type of session you’d like (in-home, parks, water features, etc.), favorite photos of the areas you love, and together we’ll iron out the details. Since I’ve shot at these locations more than once, I know which ones have parks that may be great for, say, bribing cranky little ones to cooperate and what areas to avoid if you’re an expectant mama who doesn’t want to walk a country mile for photos.

Three ladies of varying ages stand before floor to ceiling paned windows as natural sunlight illuminates from behind them wearing knee length dresses as part of their Conroe studio family photos with Mel B Photo.

A Tomball family of four is seated on a warm toned leather couch before a black wall for dark & moody Houston family photos.

Houston Area Photo Studio Options

I have go-to studio spaces in both Conroe & Tomball for when you want the dependability of an indoor shoot without sacrificing natural light or an interesting backdrop. The Tomball space I utilize is fantastic if you prefer moodier family photos with rich, deep colors. Conroe is great for light & bright preferences thanks to the stunning paned windows at the location. And let’s not forget the endless studios available in Houston if your area isn’t listed!

Perks: Weather is a non-issue in studios and lighting is always ideal. You can also take your session in virtually any direction you want since backdrops can easily be switched.

A Tomball family of 5 is pictured seated on a sidewalk before a brick store front during an outdoor family photo session.

An expectant Houston mother is photographed in a red and white floral dress, embracing her baby bump while her husband kisses her cheek before a Tomball, TX antique store.

Multiple generations are photographed surrounding the matriarch and patriarch who are seated on a bench embracing two of their grandchildren with the Houston skyline and a strip of blue sky peeking through in the background.

Urban Houston Area Family Photos

If you love the look of urban architecture, that’s an option for your family photos as well! From the downtown Houston skyline to the downtown shops and streets of Tomball, Spring, or the Woodlands, you’ve got options.

Perks: You’re still outdoors so we can utilize that gorgeous natural light & you’re within walking distance of local restaurants if you want to make a day of your family photo session.

Five children chase each other in an open field, laughing & playing, during family pictures with Cypress area photographer, Mel B Photo.

An expectant Texas mother wearing an ankle length black dress on a sandy shore places her hands on the top and bottom of her baby belly as her husband stands next to her, holding their laughing toddler in Spring, TX.

A mother wearing a pink flutter sleeve shirt and a father wearing a deep shade of blue embrace their four laughing sons in a wildflower field in Tomball.

Outdoor Family Photos

The Texas landscape in my area is varied which leaves you as my client several options that accommodate your style and your kids. And let’s remember, there’s a reason seasoned parents tell you to take your fussy babies outside or put them in water!

Four young brothers explore the the shore along a pond in Spring TX during their family photos at golden hour.

An expectant mother wearing a flowy, maroon floral dress embraces her baby bump as she wades through the water during her Spring maternity session with Mel B Photo.

Two young boys lean over the railing at a Cypress park, smiling as their father wearing plaid watches next to them.

Water Features

Water features can be beautiful backdrops while also acting as a great way to entertain kids during the session. For example, Spring has great creeks & waterways for little ones to skip rocks,wade in the water, or run along the sand during photos. If you’re in the Katy area and don’t necessarily want your kids in the water, you still get the water in the photos but the deck keeps their adorable little outfits from getting soaked.

A Texas couple hold their two children on a wooden bridge at a Cypress park surrounded by trees during their family photo session.

A young girl wearing mary janes and a brown dress points to something in the distance as she explores a Cypress park.

Local Parks

Parks can be a double-edged sword & something we’ll discuss as we’re planning your session. On one hand, nearby playgrounds can be great bribery tools. On the other, kids & playgrounds can be like moths to a flame. That said, I have several spots across Katy, Cypress, The Woodlands, The Heights, Rice Village, & Spring, and I’m familiar with the features of each spot. From one mom to another, I promise to not set you up for failure with your family photos! Parks can often have options for seated photos but you’re still surrounded by nature without having to hike for it.

An expectant mother holds hands with her partner as they exchange smiles amongst the trees in The Woodlands during their session with Mel B Phot, Woodlands area family and maternity photographer.

Forests/Nature

If Spanish Moss, fields, trees, wooden bridges, and a more natural backdrop away from the noise of town are your thing, let’s talk some of the forest or nature locations. I’ve photographed Cypress, Cypress Creek, Spring, The Woodlands, and Tomball family sessions at lots of little hidden gems in the area away from main roads. If there’s a lot of walking or other factors to be aware of, I’ll be sure to tell you in advance.

Perks: These locations are not only beautiful backdrops, they offer lots of space for kids to be kids. Running, jumping, and playing are 100% allowed and encouraged! (Honestly, how often are your kids quiet & still? We’re photographing real life around here.)

An expectant mother wearing a maroon velvet dress places her right hand on her belly and holds hands with her husband before a public quaint home in the Tomball TX area.

An expectant mother wearing a teal dress embraces her belly as her toddler daughter smiles and hugs her mother's leg as dad, wearing a cream sweater, embraces his wife before a quaint home with green shutters in the Cypress TX area.

Quaint Home Family Sessions

If you’re in Cypress or Tomball, the quaint homes in the area give a small town feel with tons of charm. Gazebos, front porches with craftsman details, and surrounding landscaping and trees work together to give your family session a very home-y feel.

Perks: You get the best of both worlds with a natural backdrop for some images and the features you’d get at home in others without having to prep your actual home.

Cypress, TX Family Photographer

Hey, I’m Melanie B of Mel B Photo. I specialize in capturing every season of life for Tomball, Cypress, and Spring families in Houston, TX. From the early newborn days to family photos when your crew grows, I’m here to photograph every beautiful chapter. Ready to invest in a stress-free experience and emotion-packed, authentic images to remember every detail of this stage of life? Check out my family packages here and don’t forget to follow along on Pinterest for tips & inspiration! Want to book your session or have more questions? Contact me here. Let’s create memories together!