Dallas, TX

There are so many historical, rustic, urban, gritty, natural places to utilize for your photography session in Dallas; you won’t have a problem finding a spot. You may have a problem choosing which place to use, though.

Here a just a few choices to scout before you book your session.

Hall of State

This beautiful historic building is host to events year-round and provides backdrops so Texas that you may end up making the entire tour before your photo shoot is done. Built in the symbolic form of an inverted capital “T”, the Hall of State was constructed to commemorate the Texas Centennial of 1936 and is used for state events, private parties, and tourism.

From the Great Hall with its 12-foot, gold medallion backdrop to the formal lawn in front of the Portico Tejas, your photos will have “historic Texas” written all over them by choosing the Hall of State as your backdrop.

Fair Park

Whether you want historic or natural, Fair Park has a variety of locations throughout its 277 acres to choose from. Opened in 1936 for the Texas Centennial State Fair, the park boasts a pavilion, gardens, a band shell and music hall, and is easy to find, as it is just two miles east of downtown Dallas.

Choose from five museums, various picturesque gardens, and several art deco buildings. Fair Park has a 700-foot-long reflecting pool and several fountains. Most of the park is free to the public, but contact the park to book buildings.

Texas Discovery Gardens

Butterflies, green spaces, exotic plants, and ponds make beautiful photography backdrops. And Texas Discovery Gardens has all of those things and more. You can rent out their event space, or support the gardens with a small fee. Photographers can buy an inclusive membership to enjoy unlimited shoots annually.

Built in conjunction with Fair Park for the Texas Centennial in 1936, Texas Discovery Gardens has grown to include a reflecting pool, butterfly house, circular lawn, native plants exhibit, and more. Nature will compliment whatever theme you’re going for, so may want to consider this location before deciding.

“Deep Ellum” Historic District

Quirky and urbane, the “Deep Ellum” district is home to musicians, history, and a multicultural vibe that will shine through your photo shoot. Murals adorn most buildings in the area, and even with a revitalization program in place, the history of the neighborhood is evident wherever you go.

Full of historic, graceful architecture as well as parks and plenty of green space, this area will give you plenty of options to choose from.

Dragon Park

This little gem of a location is small but fierce. Guarded by Chinese dragons and home to various off-the-wall and unexpected stone inhabitants, Dragon Park is excellent for an individual or couples photography session.

Located at the corner of Hood Street and Cedar Springs Road, in Dallas’s Oak Lawn neighborhood, Dragon Park is privately-owned. Check with the owner across the street if you’re using your photos commercially, but area residents (that know about it) frequently stop into Dragon Park to snap a few pictures and enjoy the serenity in the middle of a bustling city.