San Antonio is a city full of charm and character, boasting many photography spots! Choosing a spot for your photoshoot can sometimes feel overwhelming, so as your photographer, I’m here to help pick the right spot for you! Whether you’re celebrating your senior year, creating lasting family memories, or marking a special moment, I’ve compiled a list of some of my top locations to capture photos.
The Japanese Tea Garden
Location: 3853 N St Mary's St, San Antonio, TX 78212
Cost: FREE
Hours: Open to the public daily from dusk to dawn at the time of this writing (hours may vary if there is an event)
This spot never fails to impress. When you step into the garden, it feels like you’re in another world. With cascading waterfalls, vibrant greenery, beautiful bridges, and stone pathways, it’s the perfect spot for dreamy, natural portraits. Please keep in mind that during November and December, the Japanese Tea Garden gets very busy, making it difficult to capture photos. You can’t tell from these photos, but the garden was the busiest I had ever seen for this November photoshoot. Luckily, I managed to get the children to look at the camera and smile amid all the distractions, but it was not easy! I even had to do some Photoshop magic to remove folks from the background.
Landa Library Park
Location: 233 Bushnell Ave, San Antonio, TX 78212
Cost: FREE
I absolutely LOVE Landa Library and always recommend it to families with little ones. This quiet gem feels like stepping into a storybook. The charming architecture and peaceful green spaces are perfect for capturing intimate, heartfelt moments in a relaxed setting. What I love about it is that it offers a variety of beautiful backdrops in a small space, making it easy to move around with a stroller or young children. It is also centrally located in San Antonio.
Eilan Hotel and Spa
Location: For this one, you’ll want to park at the free lot located across from Ruth’s Chris (17803 La Cantera Terrace Building #8, Suite #8110, San Antonio, TX 78256)
Cost: FREE
Hours: open daily
The Eilan Hotel and Spa outdoor area has recently become one of my favorites to shoot at. This is because it offers a beautiful grand staircase, a large water fountain, and cute colorful buildings for an elegant, timeless feel. This area doesn’t get packed the way the Pearl and other locations do, which allows for a more easygoing experience.
The Historic Pearl District
Location: 303 Pearl Pkwy, San Antonio, TX 78215
Cost: Paid parking is required. Pricing varies
This area offers a great mix of urban energy and serene riverwalk backdrops. I recommend this spot for engagement/couples photos, graduation photos, or families with older children. The Pearl can become very busy, especially on weekends or during events, causing distractions for younger children. If time allows, I like to offer clients the option to also capture photos at the nearby Hays Street Bridge.
Hays Street Bridge
Location: 803 N Cherry St, San Antonio, TX 78202
Cost: FREE
This iconic spot offers breathtaking skyline views, especially at sunset. The industrial vibe paired with the golden glow of the evening sky creates portraits that feel bold and unforgettable.
Denman Estate Park
Location: 7735 Mockingbird Ln, San Antonio, TX 78229
Cost: FREE
Hours: open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM at the time of this writing
This park is another one of my favorites. Located in northwest San Antonio, this is a small, but tranquil park offering a pond, a Korean pavilion, a bridge, and many trees for a peaceful experience.
Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne
Location: 140 City Park Road Boerne, TX 78006
Cost: A $25 permit is required to take photos in this area
Hours: open 7 days a week from dawn to dusk at the time of this writing
If you’re looking for a more hill-country feel, then the Cibolo Nature Center is for you. Located in Boerne, the Cibolo Nature Center offers plenty of trees, rustic backdrops, a river, and a field of tall grass. However, please keep in mind that given the nature of the area, there are many mosquitoes. This is also a large area that requires a lot of walking, so pack a water bottle, bug spray, and a change of shoes.
A SECRET HIDDEN GEM
Okay, I recently discovered this beautiful hidden gem right here in San Antonio! It was such a serene, beautiful area and the best part... No-one knows about it yet!! For this photoshoot, the client and I were literally the only ones on site, which is a rare occurrence! It was such a peaceful experience having the whole place to ourselves and not having to wait around for others to finish taking their photos. I don't want to giveaway my secret spot to the internet, so I will only give the location details after you have booked a session with me.
So, those are a few of my favorite photography spots in San Antonio! Of course, there are other options we can discuss about if these don't fit your vibe. Every location has its own energy, and my favorite part of being a photographer is finding the one that speaks to you. Let’s explore these beautiful spots together and create portraits that feel just as special as the memories they hold! Book your session today!
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