17 Houston Photography Spots for Your Next Photoshoot

The city of Houston is filled with towering architectural masterpieces, lush landscaping, gorgeous museums, and parks galore, so it’s no wonder that our city is a hotspot for fun, creative photoshoots. But where are all of these photographers snapping these incredible shots? Keep reading for a list of the best Houston photography spots for your next photoshoot.

Where Can I Take Pictures in Houston?

1. Buffalo Bayou Park

If you want a gorgeous view of the skyline, Buffalo Bayou Park is the place to go. The trails and grassy fields make a vibrant foreground against the stark skyscrapers of Downtown Houston. Located inside Buffalo Bayou Park is the iconic Eleanor Tinsley Park with two incredible gardens for exploring.

2. Hermann Park

With 445 acres of urban park space, it’s no wonder Hermann Park is one of the most sought-after photoshoot locations in Houston. And with its luscious gardens and breathtaking views, the McGovern Centennial Gardens located inside Hermann Park a prime location for shooting dreamy engagement photos or your next Insta selfie.

3. South Boulevard

Within the picturesque Broadacres neighborhood of Houston, South Boulevard’s brick esplanade is canopied by the branches of stately oak trees. Between the old-style brickwork and lush foliage, you’d be hard pressed to find a more gorgeous spot for an afternoon walk or an impromptu photoshoot!

4. Memorial Park

The new Clay Family Eastern Glades in Memorial Park is a stunning new addition to Houston’s park system. With over 100 acres, the park’s layout follows the original design planned in the 1930s with special attention to conservation efforts. This is an incredible location to snap a few photos alongside the flora and fauna present just beside the hustle and bustle Downtown Houston.

5. The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall

This 64-foot water feature located in Uptown is an absolutely iconic location to take stunning pictures in Houston—especially at night. Just remember to bring a towel; the mist can be strong!

6. The Biscuit Paint Wall

It’s not another water feature, but this fun piece of street art is an absolute waterfall of color! Check it out on the side of the Out of the Closet thrift store in Montrose in the morning or weekday afternoons for the most unobstructed view of the mural.

7. Smither Park

With its bold mosaics and interactive features, Smither Park is as gorgeous as it is quirky. This half-acre creative urban space is located where the Third Ward and East End neighborhoods intersect, providing plenty of close-by options for additional locations!

 

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Where Can I Take Photos at Night in Houston?

8. Main Street Square

As the geographic centerpiece of the city center, this bustling plaza in Downtown Houston is a great location to capture how dynamic and lively the city is, even at night. 

9. Wings Over Water Kinetic Sculpture

As far as water features go, this 30-foot tall, illuminated sculpture in Avenida Houston is one of the best spots in the city for a photoshoot if you want bright lights, unique artwork, and moving water in an urban photoshoot location. 

10. James Turrell Skyspace at Rice University

The Twilight Epiphany Skyspace, located at Rice University, is the futuristic night time photoshoot location of your dreams! The sunrise light sequence begins 40 minutes before sunrise. And the sunset sequence begins 10 minutes before sunset. Each sequence lasts around 40 minutes.

 

 

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11. River Oaks Theatre

What’s more glam than posing under the bright lights and neon of a historic movie theater? Exactly, nothing at all. Embodying the art deco glamour of old Hollywood, the old River Oaks Theatre is a photo location that’s guaranteed to impress.

12. Z On23 Rooftop Bar

Who doesn’t love a good rooftop view of the Houston skyline at night? Z on23 in Downtown Houston is a great place to snap a few photos while sipping cocktails at golden hour or showing off a glam look in the evening.

Where Can I Take Indoor Pictures in Houston?

13. Houston Museum of Natural Science

Take a walk on the wild side and capture dramatic photos alongside towering T-Rexes and in the living butterfly habitat at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, but it’s best to ask a museum employee which exhibits are off-limits when you arrive.

 

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14. Color Factory Houston

For bright, vibrant pictures in Houston, there’s only one place to go—Color Factory Houston! Each of the interactive art space’s 16 exhibits was designed by a local artist, so even though it’s an indoor photoshoot location, this spot has serious Houston flair.

15. The Menil Collection

Filled with loads of natural light, the Menil Collection in Houston’s Museum District is an open, airy location with more gorgeous backdrops than you would know what to do with. And an added bonus: admission is always free!

 

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16. Glassell School of Art

Indoor or outdoor, this gritty architectural wonder that serves as the teaching institute for the Museum of Fine Arts Houston has angles on angles on angles. But don’t worry, none of these angles could outshine you hitting your angles during the photoshoot.

17. Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern

If you’re looking for something unique, the Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern is an incredible underground reservoir on the edge of Downtown Houston. The Cistern used to hold the city’s drinking water; now, it’s a space to exhibit immersive art installations. (And snap some amazing photos!)

 

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How Do I Find Indoor Locations for a Photoshoot?

When you’re on the lookout for a great indoor photography location, there are a few things to keep an eye out for to create the best photos possible:

• Great lighting
• Interesting backgrounds
• Objects in the scene to interact with
• Open spaces

Ensuring the lighting matches the mood you want to capture in the photos, that the environment is visually interesting, and that there’s plenty of space and objects to make the images feel more dynamic are the first steps to finding a stellar location for your next rainy day photoshoot. And don’t forget, before you arrive and start taking photos, you should always get permission from the owner/manager of a public space before setting up a full photoshoot in their business.

Say Yes to Said Yes Studios 

Said Yes Studios offers engagement sessions, pre-wedding photoshoots, elopement photography, and, of course, wedding photography and videography packages. Indoors or outdoors; day or night; moody and subdued or bright and vibrant, whatever type of photos you want, our team at Said Yes Studios has more than 15 years of experience finding the best Houston photography spots for your big day.

Getting married soon? Congratulations! Reach out to our team and book your engagement session today!