Today I wanted to take some time to share just a few of the location options available with Marie Holmes Photography. There are too many beautiful spots in Austin to list so I’ll share examples of my most requested and personally loved, but even so, with all that there is to be quite honest… our suggestions are not that many to start- maybe less than two handfuls? Simply because we choose locations that not only give families that signature MHP look but also because there isn’t a need to trek miles and miles away from home to different places. Each family I photograph brings a special je ne sais quoi to each site and every shoot even when shot in the same place will be apples and oranges.
While there is a lot of planning that goes behind choosing the “right” backdrop a good place to get inspiration from starts right at home. What colors do you most enjoy? Are they neutral or are they colorful? Do you like texture? Are you a minimalist? Do you desire a warm and cozy feeling? What style is your home? In which rooms will you be displaying the artwork, and what color are those walls? Asking these questions will help guide you to the right shoot location option for your family. Because MHP is a full service photography studio I even walk you through all of the steps in choosing the wardrobe choices that will optimize your images for the location you choose and I’m excited to cover that in another future post. But as an example, if you love the Pottery Barn look at home and enjoy wood tones, creamy walls, wicker textures and an underlying classic feel then a photo shoot in our hip and trendy downtown south congress area where there are brightly colored murals may not exactly “fit in” with your home’s decor style. In this case you might want to look at a natural setting such as a park or beautiful open field. I tell all of my clients to remember that at the end of the day the artwork created will be displayed on the walls to enjoy and look at everyday so it is important to think about what is cohesive with the current space and style vs what is a trendy shooting location at the moment.
Let’s start with some outdoor options…
In true Marie Holmes Photography fashion a widespread field location is my ultimate favorite site to shoot at. Not only am I able to capture light during those crucial golden hours in the way most clients seek me out for to begin with, but I feel as though it is the perfect location for a family to roam and love freely. No need to worry about eyes peering over your shoulders like in a busy setting. Children can play and run and just be. And through each season a field location will change through it’s natural beauty in texture and color. If I could I would use this location type every.single.shoot. That is how much I adore it especially for families.
During the spring you will see a gorgeous landscape of Indian Paintbrush and Bluebonnets wild flowers all over certain areas of Austin. Shown here is the Old Settlers Park location in Round Rock, TX. One of my favorite spots for capturing this look when the wildflower season finally arrives.
My favorite locations are also one’s that have several backdrop opportunities. Same park (Old Settlers Park in Round Rock) different area. Taken during the early summer on an overcast day. The beauty was in all the muted tones and this new mom-to-be stood out amongst the center of the tree lines.
Another light worthy location, Berry Springs Park and Preserve in Georgetown Texas. Taken in the afternoon during late winter/early spring just before the trees began to bloom. Because a permit is needed for professional photographers in this location and a few other adjacent sites, it is important to note that locations like this must be requested weeks in advance with our studio. The city requires scheduling and approval first before allowing photographers on property.
A winter session at Champion Park in Cedar Park Texas. This is my favorite location to shoot at during winter when the wild grass is tall and dry. Makes for such a great country feel.
Moving on to urban/cityscape locations…
Cityscapes offer architectural backdrops, color and a lot of texture. It is certainly a feast of the eyes as there are many elements that liven an image and help bring a dimensional look. This image was taken in a beautiful historic Square in Georgetown, Texas offering loads of charm and character as location option. And who doesn’t want an awesome teal/blue rustic garage door as their backdrop?
We must be mindful of street traffic and a bit of walking is needed for an urban location. Rolling around a stroller can be a bit cumbersome for families with small babies. This is why we recommend it as an option for adults and older children that are of walking age and can do so for an extended period of time. Above all we take a safety first approach always! – Image shot in downtown South Congress in Austin.
Color, color and more color! Because the majority of my shoots take place in a field shooting in a fun location is always a treat! Mueller Lake Park is such a great option with backdrops spanning anywhere from natural to metals, colors and textures just near the children’s museum The Thinkery.
For a more subtle location option…
We have a small but mighty, natural light space here at MHP that is perfect for maternity or babies under one with a few yearly openings for petite sessions designed for current clients. An indoor option helps when the elements are too rough, cold or hot outside.
Close to home..
Sometimes the best sessions are done right at home. You don’t need to worry about having the perfect house or even a super clean house for that matter. Light is key. Your vibe at home is what makes the session so special and really all we need is enough natural light to enhance those moments.
To learn more about our location and session offerings head on over to our session types page for more details.