Choosing the right location for your Senior Photo Session is an important first step in the process.Â
Austin has plenty of great backdrops that work year-round. Here’s a guide to my Top 15 favorite locations below.
1. Long Center for the Performing Arts
Why It’s Great: For a touch of modern architecture and the Austin skyline in the background, the Long Center offers a fun and urban setting. The City Terrace and Palmer Events Center also provide diverse options for creative senior portraits.
Best Time to Shoot: Afternoon sessions cast the best light on the skyline
2. Butler Park
Why It’s Great: Right next door to the Long Center is Butler Park. You can still get the Austin skyline as well as a park setting.
Best Time to Shoot: Afternoon sessions have the best direction of light – and aim for weeknights since weekends tend to get crowded with park goers.
3. South Congress Avenue
Why It’s Great: For seniors who love a mix of urban and eclectic vibes, South Congress Avenue is a fantastic choice. The variety of street art, fun storefronts, and iconic murals create a colorful and dynamic backdrop for senior portraits.
Best Time to Shoot: Weekdays are ideal to avoid large crowds, and early morning (to also avoid crowds) work best.
4. Seaholm District / Butterfly Bridge
Why It’s Great: The Seaholm District, situated in the heart of Austin, provides a dynamic setting for senior photos. With its modern architecture and urban atmosphere, this district offers a contemporary backdrop for capturing the essence of Austin’s vibrant energy.
Best Time to Shoot: Early morning or afternoon work equally well.
5. Commons Ford Ranch
Why It’s Great: For seniors who appreciate a mix of nature and tranquility, Commons Ford Ranch is an excellent choice. The sprawling ranch with its open fields, rustic charm, and serene lakeside views creates a peaceful and timeless setting for senior portraits.
Best Time to Shoot: Spring when the wildflowers are in bloom.
6. University of Texas campus Â
Why It’s Great: The University of Texas campus offers a diverse range of backdrops for senior photos. From the Tower to the Littlefield Fountain to the Architecture Library, this campus provides a blend of academic charm and natural beauty.
Best Time to Shoot: When there aren’t major events on campus. Morning or afternoon both work.
7. Blanton Museum Courtyard / Ellsworth Kelly building
Why It’s Great: Nestled within the University of Texas campus, the Blanton Museum Courtyard is a recently updated gem for senior photos. The courtyard’s artistic architecture, colorful paint colors, and sculputral accents provide a sophisticated and cultured setting for capturing timeless moments.
Best Time to Shoot: When the Museum is closed so it’s less crowded.
8. Bull Creek Greenbelt
Why It’s Great: Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the Bull Creek Greenbelt. The serene trails, limestone cliffs, and natural water features create a tranquil setting for outdoor senior photos.
Best Time to Shoot: Morning sessions or afternoon sessions both work. The Park may get more crowded on good weather weekends.
9. Tau Ceti Mural / Downtown rooftop
Why It’s Great: For seniors who love an urban and skyline view, downtown rooftops provide a unique and stylish setting. The Tau Ceti mural adds a bright splash of color to your image gallery as well.
Best Time to Shoot: Afternoon or evening sessions to get the city lights.
10. Waterloo Greenway Park
Why It’s Great: If you’re looking for a blend of nature and urban greenery, Waterloo Greenway Park is an ideal choice. The park’s scenic trails, large stage, and vibrant flora offer a variety of backdrops for senior photos.
Best Time to Shoot: Check their Event schedule to avoid conflicts.
11. Pease Park
Why It’s Great: From blue-painted trees to the metal treehouse in the Kingsbury Commons area, Pease Park has a variety of backdrops besides gorgeous Live Oak Trees and the creek.
Best Time to Shoot: Afternoon sessions (and check their Event calendar for conflicts)
12. Domain Northside
Why It’s Great: Colorful backdrops and murals creates a chic and stylish backdrop for Senior Photos.
Best Time to Shoot: When the stores are closed, so it’s less crowded. Permission is also required from the Domain Marketing Department to have a photo session in the Domain area.
13. McKinney Falls
Why It’s Great: Tranquil waterfalls, scenic trails, and natural rock formations create a serene and picturesque setting, offering a perfect blend of nature’s beauty. Make sure to wear (or pack) shoes you can hike around in.
Best Time to Shoot: Afternoon sessions when the water levels are high and the Falls are flowing.
14. Redbud Isle
Why It’s Great: For seniors who love the outdoors and furry friends, RedBud Isle is an excellent choice. This dog-friendly park, surrounded by the waters of Lady Bird Lake, provides a scenic backdrop. The Redbud Trees bloom in the Spring and the Cypress Trees usually have gorgeous Fall colors.
Best Time to Shoot: Early morning before the tiny, tiny parking lot fills up. Spring or Fall.
15. Mueller Southwest Greenway
Why It’s Great: This East Austin park is in the Mueller development. Springtime brings wildflowers. There’s also a pond near the butterfly garden. You can also find some sculpture art.
Best Time to Shoot: Golden hour is best for these fields.Â
If you don’t mind a location fee, here are a few additional spots around Austin that work well for High School Senior Photo Sessions.
1. Sekrit Theater
Why it’s Great:Â This East Austin art space has an ivy-covered greenhouse, rustic truck, old school bus, fake flower wall and more across its landscape.
Cost: 2026 fees are $150/hour for peak times
Best Time to Shoot: When you’re able to get a spot 😉 This place books up fast in Fall and Spring. I prefer it at golden hour – but it works well at multiple times in the day.
2. The Contemporary Austin – Laguna GloriaÂ
Why it’s Great:Â This West Austin sculpture garden has a historic villa (from 1916) as well as interior space with a lush, blue velvet couch.
Cost: 2026 fees are $150/hour. The Museum only allows photo sessions at certain times, usually in the morning.
Best Time to Shoot: When you’re able to get a spot 😉 This place books up fast in Fall and Spring as well. I prefer it in the morning – less crowded and it isn’t as hot.
3. Zilker Botanical Garden
Why it’s Great:Â This South Austin botanical garden is usually green year-round. Special spots include the bridge in the Japanese garden, the keyhole sculpture and the waterfall.
Cost: 2026 fees are $50/hour. The Garden has restrictions on which hours you are allowed to have photo sessions while they are open.
Best Time to Shoot:Â Check their Events schedule – weekends are often packed with visitors. I prefer as late in the day as you can go or first thing in the morning.
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