Locations

Locations

Here are some of my favorite locations to photograph. Of course I can't post all the photos I've taken at each location but here are some beautiful highlights. Some locations are great for all types of photo sessions but I did list what locations would work for certain types of photo sessions. Also, some locations do have a small fee to photograph and you do have to book in advance. Some of these places are nature preserves so I do ask to be respectful to the wildlife and sometimes we do encounter bird watchers/photographers. Read through each description and I hope you find the right place for your next session. (They are in no particular order.)

Edinburg Municipal Park

Fee: None
Restrictions: None
Types of Photo Sessions: All

The Municipal Park is a beautiful location for all type of sessions. With several spots for photos every memory captured will be uniquely beautiful. This park is larger than most city parks so I do suggest if you plan to wear heels bring some sandals to change to. Also if you have small children bring a stroller for them. Snacks don't hurt either. This location has a beautiful countryside feel to it. It has many mesquite trees that create beautiful arch ways and several natural pathways. This place also has two lakes. Some lakes have easy access to them so you can actually be close to an awesome water feature. The Municipal Park also has some wooden bridges/overlooks to these lakes that make for amazing sunset photos. You can't go wrong with this location for your next session.

Edinburg Scenic Wetlands and Birding Center

Fee: $25 for a group of 5 people, $50 for a group of 6 - 10, $75 for a group of 11 - 15
Restrictions: Closing time is 6pm during the summer, not open on Sundays or holidays
Types of Photo Sessions: Most except for large family sessions

One of my favorite places to shoot is the Birding Center in Edinburg. It is an absolutely gorgeous place to take photos. This Center has a secret garden feel with lush green shrubs and a lot of natural pathways. This location is on the smaller side so I don't suggest having a large number of people in the session but it's great for a family of five to six. Since they do have a time restriction (closes by 5:30pm) I shoot there either early morning (8am) or around afternoon (3pm). This place has a small cute pond that is great for the kiddos. The Birding Center is a nature preserve so I do ask my clients to kind and courteous to bird watchers or visitors and keep the park clean. Since this is a nature preserve it is susceptible to the elements. During the spring there are lots of flowers, muddy during the rainy season and come summer there are little to no flowers. But I can testify this place stays green all year round. This location is a great place if you are looking for a quiet, serene background for you photos.

Estero Llano Grande State Park, Weslaco

Fee: $5 per Person $3 per Child under 12 years
Restrictions: No balloons, no glitter or confetti
Types of Photo Sessions: All
Travel Fee: $30

First things first, this place is gorgeous! I love just hanging out here with my family just walking the trails and finding new places to photograph. Like the park in Edinburg this is a very large park so bring walking shoes and strollers. If you are adventurous I can take you to some of the farther trails and take amazing photos. This place stays green all year round and they have some amazing plant life! This place has tall trees that make for a picturesque background. This State Park has paved trails and a board walk that is amazing during the sunset hour. Also, know that this is a nature preserve as well so some areas may be dryer or have different plant life during different seasons. This place is amazing and so unique to the RGV if you don't mind the drive it is worth it.

Bentsen - Rio Grande Valley Birding Center, Mission

Fee: None if you don't want to enter the actual park
Restrictions: None
Types of Photo Sessions: All
Travel Fee: $30

This park is a country/rustic lovers dream location. They have lots of beautiful mesquite trees and a large open area perfect for all types of sessions. But don't think this isn't the location for you if you aren't into the rustic feel. They also have beautiful brick pathways perfect for more polished sessions. At this park I do photograph just at the entrance of the park so there isn't a fee. But if you want to enter the Bentsen State Park there is a fee of $5 per person. I'm always finding new spots at this location so every photo will be unique and beautiful. I do suggest to book a session closer to sunset to get the gorgeous sun in the background. A little fun fact: I've seen more wildlife, such as javelinas, snakes, rabbits, lizards and deer, at this park than any other park I've been to. 

Edinburg City Hall

Fee: None
Restrictions: May be closed for city events
Types of Photo Sessions: All

After all the updates the city did this place has turned into a beautiful sophisticated area for family or couple session. The City Hall does have a manicured grassy area for fun and playful photos. Also, the mixture of the old and new buildings makes this location perfect for a stylish photo shoot. It also has a brick paved pathway and that leads to a beautiful water fountain. The city does have functions here every once in a while so let me know if you want to book here so I can check the calendar of events.

Old Hidalgo Pumphouse, Hidalgo

Fee: $40
Restrictions: May be closed for events
Types of Photo Sessions: All
Travel Fee: $30

This place is an oldie but still an amazing place to photograph. This park is well kept with mowed lawns and cute small bridges over small streams of water. They have paved pathways and an over look to a branch of the river. Over time they have added many little spots for perfect photos it is well worth the drive down south. They have added swings, small buildings and they also opened up the pump house museum for some amazing industrial photos. This area is large and it is a bit spread out so you may want to bring an extra pair of shoes. So even if the weather isn't in our favor we can always retreat to the indoors and still capture great memories. This little piece of the RGV's history is such a beautiful area for photos. Just for some information this place does get booked for weddings, quinceañeras and other parties and they also have city events so if you are looking to book this place call ahead and ask if they have anything planned for that day.

2nd Street Walking Trail, McAllen

Fee: None
Restrictions: None
Types of Photo Sessions: Most; not best for large families

This may be a strange suggestion but I have come to appreciate this little walking trail. I use to walk this trail with my husband when we lived in McAllen. As I walked I've always wondered what a session would be like at this location. So I finally got the courage and asked a client if they would be willing to do a session there and she said yes! I don't regret it one bit. The photos came out amazing especially during the sunset hour. It is a clean area with mowed lawns and beautiful big trees. This place also has some beautiful architectural features that provide a stylish backdrop. Yes, it is by 2nd Street so if you don't mind the traffic noise it's a really nice place for a family or graduate session.

Downtown McAllen or Edinburg

Fee: None
Restrictions: None
Types of Sessions: Most; not suitable for cake smashes or large families

These downtown locations are amazing for an urban, fun and maybe a little bit funky session. If you aren't into the outdoors but still want a unique background for you session than these areas are just the ones for you. Downtown McAllen is more on the modern side with colorful murals and more updated buildings. Just know that these areas can have some heavy traffic so please keep that in mind if you have babies. Downtown Edinburg has an old world vibe. With industrial, older buildings and alley ways but it still has an urban street charm. 

 

McAllen Nature Center

Fee: None
Restrictions: No balloons or confetti
Types of Sessions: All

This little park is smack dab in the middle of the busiest area in McAllen. But once you step in you don't even know you are surrounded by stores and businesses. Apparently, this is an older park in McAllen but I just recently found out about it while driving down Business 83. It is literally a slice of beautiful nature yumminess (not sure if that is a word) as it is surrounded by enormous trees. I've only done one session there and it was a fun experience. They have a small paved area with a really interesting detail. There are large rocks and petrified wood in the steps! (See above) At this location it has dirt pathways that are tree and cactus lined. The main paved walking trail makes for a beautiful picturesque scene for families. Also, suitable for kids of all ages and couples. I saw a couple having a picnic there once and thought that is such a cute idea for a session.

Honorable mentions:

South Padre Island

Fee: $60 travel fee
Restrictions: None
Types of Sessions: Most; not suitable for cake smashes

The beach is a beautiful place for photos. We are so lucky to live so close to a beach we should take a little advantage. There are many places at the beach for a photo shoot but my favorite is The Convention Center. There you have beautiful manicured areas and a beautiful boardwalk all near an access to the beach. Another beautiful place is the Sand Dunes at the end of Padre Blvd. if you don't mind walking a bit in sand this place is off the charts gorgeous. The best time for a session at the beach is close to sunset hour.

UT-RGV, Edinburg

Fee: None
Restrictions: None
Types of Sessions: All

UT-RGV isn't just a place for a graduation session it can also a great location for a small family session or even a child session. Great colorful walls in the Science/Engineering area add some fun to the backgrounds and large grassy areas are perfect for the kiddos to run around. Don't count this place out for your next session. (Due to Covid-19 I am unsure if the grounds are open during this time.)

The McAllen Convention Center

Fee: None
Restrictions: None
Types of Sessions: Single Portrait Session or Couples

The Convention Center has grown so much over time and is very popular but it still is a great place for a portrait session. This place is well kept and has a mixture of outdoorsy and architectural details give a sophisticated look for a couple or child session. Just keep in mind this place is used for city events so if you want you session here let me know so I can check the calendar of events for the city of McAllen.

The Quinta Mazatlan, McAllen

Fee: $100
Restrictions: open Tues. - Sat. and have set times for sessions
Types of Sessions: All

The Quinta Mazatlan is a gorgeous place to take photos. This place has a vintage old Spanish charm inside the mansion and a beautiful garden area outdoors. Also, the Mazatlan has beautiful tree lined trails all around the mansion if you also want greenery in your photos. This location does get booked for weddings and quinceañeras so if you are interested in this place please let me know ahead of time. You can also call and see what times are available and let me know.

Museum of South Texas History

Fee: None
Restrictions: Need to book in advance
Types of Sessions: Most; no cake smashes

The Museum of South Texas History is an beautiful elegant place to take family or engagement photos. It has a Spanish vibe not only on the inside but the grounds around the building. This location has some old world charm and it can be a sophisticated backdrop to your next session. Just some information you do need to book in advance because they do use this place for parties and events. (At the moment they are doing some construction to some of the buildings. Let me know if you want to book this place so I can call ahead.)

At Home

Fee: None
Restrictions: May have a travel fee depending on location
Types of Sessions: All?

Who knows your home better than you? Your home holds so many memories it can be a great place to photograph something personal and intimate. So if you want to have a comfy, relaxed session then your home can be the perfect place for your session. If you home is outside the Edinburg/McAllen area there may be a travel fee between $30 - $60.  



Didn't see your favorite place to photograph? Please leave a comment about any locations you've seen. I'm always looking for new places to do sessions.