As a family photographers in the Dallas area, one of the most frequent questions we get asked is, “Where should we take our pictures?” While there are many great locations, one stands out as a true masterpiece of nature and scenery: the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden.
Located on the shores of White Rock Lake, this 66-acre paradise offers a seemingly endless variety of stunning backdrops for your family photos. It’s more than just a garden; it’s a dynamic, ever-changing landscape that creates a magical setting for capturing your family’s precious moments.
The Beauty of the Seasons
One of the best benefits of shooting at the Arboretum is its vibrant transformation throughout the year.
One of the best benefits of shooting at the Arboretum is its vibrant transformation throughout the year.
- Spring: The gardens come alive during Dallas Blooms, when a sea of tulips, daffodils, and other spring flowers creates a festival of color.
- Fall: Autumn at the Arboretum features the famous pumpkin village and stunning foliage that provides a warm, festive feel to your family portraits.
- Winter: Even in the colder months, the garden’s serene beauty and architectural elements offer a sophisticated and peaceful backdrop.
A Variety of Unique Backdrops
With so many distinct areas, your photo session at the Arboretum will never look generic. From lush, formal gardens to more relaxed, natural settings, we can find the perfect spot to match your family’s personality. My favorite locations include:
With so many distinct areas, your photo session at the Arboretum will never look generic. From lush, formal gardens to more relaxed, natural settings, we can find the perfect spot to match your family’s personality. My favorite locations include:
- A Woman’s Garden: Features a beautiful reflecting pool and intimate archways.
- The McCasland Sunken Garden: Perfectly manicured and elegant, offering a luxurious, classic feel.
- The Water Walls: A fun and dynamic location, especially for sessions with active kids.
- The Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden: Perfect for capturing authentic, playful moments of exploration with the little ones.
The Best Light and Less Crowds
For the best results, I always recommend scheduling our session right when the gardens open at 9 a.m.. This is when the light is softest and most flattering, and the crowds are at their smallest. We can beat the Texas heat in the warmer months and have more space to create beautiful, uninterrupted images.
For the best results, I always recommend scheduling our session right when the gardens open at 9 a.m.. This is when the light is softest and most flattering, and the crowds are at their smallest. We can beat the Texas heat in the warmer months and have more space to create beautiful, uninterrupted images.
Creating Lasting Memories
A photoshoot at the Dallas Arboretum is more than just a photo session; it’s a family outing. We’ll capture genuine smiles and candid interactions as you explore the beautiful surroundings together. The result is a collection of timeless, heirloom-quality photos that you will cherish for years to come.
A photoshoot at the Dallas Arboretum is more than just a photo session; it’s a family outing. We’ll capture genuine smiles and candid interactions as you explore the beautiful surroundings together. The result is a collection of timeless, heirloom-quality photos that you will cherish for years to come.
If you’re ready to capture your family’s unique story in one of Dallas’s most beautiful locations, let’s start planning your session at the Arboretum!


