Best Family Portrait Locations in Dallas, TX

Harry Myers Park

Harry Myers Park | Rockwall

• best scheduled 1.5 hour before sundown for golden glow effect •

Timeless Outdoor Settings for Family Portraits Across the DFW Metroplex

Choosing the perfect setting is one of the most important parts of planning your family portraits in Dallas. The Dallas–Fort Worth area offers a beautiful variety of backdrops, from scenic lakeside views to lush gardens and modern urban skylines — making it easy to create timeless, personalized images for your family. For natural beauty and golden sunset light, White Rock Lake is a favorite for outdoor family photography in Dallas, offering peaceful water views, open fields, and soft, romantic tones. If you love dramatic nature scenery and wooded trails, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve provides rolling hills and earthy textures that photograph beautifully year-round. For vibrant seasonal color, the Dallas Arboretum is one of the m ost popular locations for family portraits in Dallas, featuring manicured gardens, blooming flowers, and elegant architectural details. And for families who prefer a modern aesthetic, Downtown Dallas offers an urban backdrop with skyline views, contemporary architecture, and bold city energy.

As an experienced Dallas professional family photographer, Lily Hayes Photography helps guide you in selecting the best location based on your family’s style, wardrobe, and the season. Whether you envision light and airy natural scenery or classic city charm, your session will be thoughtfully planned to highlight the love, connection, and personality that make your family uniquely yours.

TIMING FOR YOUR DALLAS FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION

As a trusted Dallas family photographer serving the DFW metroplex, I schedule most outdoor family photography sessions approximately 1. 5–2 hours before sunset to capture that soft, glowing Texas golden light. The sun sets quickly in North Texas, and beautiful natural light is what creates those dreamy, heirloom-quality family portraits you love. To ensure the best possible experience during your DFW family photography session, please plan ahead for traffic throughout Dallas, Plano, Richardson, Rockwall, and surrounding areas. North Texas traffic can be unpredictable, especially during evening rush hour.

WHY BEING ON TIME MATTERS | GOLDEN HOUR WAITS FOR NO ONE

If you arrive 15–20 minutes late, the session will still end at the originally scheduled time so we don’t lose the best lighting conditions. Most family sessions last about one hour, and every minute of that light is valuable for creating stunning, professional family portraits. To maximize your time: Arrive fully dressed and camera-ready • Allow extra time for hair & makeup • Consider traffic delays in the DFW area • Plan for wardrobe adjustments before arrival My goal is to provide you with the best family photography experience in Dallas, and arriving on time ensures we can capture every beautiful moment in the most flattering light possible.

Expecting couple holding pregnant belly during golden hour maternity photoshoot in Dallas, Texas

Full Service Dallas Family Photography Experience

parents pose with baby girl smiling at camera for dallas family photographer

One Price. Everything Included.

Dallas Family Photography Experience

• Creative Direction & Photographer’s Time
• Posing & Connection Guidance
• Professional Hand Editing
• High-Resolution Digital Files
• Full Print Release
• $35 Retainer Due Upon Booking

As a trusted Dallas family photographer serving the DFW area, my goal is to create timeless portraits that capture genuine connection — images that feel meaningful today and become lasting heirlooms displayed proudly in your home.

Lets Talk

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Kind Words from Dallas Families,

"Lily Hayes is an absolute treasure and a true joy to work with. She has been capturing our family photos for the past three years, and each session has been such a wonderful experience. Our 3-year-old daughter absolutely adores her—Lily is not only gentle and patient, but also so much fun! She brings such warmth and positivity to every session, creating a relaxed and joyful atmosphere that puts everyone at ease. Her attention to detail is incredible, and she consistently captures moments that feel both natural and meaningful. Lily has truly become a part of our family tradition, and we are so grateful for the beautiful memories she continues to create. We genuinely love working with her, time and time again."

Tommy

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Kind Words from Dallas Families,

"Lily Hayes Photography has become my family's photographer for years to come! Lily is professional, caring, knowledgeable and great at communicating. You can tell just by talking to her that she loves what she does within the photography world. I love her portfolio and editing style. She has done my maternity photos and made me feel so comfortable and beautiful during the whole process. She did our newborn/family pictures as well and just completed our cake smash session. I wish we had known her during our wedding so we could have had her then too. My family is very comfortable with her, even my husband doesn't mind picture days with her and he hates taking pictures. Lily will be our family photographer for all special moments and yearly for years to come. I HIGHLY recommend Lily Hayes Photography to all families!"

Teresa

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Kind Words from Dallas Families,

"Lily was an absolute pleasure to work with. We requested an off site location for our daughter’s photos and not only did she accommodate, she ensured that the facility was booked. All we had to do was show up! She provided props, cake stand options and even a solution for other items we wanted. Not to mention, the pictures were beautiful. Thank you again for a seamless experience!!!!"

Shanaye

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Kind Words from Dallas Families,

"I recently had the pleasure of working with Lily to capture some precious memories of my baby's newborn, cake smash and family photoshoots, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the results! From the initial consultation to the final delivery of the photos, Lily was a true professional and made the entire experience effortless and enjoyable. The studio was warm and welcoming, and Lily made sure we felt comfortable and relaxed throughout the sessions and in front of the camera. The resulting photos are absolutely stunning - capturing the sweetness and joy of our newborn baby, the love and connection of our family, and the adorable chaos of the cake smash session. The attention to detail and ability to capture those special moments are truly exceptional. I highly recommend her to any families looking for a photographer who truly understands how to capture life's precious moments!!"

Nuvia

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Kind Words from Dallas Families,

"OMG! If you’re searching for your family photographer, look no further. I had never used a professional photographer before and didn’t know how/where to begin. Every part of Lily’s Photography was done with such ease and perfection. She was able to answer all of my questions and concerns prior to me booking with her. When I first met Lily, it was like talking to someone I’d known all of my life. Not to mention how good she is behind the camera and capturing the best moments. I first used her services at my grand baby’s cake smash last year. The images were all so perfect. Her turnaround time was super quick. Lily is very personable and awesome with both adults and kids. Now that I have a second grand baby, there was no question about who I’d want to photograph the both of them. I contacted her once again on a short notice for the holidays. She told me that she was all booked up, but that she could possibly squeeze me in. After several attempts, she did just that! I was literally in tears after viewing the images she captured my 2 grand babies. Her work is impeccable! Thank you again, Lily! I’ll be in contact for a third session soon to take family photos!!"

Rosie

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Kind Words from Dallas Families,

"I’d like to think that we found Lily by God’s devine intervention. I was extremely late booking our family portraits. I was not only late but I didn’t have a photographer. So I did a random google search and picked one of the first websites listed. I then did a quick “instagram stalk” to try a learn a bit more. I will say, Lily doesn’t have much on her instagram page but if you take the time to notice the quality of her portraits - it speaks volumes. I reached out and she responded within a couple hours via text and email. Lily immediately made me feel valued. She was able to get us in for family portraits within 2 weeks. Words can’t even begin to describe how well she worked with my toddler who’s a very wild almost 4 year old. She coached my husband and I throughout the entire session. We were so comfortable with Lily it felt like we had known her for years. Lily’s level of artistic ability and professionalism is unmatched. We have found our forever family photographer!!"

Shaylan

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Kind Words from Dallas Families,

"I cannot thank Lily enough for helping us take amazing family photos! Our group included 8 people across four generations, including two kids under three years old. Despite the heat and countless photo combinations, Lily did a fantastic job capturing us and the images came out beautifully. I would definitely recommend Lily for your future photo needs!!"

Chelsea

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Kind Words from Dallas Families,

"Lily is the absolute best! I’ve had the pleasure of working with Lily multiple times for our Maternity, Newborn and Family Photos. She’s has captured so many beautiful memories of my daughter and family that I will be able to cherish for the rest of my life. I can not recommend her enough. Lily is so responsive and easy to work with. She’s truly one of the best and it shows through her work, her attitude, personality and quality of her photos!!"

Jesica

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Kind Words from Dallas Families,

"Lily is awesome!! We did the cake smash and family session and we loved the entire experience!! As soon as we walked in she made us feel so comfortable. We didn't feel as if she was trying to get us in and out, like I felt with other photographers in the past. She took the time to get to know us. Less than 5 minutes of us meeting Lily, my youngest daughter was asking if she had children and if she could stay and play with her dog, lol. Lily was very accommodating when I was trying to pick the theme for the cake smash. She asked questions and emailed some ideas. When I sent her a backdrop I liked, she ordered it. She made sure I got exactly what I was wanting. She provided all the information to help you prepare for your session and always responded in a timely manner. I love the way she directed us on poses and positions, but also made sure she got our input on ideas or poses as well. We will definitely be back for more sessions and I would 100% recommend her!! She is professional, friendly, responsive, and the pictures are beautiful!!"

Ashley

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Kind Words from Dallas Families,

"It was an absolute pleasure of having Lily take our family photos. To start off she was very professional and friendly. She responded super fast. She works great with kids and is very detailed. She made us feel comfortable and I felt like I’ve known her for awhile. I would definitely recommend letting her capture your photos. She will not disappoint!!"

Tina

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Kind Words from Dallas Families,

"Lily has taken pictures for all of the important events in our lives from our engagement, our wedding, annual family pictures, newborn pictures for both of our children, among others. We go back to her again and again because she's the best. She directs the photo shoots with a discerning eye and her edits are gorgeous. She's professional and friendly. You won't be disappointed with the results!!"

Jennifer

LET'S CONNECT | @lilyhayesphoto

Lily Hayes is a top-rated family photographer in Dallas, proudly serving families in Plano, Allen, McKinney, Richardson, Carrollton, Frisco, Wylie, Rockwall, and nearby DFW cities. Her full-service photography studio is conveniently located east of Dallas just off George Bush Turnpike.

4014 Dalton Dr Rowlett, TX 75089

lilyh@lilyhayesphotography.com

972.832.2595

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DALLAS FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO | ROWLETT, TX

Lily Hayes is a premier Dallas family photographer specializing in timeless, connection-driven family portraits. Serving Dallas, Plano, Allen, McKinney, Richardson, Rockwall, Frisco, and surrounding DFW communities, she offers both outdoor golden-hour sessions and light-filled studio family photography in her private Rowlett, TX studio. Each session is thoughtfully designed to create heirloom artwork that tells your family’s story for generations.