Why Unique Locations Make Family Photos Actually Feel Like You

After photographing families around Dallas and Fort Worth for years, I’ve learned something: where we shoot matters just as much as how we shoot. And I’m not talking about finding some fancy, Instagram-perfect spot. I’m talking about finding a place where your kids actually want to be, where you can breathe and relax, where the whole vibe just feels right. When that happens? You can see it in every single photo.

Parks Are Fine, But Hear Me Out

I’ll shoot at a park any day. They work, they’re easy, everyone knows what to expect. But when a family tells me they want something different, something that feels more like them? That’s when things get fun.

Last month I photographed a session at Little Glass Shock in Howe, Texas. If you haven’t seen this place, it’s basically a greenhouse wonderland. Glass everywhere, plants hanging and climbing, light coming through at these perfect angles. The second we walked in, the kids were off exploring. Parents took a breath. Nobody was asking me “what should we do with our hands?”

That’s what I’m talking about. The location did half my job for me.

What I Look For When I Scout

I’m picky about locations. Not in a snobby way, but in a “will this actually work for real families” way.

First, kids need something to do. At Little Glass Shock, there were plants to look at, textures to touch, pathways to wander. The kids weren’t bored, which means I wasn’t trying to bribe them with snacks every five minutes. Their curiosity gave me real smiles, real interactions, real moments.

Second, the light has to be good. I can work with most lighting situations, but when a place has beautiful natural light? Like the way it filtered through all that glass at the greenhouse? It makes everyone look amazing without me having to work too hard for it.

Third, and this is the big one—the spot needs to match your family’s vibe. If you’re laid-back and nature-loving, a formal garden isn’t it. If your kids have big energy, a tiny confined space isn’t going to work. The greenhouse family? They love plants, appreciate beauty, wanted something romantic but not stuffy. Perfect fit.

Your Family Deserves Photos That Feel Like Yours

You know what I hear constantly? “We don’t want the same photos everyone else has.” And I get it. You’ve seen the same poses at the same locations a million times. That’s not what you want hanging on your wall.

The greenhouse session turned out incredible because the location matched who they are. The photos feel romantic but real, polished but not fake, totally them. You can’t get that at just any location.

We’ve Got Options Around Here

Living around the Dallas, Fort Worth Metroplex, I’ve found some really cool spots over the years. Sure, there are the usual places everyone goes. But I’ve also got a list of hidden gems—wildflower fields, spaces with character, and places like Little Glass Shock that are worth driving to Howe for.

I’m always looking, always asking property owners if I can bring families out, always keeping my eyes open for something new. It’s honestly one of my favorite parts of being a Lawton family photographer—matching families with locations that make sense for them.

Part of my job as your Dallas family photographer is knowing about these places and matching them to your family. I’m constantly exploring, asking for access to private properties, keeping a running list of spots that offer something special.

When It All Clicks

You know when you’ve found the right location because everything gets easier. Your kids aren’t complaining. You’re not feeling awkward. I’m not having to manufacture moments because they’re just happening.

At Little Glass Shock, I watched kids genuinely interact with the space. I caught parents having a quiet moment together surrounded by greenery. Siblings played naturally instead of forcing smiles on cue. The light was gorgeous, the setting framed everything beautifully, and most importantly—this family felt like themselves.

That’s what I want for every session.

Is It Worth the Extra Planning?

You could absolutely just do a session at the park closest to your house. It’s easier, it’s convenient, nobody has to drive far.

But here’s my take: these photos are going to be on your walls for years. They’re the visual record of your family right now. Don’t you want them to feel special? To feel like you?

Taking a little extra time to find the right location makes all the difference.

Let’s Talk About Your Session

If you’re in the Dallas area and you’re done with cookie-cutter family photos, I want to hear from you. Let’s find a spot that actually fits your family—maybe it’s Little Glass Shock, maybe it’s a field at sunset, maybe it’s somewhere with an urban edge, maybe it’s a place neither of us has thought of yet.

I’m here for it. Let’s make your photos feel like yours.