I am so excited to finally share the stunning senior photos I took with Colbey at the Dallas Arboretum! From the moment we started, the entire session was a dream! Colbey’s style, natural beauty and the gorgeous backdrop of the Arboretum made for some absolutely stunning senior photos at the Dallas Arboretum!

My name is Madeline, and I’m a wedding photographer in Dallas that specializes in colorful weddings, so the bright colors of the arboretum make it one of my favorite places to take photos! If you want someone who already knows all the best spots at the garden, feel free to reach out to me HERE. I’d love to be your photographer. But if you’re still thinking about whether or not to take photos at the gardens, here are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Time Your Session for the Best Light, 9am:

The best time for photos at the Dallas Arboretum is when it opens at 9am. This gives us that soft, warm light will help create glowing, flattering photos. It also helps us avoid crowds and the Texas heat! The later in the day you go, the less flattering the light gets and the harder it is to keep people out of the background of your photos.

2. Consider the Season

The Arboretum is beautiful year-round, but the scenery changes dramatically with the seasons. Spring offers lush greenery and vibrant flowers, while fall brings stunning autumn colors. Make sure to plan your session around the season that resonates most with your style and personality!

3. Plan Your Route Beforehand

The Dallas Arboretum is very big! It’s impossible to visit every photo spot within a 1 hour photo session. I’d recommend looking online at photos and picking out 2-3 spots you really like for photos, then mapping them out ahead of time. Or, simply hire a photographer who has been there before, and show them the spots you like beforehand.

A few of my favorite places to visit are the Women’s Garden, Crape Myrtle Allee, McCasland Sunken Garden, and the Water Walls.

4. Bring Props, Personal Touches and an Outfit Change

Whether it’s a favorite book, musical instrument, or something else that’s meaningful to you, incorporating personal items into your photos will give them an extra special touch. I also recommend bringing a second outfit to change into for variety. Start with something more formal, then change into a more casual, fun outfit! However, keep in mind the Arboretum does not allow people to change in their restrooms. So you’ll need to be prepared to change in your car.

5. Wear comfortable shoes or bring walking shoes

You simply can’t walk around the garden in heels. You’ll be limping to your car by the end of the photos. If you want heels in your photos, I recommend wearing a pair that can easily slip on and off, and bringing some flats to put on in between photos.

I’d also recommend bring in a water bottle with you. Especially if you’re taking photos in the summer and don’t want to pay for water there.

6. Don’t forget the cost of admission and parking

The park is $20 per person to enter, plus a $15 parking fee. So don’t forget to include that in your budget when planning your photos. You’ll also need to pay these fees for your photographer if they don’t have a membership.

If you’re thinking of taking photos at the Dallas Arboretum, I’d love to be your guide/photographer! You can see other photos I’ve taken at the arboretum in my portfolio HERE, and send me a message to get the planning started HERE. Talk soon!