This guide will help you find the best places to take pictures in Houston to shoot those incredible shots to add to your photography portfolio, family photo album, or Instagram profile.
The city has some awe-inspiring backdrops, both natural and artificial, for you to take some amazing photos. Whether snapping shots for personal use or more professional nature, you are never far away from somewhere beautiful to get your artistic juices flowing.
Top Places to Take Pictures in Houston, TX
I’ve highlighted our top picks in Houston for photo opportunities, including where it is great for outdoor shoots, family photos, and social media selfies.
I have made a note of the different areas within these places that make for great photography shots thanks to the lighting, background opportunities, and general ambiance, which can be captured by the right photographer.
Now, let’s take a look at our top 24 picks for the best places to take pictures in Houston!
Places to Take Indoor Pictures in Houston
These places are best for indoor photography.
1. Color Factory Museum
| Address: | 3303 Kirby Dr, Houston, TX 77098 |
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| Website: | https://colorfactory.co |
The Color Factory Museum is one of the quirkiest, funky places in Houston to take some incredible pictures. The interactive zones offer brightly colored backdrops, each showcasing cool artwork from an array of artists. Each zone has been created with a hint of Houston in mind, with joyful storytelling masterpieces scattered throughout the rooms.
General admission to the museum is $35.00 per adult, $28.00 for children, and free for babies under two. There is paid parking available close to the museum.
2. Campesino Coffee House
| Address: | 2602 Waugh Dr, Houston, TX 77006 |
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| Website: | N/A |
Campesino Coffee House has become iconic amongst the hipster community in Houston, alongside anyone wanting to take eccentric indoor photos. The building facade itself is pretty cool, with a Mexican-inspired style and brightly colored woodwork. A distinctive wall runs alongside the coffee shop patio area where you can take some imaginative snaps.
Once you step inside, it’s like being transported into an old novel, with intricate wallpaper, rustic furniture, and stunning artwork all around. Even the coffee cups are art worthy!
You won’t find the best coffee in Houston here, but you will find decent snacks, warm hospitality, and a fantastic, unpretentious, cozy café to take some incredible pictures.
3. Oak Atelier
| Address: | 15475 Pin Oak Dr, Conroe, TX 77384 |
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| Website: | https://theoakatelier.com |
Oak Atelier is located just outside of Houston in Conroe. This beautiful studio is absolutely worth the travel if you want to take wholesome photos in a clean, modern setting. Oak Atelier has four delightful studio rooms, which double as wedding venues. They also have a gorgeous woodland area and plenty of glassed lawns for outdoor shots.
Our favorite studio at Oak Atelier is The Willow. This charming vintage greenhouse has been resurrected into an elegant photographer’s dream setting. The owners of Oak Atelier are professional photographers themselves, so they have crafted this space with a knowing imagination.
The area features elegant gold chandeliers, 17ft windows, and tasteful marble flooring. A portable air conditioning unit can be placed in this room for your comfort.
Oak Atelier offers room hire from $75.00 per hour. The exquisite Willow is slightly more expensive at $100.00 per hour.
Related: Unique Wedding Venues in and Near Houston, TX
Outdoor Photoshoot Locations in Houston
Scenic locations for outdoor photoshoots.
1. Smither Park
| Address: | 2441 Munger St, Houston, TX 77023 |
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| Website: | https://www.orangeshow.org/smither-park |
Smither Park is a wonderfully creative area that local artists have designed to inspire and educate visitors in traditional folk art. The space is constantly evolving, with new murals and sculptures being added all the time. If you go to the park on a Saturday, you can watch the artists at work, making changes to the existing pieces.
You will find a magnificent 400ft sprawling memory wall within the space, featuring mosaic artwork crafted from recycled materials. This vast work of art was created by 300 people in total and is currently Smither Park’s only permanent exhibit.
The park has free entry, and you can find street parking close by.
Bonus Read: 7 Best Parks in Houston for Pictures and Picnics
2. The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
| Address: | 2800 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056 |
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| Website: | https://uptown-houston.com/experience/parks/waterwall-park |
The Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is probably the most iconic place in Houston to head to for incredible photo opportunities. The colossal fountain is in operation from 10 am until 9 pm every day, and it’s just as mesmerizing in the evening as it is in the light of day.
This remarkable structure makes for amazing panoramic pictures and 360-degree videos. It is also perfect for structured occasion shots and leisurely family snaps alike.
There is no entry fee to access the area, with paid parking available nearby.
3. 19th Street in The Heights
| Address: | |
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| Website: | http://www.19thstreetheights.com |
If you are looking to take some vibrant street pictures, you absolutely have to check out 19th Street in The Heights. This funky, bluesy area is steeped in history, with some truly unique buildings, antique shops, galleries, and eccentric restaurants.
Along this retro street, you can find some fantastic settings for pictures. The movie theatre has a wonderful vintage vibe which makes for cool pictures, alongside the many brightly colored walls and shop fronts. What is also cool about this area is that there are always quirky-looking cars passing by.
Venus Hair, a hairdresser close to the theatre, owns the most instagrammable vehicle in town; they are more than happy for photos to be taken of it. They showcase their impressive car at the annual Houston Car Show Parade, taking first place in past years.
Downtown Houston Photo Shoot Locations
Terrific locations for downtown background in your pictures.
1. Downtown Houston Tunnel System
| Address: | 909 Fannin St #1650, Houston, TX 77010 |
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| Website: | https://www.downtownhouston.org/district/downtown-tunnels |
Twenty feet below Downtown Houston is 6 miles of walkways teeming with shops, restaurants, and wondrous hidden areas for some brilliant urban photos to be taken.
The tunnel system features a number of dimly lit passageways which can make for amazing moody shots, alongside the more colorful opportunities in the galleria. The Wells Fargo Plaza is home to one of the tunnel entry points; this is one of Houston’s magnificent skyscrapers, which itself is a perfect picture spot.
2. Hermann Square
| Address: | 900 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002 |
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| Website: | http://www.houstontx.gov/homepagephotos/hermannsquare.html |
There are many stunning areas within Hermann Square where professional, and amateur photographers alike can capture some fantastic natural shots. Within the park, there are fountains, giant trees, and green lawns.
Hermann Square is awesome at night. There are colorful up-lighters that magnify Houston City Hall and its lining trees. This is also a sensational place to visit during the holidays. The park is transformed into a spectacular winter wonderland filled with light sculptures and a gigantic Christmas tree.
3. Market Square Park
| Address: | 301 Milam St, Houston, TX 77002 |
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| Website: | https://marketsquarepark.com |
Market Square Park has become a popular hangout spot in Downtown Houston. The large green area was where the original city hall once stood. The park has also become a hotspot for local artists to show their work, with new sculptures being added to the park regularly. The Houston Arts Alliance supports this effort.
Market Square Park officially opened in 2010 as part of the restoration project to bring some life back into Houstons Historic District. There is also a small dog park here where you can get some cute puppy pics.
Places to Take Family Pictures in Houston
Fit places to click pictures with your family.
1. Houston Zoo
| Address: | 6200 Hermann Park Dr, Houston, TX 77030 |
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| Website: | https://www.houstonzoo.org |
Houston Zoo not only makes for a fantastic, fun family day out, but it can also be the stage for some amazing family photoshoots. The park has over 6,000 animals on-site, many of which are no stranger to the camera and are happy to laze in the background while you snap away.
There is a choice of twelve intimate animal encounters that can be added to your ticket price. Capturing the moment your family bath an elephant, paint a picture with a sea lion, or feed a sloth is priceless.
There are numerous spaces to take gorgeous natural shots around the zoo, such as the flamingo pond surroundings, reflection pool, and giraffe platform.
Zoo entry ticket prices start from $22.20 per adult, with children and senior citizen tickets starting at $17.70. Discounts are available for shorter afternoon sessions, members, and visitors with a CityPASS.
2. Biscuit Paint Wall
| Address: | 1435 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77006 |
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Biscuit Paint Wall is the perfect spot to capture some wonderful family memories. Kids absolutely love the rainbow splatters. It is guaranteed to produce smiles, laughter, and fun snaps for everlasting memories.
There is a parking lot directly in front of the wall, so to be able to get a perfect shot, you will need to head there early in the morning or have a keen eye for angle shooting.
3. Mercer Botanic Gardens
| Address: | 22306 Aldine Westfield Rd, Humble, TX 77338 |
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| Website: | https://hcp4.net/parks/mercer |
If you are looking for a serene space to create stunning family portraits, there really isn’t a more magical place than Mercer Botanic Gardens. The garden areas are beautifully manicured, with pleasing backdrops against Cypress Creek.
If you want to take some more natural, unposed photographs, The Butterfly House is the perfect place for this.
If you like to take nature pictures, there is an abundance of rare and unusual plants and flowers here, including Barbados Cherry trees and Banana trees. You will also find a delightful glistening fish pond adorned with lilies.
Instagrammable Places in Houston
Best places for those ‘insta-frenzy’ people looking for some enchanting, dreamy background in their pics and shorts.
1. TFTI Interactive Selfies
| Address: | 5085 Westheimer Rd Suite 4701 3rd Level, Houston, TX 77056 |
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| Website: | https://www.tfti.com |
TFTI Interactive Selfies does what it says on the tin. It provides impressive spaces for incredible selfie shots to create that perfect Instagram picture or quirky Tik Tok video.
The studio has numerous rooms and areas, each with its own vibe and style, from space zones and blinged mirror rooms to nature-inspired spaces littered with flowers and delicate props.
Entry to TFTI Interactive Selfies costs $30.48 for adults and $24.33 for children.
2. Buffalo Bayou Park Cistern
| Address: | 105b Sabine St, Houston, TX 77007 |
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| Website: | https://buffalobayou.org/visit/destination/the-cistern |
When it comes to Instagrammable photo opportunities, you wouldn’t automatically think of a Cistern, but think again! Buffalo Bayou Park is an incredible place as it is, but their underground Cistern is incredibly impressive for totally unique, one-of-a-kind pictures.
The site has become a place for artists to showcase visual art, many of which include light shows that perfectly suit this dim setting; the light shows can create and enhance your artistic shots.
Related: Top 8 Spots for a Picnic Outing in Houston
3. Batanga Houston
| Address: | 908 Congress St, Houston, TX 77002 |
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| Website: | https://www.batangahouston.com |
Batanga Houston offers a mesmerizing, rustic setting for fun Insta-shots. Their open roof is dazzlingly lit by string lights, often covered with an array of brightly colored umbrellas, making for a beautiful backdrop for any photo opportunity.
There is live music at this vibrant bar every weekend against the exposed brick wall that lines the patio. The food served at Batanga is Instagrammable in itself; they offer small plates with a Latin flair.
Rooftops to Take Pictures in Houston
Mindblowing places for ‘cityscapers’ wanting to capture the complex views of fizzling out views of the main city that includes the woods and the rivers.
1. Parkview Terrace at Marriott Marquis
| Address: | 1777 Walker St, Houston, TX 77010 |
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| Website: | https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/houmq-marriott-marquis-houston/overview |
Located on the 6th floor of the Marriott Marquis is the bustling, vibrant Parkview Terrace bar, which offers magnificent views over Downtown Houston. This is an exceptionally extraordinary sight to behold at night.
There are several photo opportunities to be had here. The terrace features an incredible Texas-shaped lazy river and roaring two fire pits, both of which can make superb settings for chilled, relaxed shots.
2. Skylawn at Post Houston
| Address: | 401 Franklin St, Houston, TX 77201 |
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| Website: | https://www.posthtx.com/skylawn |
Skylawn at Post Houston is a quirky rooftop park and urban farm. The park offers impressive panoramic views over Downtown Houston. The rooftop plays host to a handful of bars and restaurants, all of which support sustainable practices, alongside seven individual gardens and viewing points.
There are also a variety of epic spaces within the Post Houston building itself for amazing pictures, including the magnificent staircases and music hall.
3. Z on 23 Rooftop
| Address: | 1121 Walker St, Houston, TX 77002 |
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| Website: | https://www.zutrorestaurant.com |
Z on 23 Rooftop is one of the most incredible rooftops in Houston and the tallest rooftop bar in the city. Located on the 23rd floor of the Le Méridien Houston Hotel, the uninterrupted views make this one of the best places to take awe-inspiring pictures across the entire city.
This stylish bar has been voted among the top Instagrammable places in Houston. Z on 23’s chilled vibe helps create a cool, young, vibrant atmosphere for visitors to enjoy one of their hand-crafted destination cocktails.
Places to Take Christmas Pictures in Houston
Soulful places for counting in those religious vibes in the background.
1. Montrose Studios
| Address: | 3420 Rusk St #14, Houston, TX 77003 |
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| Website: | https://www.themontrosestudios.co |
Montrose Studios is a fantastic studio to consider when you are looking to have some professional holiday photo’s taken. The studio team is really flexible. They can do both indoor and outdoor shoots; If you opt for an outdoor shoot, they can offer recommendations on where they feel will suit your requirements. You can also choose to hire the studio for a personal shoot without one of their professional photographers if you prefer to take your own pictures.
There are some gorgeous backdrops available at Montrose, their crowning jewel being the Christmas backdrops and props. They can do Christmas mini-sessions or full family Christmas portraits.
Professional photo sessions start from $200.00, or studio rentals are available from $175.00.
2. Traders Village
| Address: | 7979 N Eldridge Pkwy, Houston, TX 77041 |
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| Website: | https://tradersvillage.com |
Traders Village is a huge market that is open all year round. They have a vast amount of shops to browse, fairground rides, and food vendors. This is one of the best places to get a fantastic Christmas picture with Santa during December. Santa Clause photo packages are available to purchase for $10.00, or you are able to take your own photographs.
The entire village is decorated with inflatable characters, lights, and trees, allowing plenty of opportunities to take photos as you enjoy the day.
3. Winter Wanderland on Bagby Street
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| Website: | https://www.downtownhouston.org/news/article/winter-wanderland |
Bagby Street has become home to Downtown Houstons Winter Wonderland experience. The residents there decorate their homes with hundreds of thousands of twinkling lights, light sculptures, Christmas trees, and inflatable characters. This is the best place to go for genuinely magical natural Holiday pictures.
Some of the best photo opportunity spots include the dazzling light tunnel at The Hobby Centre, the giant angel wings that sit alongside the library, and the arches at Sam Houston Park.
All of the lights at Winter Wanderland can be enjoyed for free, and there is often Christmas-themed entertainment from local musicians during the evenings.
Houston Light Photography Spots
Best light photography spots to capture those gleams of signboards and street lights in your pictures.
1. Discovery Green
| Address: | 1500 McKinney St, Houston, TX 77010 |
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| Website: | https://www.discoverygreen.com |
Discovery Green is a stunning public park with some brilliant areas to practice your photography skills. This place really comes to life at night. It has an incredible amount of art structures that are illuminated during the evening in bright neon colors. The city looks magnificent from this spot at night; the Hess Building positively glows with the moonlight bouncing off the reflecting windows.
Many evening events are hosted at Discovery Green, including live music, nighttime yoga sessions, and movie viewings, all of which create even more opportunities to take natural city-inspired photographs.
2. Montrose Boulevard
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Montrose Boulevard is one of those fantastic little areas within a city that is filled with vibrant activity during the evenings. There are so many retro spots illuminated at night to create majestic images.
Our favorite place along Montrose Boulevard to capture the most beautiful pictures of the surrounding scenery or loved ones is where the street passes over 59. There is a bridge there which is dripping in color-changing LED lights; this is a magical spot that is kind of a hidden gem.
3. Twilight Epiphany Skyspace
| Address: | Suzanne Deal Booth Centennial Pavilion, Houston, TX 77005 |
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| Website: | https://moody.rice.edu/james-turrell-twilight-epiphany-skyspace |
For Houston’s local community, The Twilight Epiphany Skyscape is one of the more obvious choices for nighttime photography. The illuminated raised venue is located within the grounds of Rice University and offers free entry for those wanting to view the city from a unique setting.
There are two light shows available here each day which aren’t to be missed, one at sunrise, the other at sunset. These shows are extremely popular, so it is recommended to arrive early to avoid disappointment. The shows are just as magnificent to view from the grass as they are from inside the venue.
To Sum Up …
Which spot will you head for to capture that perfect picture?
We hope that we have helped you to create a shortlist of the best places to consider when out and about with your camera in Houston.
If you enjoyed this guide, you might want to have a look at The 10 Best Skyline Scenic Views in Houston and The 6 Most Beautiful Gardens in Houston.