An all too common struggle for photographers and clients in Lubbock is figuring out where to take photos. Over the years, I've found a handful of hidden gems (and some more obvious ones). Welcome to my master list of locations I shoot at in Lubbock, Texas and the surrounding area. I hope this provides you with some ideas for your next session!
1. Canyon Lake Dam
The Canyon Lake Dam was the very first place I took portraits (besides my backyard), in 2014 when I was first getting into photography. Both the dam and the field make for nice, classic backdrops.
2. Mae Simmons Park
If memory serves, Mae Simmons Park was the second place I ever took portraits. I love to shoot on top of the hills, right next to the trees during golden hour, and by the stream that runs through. This park is huge, and there are tons of areas of it that I haven't explored.
3. Downtown
I could list all my separate go-to spots downtown, but there are too many, and I find the best photo experiences are when we pick a building to meet up at and then walk around, taking a couple shots at each cool spot we see.
4. Depot District
The colored arches in the Depot District are a total Lubbock classic. Like downtown, I like to walk around and see what catches my eye when shooting over here.
5. Texas Tech Horticulture Gardens
I recommend the Texas Tech Horticulture Gardens all the time in late spring, all summer, and early fall. During the winter there isn't much to see, but you can make an appointment at the greenhouse (see below) if that's something you're interested in.
6. Texas Tech Horticulture Greenhouse
As mentioned above, the Texas Tech Horticulture Greenhouse is a great alternative to the garden if you're shooting in the colder months. This is also just a beautiful location and a favorite with my clients! You have to reserve your time slot through the Horticulture department. It's free from 8-5 on weekdays, but weekends and evenings are $40/hour.
7. Adrianne K. Hamilton Park
Located within the Trails neighborhood, Adrianne K. Hamilton Park is stunning during the warmer months. The ivy covers the arbor and provides a lot of nice greenery. I also like to shoot by the evergreen trees here in the winter. Note that photography is technically not allowed to non-members of the neighborhood, so proceed at your own discretion.
8. Pink Wall
This pink wall is a favorite of mine - it's on the side of Cheveux 22 Salon and Spa on University Avenue. When I shoot outside of businesses, I prefer to go during the off hours. In the evenings I don't typically see patrons around.
9. LHUCA
There are so many great spots in the LHUCA area. I've shot inside the gallery before, which is super cool. I like shooting in this area during First Friday as well, so long as the clients are okay with lots of people being in their shots! Any other time though it's pretty sparse.
10. Ahigzstudio
Of course I have to include my own studio in this list. Unfortunately at this time the studio isn't prepared for renting out to other photographers, but if you're a client of mine I love to take advantage of having it!
11. Clapp Park Greens
I've got two locations in Clapp Park on this list, so we'll call this one "the greens". There's an area with tons of trees and a marsh that gets super green and pretty in the late spring and summer. Note: bring bug spray here. Seriously.
12. Clapp Park Classic
We'll call this Clapp Park location "the classic". This encompasses the whole front of the park, where all the florals are, and includes the stairs by the Garden and Arts center, the chapel area, and arboretum.
13. Cafe J
I miss the days when I took every high school senior session outside of the old Chrome location (including my own). The old hospital turned boutique has since been torn down, but Cafe J next door is still open and is covered in ivy as well! I also like to shoot inside the Art Bar - if you go on a Sunday evening there's typically no one else around if you prefer to not be watched during your shoot (I get it).
14. Buffalo Springs
Though it's a little bit outside of town, I love to shoot at Buffalo Springs and had to include it on this list. Admission is $16/person for a day.
15. My field
I'm choosing not to give out any more specifics about where this field is located because so many photographers shoot here now that it makes me sad - and sometimes foils my evening walk plans - so I'm only including this if you're a potential client of mine looking for location ideas. I've been shooting here for 10 years and I seriously will never stop. It's also right next door to my house, so I like to pair it with my studio sessions.
16. Cook's Garage
It's fun to go to Cook's Garage around dusk and take advantage of all the colored lights.
17. Jones Stadium
The exterior of the Jones Stadium is so pretty and isn't overly Tech coded, so it's great for a variety of session types.
18. Boston Avenue Pedestrian Bridge by Jones Stadium
The Boston Avenue Pedestrian Bridge goes over Marsha Sharp and is really cool at dusk when you can see all the streetlights and headlights.
19. Flint Avenue Parking Garage
The Flint Avenue Parking Garage is a great three-level parking garage that is easy to access after working hours and on weekends. It's on Tech's campus, so I steer clear from 8-5.
20. Tennis Court at Wagner Park
The tennis court at Wagner Park is a fun location for less formal sessions.
21. Tech Terrace Park
The trees at Tech Terrace Park are lovely. This is also a good starting point if you want to do a neighborhood walk and shoot - always one of my favorite ideas!
22. The Willows Garden
The Willows is an event space, so appointments for photography in the garden are required. The staff is very nice and easy to work with, so don't be afraid to give them a call for information about booking the garden for photos.
23. Pecan Orchard
This orchard is another one that's just for my clients (forgive me photographers). I love to come here in the fall when the trees start to turn - the window for color in the fall is small and difficult to predict, so be flexible with this one! It's also a nice break from the heat in the summer because the trees provide so much shade.
24. Ralph's Records
Ralph's Records harks back to my high school Tumblr days and makes me so nostalgic. Shooting both in and outside are really fun, especially for my more artistic clients.
25. McPherson Cellars
McPherson Cellars is another location that's a good starting point, with other nice backdrops close by. McPherson is just around the corner from the Depot District arches mentioned earlier, if you want to incorporate both into your session.
26. Tornado Memorial
I like the Tornado Memorial for clients who want a more creative looking session. The sun shines directly on the front of the memorial in the evening, so be prepared to work with fun direct light.
27. Spirit Ranch
Spirit Ranch is a wedding and event venue, but does not require appointments for photography in the outdoor spaces. You may want to call ahead to confirm that the area will not be reserved for another event on your session date just in case.
28. Holly Hop
Holly Hop is a fun place for indoor and outdoor photos. I once did a pregnancy announcement here for a baby girl since there's lots of pink around.
29. Monomyth
The coffee girlies love Monomyth! Keep in mind that, as with any business, there will be patrons and staff around, potentially watching you, or trying to get out of your photos. If just the idea of that makes you uncomfortable, maybe opt for a different location. But if you don't mind, then I don't either!
30. Buddy Holly Hall
I saved this one for last because the Buddy Holly Hall is the location I shoot at the most. That's not for no reason, though. The Buddy Holly Hall boasts beautiful architecture and native greenery. You are also able to take photos inside the building, but a reservation must be made.
Looking for more guides to help you plan your photo session? Check out my client resources here.
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