TONAYA NOEL JOURNAL
WELCOME TO THE
My Favorite Fall Family Photo Locations in Dallas and Beyond
Finding Fall in Dallas — And Photographing It Before It Fades
As a Dallas family photographer, one of the most common questions I’m asked each year is: Where can we find real fall color in Texas?
The truth is, fall doesn’t last long here. But when it does appear, usually in October and November, there are moments where it truly shines. You’ll find it in the way the grasses turn golden. In trees that quietly shift to burnt orange. And in the soft, filtered light that makes golden hour family photography in Dallas something truly special.
Over the years, I’ve curated a list of the best places for fall family pictures near Dallas — each location chosen not just for its beauty, but for how it supports honest, connected family storytelling.
The Best Fall Family Photo Locations Near Dallas and McKinney
1. Arbor Hills Nature Preserve in Plano
If you’re looking for natural light family photos near Dallas, Arbor Hills offers wide trails, tall grasses, and a soft, warm color palette. It’s ideal for little ones who love to explore and for pSarents who want that peaceful, editorial look without needing to venture far from home.
2. Erwin Park in McKinney
For families searching for where to take fall pictures in McKinney, Erwin Park is a favorite. Located just north of Dallas, this quiet spot comes alive in late October with open meadows, golden trees, and room to roam.
3. Parker Rose Gardens near Allen
Beautiful light. A structured yet natural backdrop. And the calm of a weekday session. It’s one of the best fall photo spots in North Texas for families who want simplicity without sacrificing aesthetic.
4. Dallas Arboretum
Holiday magic starts early here — with pumpkin displays, festive touches, and classic landscaping. While golden hour sessions end slightly earlier due to closing times, this space offers some of the most elegant fall family portraits with holiday backdrops in the area.
5. Dallas Rose Gardens
For neutral fall family backdrops near Dallas, this is a hidden gem. The pampas grass reflects the light in such a soft, golden way — perfect for families drawn to timeless, organic portraits.
6. Oak Point Nature Preserve in Plano
A wonderful choice for family portraits with fall colors in Texas, Oak Point offers wooded paths, wide fields, and warm tones that build beautifully as the season changes.
7. Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center in Denton
This is where autumn comes into full color. From late October through mid-November, Clear Creek offers one of the most vibrant settings for timeless fall family photos in McKinney and beyond.
8. White Rock Lake in Dallas
Another beautiful choice are the parks and fields that surround the White Rock Lake area in Dallas. During Fall the area becomes rich with warm hues of orange, yellow, reds and earthy browns. Most spots are quiet with easily accessible parking. It’s one of my favorite spots to slow down and be present with the families that I capture.
9. Dallas Arboretum
Unsurprisingly the Dallas Arboretum has stunning scenery during the Fall-Winter months. Shortly after Thanksgiving the garden is outfitted with their holiday displays inspired by the 12 Days of Christmas. It’s another great location to document and share sweet natural moments with families. With perfect timing, you can enjoy true autumn vibes here.
Planning Your Fall Session With Intention
Whether you’re dreaming of golden hour portraits in a North Texas field, or want something festive for holiday cards, these locations offer both aesthetic beauty and emotional depth.
As a natural light family photographer in Dallas, my sessions are never about stiff poses or chasing trends. They’re about slowing down, letting your family’s rhythm emerge, and creating images that feel just as beautiful years from now as they do today.
Reserve Your Fall Family Session
Fall sessions are currently booking throughout Dallas, McKinney, Allen, Plano, and Denton.
Reserve your spot today and let’s create something lasting – Fall Petite Session
Book Your Family Session
Read latest post
browse by category
MOTHERHOOD
CLIENT GUIDE
UNCATERGORIZED
PERSONAL
Erwin Park — Your Family’s Natural Portrait Sanctuary When the city melts away and genuine relationships unfold, Erwin Park becomes more than scenery—it becomes soul. Tucked along the North McKinney countryside, this rustic expanse of oak groves and open meadows offers a palette of soft morning light and quietly unfolding stories. Here, the wind in […]
If you’re expecting and considering a maternity photo session in Dallas, the best time to schedule your session is usually between 28 and 34 weeks. During this window, your bump is beautifully rounded, but you’re still likely feeling comfortable enough to move and pose with ease. This timing also works well for Dallas’s golden-hour light […]
There’s a kind of peace that doesn’t come from getting everything done—it comes from being fully here. #mindfulmotherhood Not half-thinking about dinner while listening to your child’s story.Not scrolling through to-do lists during breakfast.Not planning every moment so tightly that there’s no room left for wonder, or laughter, or margin. This is the heart of […]
There’s a kind of peace that doesn’t come from getting everything done—it comes from being fully here. #mindfulmotherhood Not half-thinking about dinner while listening to your child’s story.Not scrolling through to-do lists during breakfast.Not planning every moment so tightly that there’s no room left for wonder, or laughter, or margin. This is the heart of […]
There’s a kind of peace that doesn’t come from getting everything done—it comes from being fully here. #mindfulmotherhood Not half-thinking about dinner while listening to your child’s story.Not scrolling through to-do lists during breakfast.Not planning every moment so tightly that there’s no room left for wonder, or laughter, or margin. This is the heart of […]
There’s something sacred about beginning the week in stillness—with intention, not anxiety. In a world that pushes hustle, God gently invites us to rest. Not as a reward for finishing the list, but as a way of being rooted in Him from the start. Each Monday, I sit down for a “Business Meeting with God”—not […]
Capturing meaningful family photos in Dallas isn’t just about the right camera or the perfect outfit—it’s about choosing someone who understands the heart behind your story. Whether you’re preparing for a golden-hour session at White Rock Lake or planning a floral-filled evening in McKinney, this guide will help you find the best family photographer in […]
10 Effective Strategies to Engage Uncooperative Children During Family Photo Sessions Family photos are meant to celebrate connection. Worrying about uncooperative children should be the least of your worries. But let’s be honest, when kids are having a tough day, it can feel more chaotic than calm. For busy North Texas moms who want portraits […]
Planning your family portraits is such an exciting milestone—but choosing what to wear for family photos can feel surprisingly stressful. As a Mckinney family photographer, I know firsthand how much the right wardrobe choices can transform your images from everyday snapshots to timeless, heirloom-worthy art. If you’re wondering “What should we wear for family photos?”, […]
Planning your family portraits is such an exciting milestone—but choosing what to wear for family photos can feel surprisingly stressful. As a Mckinney family photographer, I know firsthand how much the right wardrobe choices can transform your images from everyday snapshots to timeless, heirloom-worthy art. If you’re wondering “What should we wear for family photos?”, […]
Planning your family portraits is such an exciting milestone—but choosing what to wear for family photos can feel surprisingly stressful. As a Mckinney family photographer, I know firsthand how much the right wardrobe choices can transform your images from everyday snapshots to timeless, heirloom-worthy art. If you’re wondering “What should we wear for family photos?”, […]
Each spring and early summer, North Texas comes alive with color although bloom timing can vary from year to year depending on weather and rainfall. As families begin planning their spring and summer photo sessions, these flower-filled locations offer some of the most beautiful, natural backdrops in the Dallas–Fort Worth area As a DFW family […]
Spring Break is the perfect time to get out and explore with your family! Whether you’re looking for educational experiences, thrilling adventures, or creative play, the Dallas-Fort Worth area offers plenty of options to keep your kids entertained. Here’s a curated list of the best Spring Break activities for kids in Dallas. 1. Peppa Pig […]
