Location Guide

Please remember to always be prepared for the elements. These spots are natural and you can expect things like tall grasses, bugs and of course Texas heat. Please prep with all the necessary snacks, sprays and drinks prior to arrival.

Too hot or too cold outside? Want something that feels homey without having to use your own home? The studio is the perfect, neutral solution to photographing your family. My  studio space is available to M-F and Sunday from 10am-2pm. 

Please check with Ashley for availability as this is a shared space and your desired date may already be booked. 

Just off 1488, this private location is a dream. I generally get brighter colors at this spot, which I just love. It features white picket fences, Spanish Moss trees, a pond and a small white barn- all tucked away beneath sprawling oak trees and tall grasses.

Come ready to get wet and have some fun!
This is the perfect spot to get a little mud on your feet! It is easy to access, loads of parking, and a quick walk over to the creek. Also features an open green space if you want to mix up the look of your session.

 Check with Ashley regarding water-levels: weather and drought can affect how these areas look or how accessible and safe they are. 

Open Farmland: Willis

Just 25 minutes from The Woodlands area, this stunning, rolling pasture has the perfect view of the sunset. Tall green grass, open skies, and incredible views, this spot is perfect for busy families. 
In the spring, this spot has wild flowers. 

Located just north of Houston, this stunning venue is perfect for your next family session. Sessions here take place rain or shine. This location does require booking in advance and an additional rental fee. Please check with their calendar to see if your desired date is available. This location does get very busy during the fall season (September – December) so plan ahead if you are wanting to use this location!

Check The Oak Atelier’s Calendar 

Hidden deep in a neighborhood, this location is seriously stunning! There is a creek visible, that is some times accessible. It requires a 3-5 minute walk to get to. 

This location is perfect for exploring nature, has a lot of variety, and it’s great for enjoying tall pines and beautiful pictures in the ferns.

This little gem has become a favorite and quickly! Located a little closer than Galveston (with less traffic too!!) it’s a really wonderful spot of family photos. Easy to access, restrooms on location, green space, and a beautiful rock pier.
It is an ever changing terrain and the wind can pick up pretty quickly, but that is what makes it such a magical place to explore.

An unassuming spot you may drive by every day is transformed into a stunning location for family photos! This spot does not have a real address or exact parking. It does involve water and a steep walk to access the sunset views.
Get a natural feel in the woods and a more urban feel with the dam itself. A fun and unique location worth exploring!

Galveston gets a lot of heat sometimes, but the honest truth is that it’s a really wonderful spot of family photos. Between the pleasure pier and the shallow entrance, it’s the perfect place to play.
It is an ever changing terrain and the wind can pick up pretty quickly, but that is what makes it such a magical place to explore.

Beach sessions are only offered to full sessions or storytelling sessions. 

Parking near by and a short 2 minute walk to this great location. Gravel pathways with tall grass make this open location simply stunning. It’s perfect for sunset or sunrise, nestled between the hustle and bustle of the city with a very remote and removed feel. Walk a little further or city views, rooftop access or even a quick Starbucks run.

With the perfect skyline view of Houston, this little park has the best of both worlds- nature and urban come together to make this spot simply stunning.
Plenty of walking trails, beautiful view of the Houston skyline and plenty of parking.

A hidden alcove in the back of The Woodlands opens up to a beautiful field. The sun sets right behind the field with parts well maintained and others just wild enough to navigate.

Looking for something entirely different, grunge or playful? This rooftop location may be perfect for your family! Plenty of space to move around, play and use the buildings to our advantage, making awesome and interesting lines!
Perfect if you are looking to avoid parks, dirt, locations with no real address or want something unique.

I use 2 rooftop locations: one in The Woodlands and one in Houston.

For families that want water but not a lot of walking, need space to roam, and prefer something that is easy to access, Spring Creek is the perfect summer location! It will feel like you are not even in Houston anymore with this lovely spot! Get ready to play and splash in the water and enjoy unhurried time together on this sandy riverbed.

 Check with Ashley regarding water-levels: weather and drought can affect how these areas look or how accessible and safe they are. 

Tucked away in a local Houston park, this little gem is simply stunning. It is a protected area and has some stunning trails to walk on as well as beautiful mossy oaks. I have images from all different seasons shown below.
Depending on the time of year, there are wildflowers at this location. No wildflower session can be promised, as bloom times vary and mowing schedules are dictated by the city of Houston, but occasionally wildflowers and bluebonnets can be found here.
Parking is limited in this area and it requires a short walk, but it’s so so worth it!

At the front of The Woodlands, this location is definitely a client favorite. Depending on the time of year, this location may have more people around (fall season is especially difficult for planning trips to this location due to local events, so let’s talk about this location first before you select it).

We get great views of the Waterway, awesome architectural components including beautiful buildings, and fun tucked away spots. If we are lucky, we can stop the trolly for a quick picture!
Choose this location for a more urban feel!

A well-known and popular park in The Woodlands, that features easy parking, a playground a lot of space to move around. It has stunning light and a lot of variety for a session. 

A hidden gem among a concrete jungle, this beautiful oak tree is begging to tell more stories. This ancient oak creates a dark canopy of shade all around it. Easy access off a main road in Spring, with a parking lot. The surrounding grass can be quite unruly at times, but the sheer beauty of the tree makes it worth it! (this property is only mowed and maintained occasionally, so it may present grass that is too tall for young children or blackberry brambles that can make accessing some parts of the property too difficult- just keep that in mind!)

Very accessible location with loads of trails, and part of the protected forest. For this location- think tall pine trees, loads of natural grassy areas, an epic bridge and beautiful well-worn paths.

Don’t let the lack of parking fool you- this spot is so incredible. So much character and beauty found here at this well-maintained property. If you are looking to explore wide open spaces and love the simplicity that a field provides, this spot will blow you away!

Calling all adventuring families! If you enjoying hiking and exploring new places, this location is for you. Tucked away in The Woodlands, this creek has some incredible views that make for stunning pictures. Follow a grassy trail for an 8-10 minute walk to get to the sandy beaches of the creek.
Naturally tall grass, a beautiful open meadow area and a spot to cool off all while the sun sets. This location is protected and should not be considered if your family does not enjoy hiking.

This hidden gem is the perfect small space to explore and features various wild flowers throughout the summer. It has a small space for parking and a beautiful charm. 

A short walk will transport you to a wetland where a small creek snakes through the green grass and a stunning sunset will be the backdrop for your family session. Wide open space to explore and play with a unique view of our city.

Fun little niche located in The Woodlands. Has easy to access parking and a stunning sunset view that streams through the trees. A small stream winds it’s way through the forested space, and patches of sun dappled grass make it easy to navigate.

This incredibly unique location is quickly becoming a favorite. Red dirt roads, and a ravine that has grown up to be filled with stunning plants and beautiful trees- it has the feeling like you have been transported to another location entirely.
It can be a little muddy if it has recently rained and there is no official address for this location- but most of my spots are pretty well hidden, which is what makes them so special and private.

I like to find tucked away little spaces- behind buildings and in unsuspecting parking lots. This location is no different. Hidden away- technically in Magnolia, but just outside The Woodlands, th light at this location is like no other.

I could not love this location more! It has been a favorite of mine for over 10 years now and is a super popular location.
A few things to know…this state park has frequent controlled burns and incredible summer foliage. It is seasonally affected by large crowds depending especially in the fall. Right off 1488 near The Woodlands area, this spot can be quite popular during the fall season.
The park does not allow confetti, balloons or props. 
This location is subject to availability depending on controlled burns and how crowded the park will be. I prefer to shoot here M-Th. Peak season is typically September-December, and it can be quite crowded during this time.

I love this spot- it is a fun little hidden nook in The Woodlands that has wide open spaces for us to explore! From a marshy area with hanging tree tendrils, to baby pines, woods and wild flower-lined trails, this location is beautiful year-round. It’s got a defined walking path and a small parking area. plus a perfect view of our lovely Texas sunsets!

Featuring a darling wooden walkway, scenic pond and beautiful dirt walking trails, the light at this location is unlike any other! Absolutely stunning and perfect for your next family session!

A piney trail leads to an open field with unlimited possibilities! The sun sets stunningly behind this location and the sky opens up before you leaving space for your family to frolic and play. Pick this location for a more secluded feel, right in the heart of The Woodlands.

Oak Trees: Houston

This stunning location in the heart of Houston is beautiful year-round. It is a well known spot so it can be quite busy and it is best for couples or a small family of three. 
This is a residential area, so please be respectful of the homes and refrain from bringing any props, animals or obstructing entrances to homes.