Where to take your Homecoming and Prom Photos in Katy and Houston

In real estate it’s all about “location, location, location” but for photos it is all about “light, light, light” - so taking your homecoming photos doesn’t have to be at the worlds most beautiful location (cause, girl, look at YOU in the Hoco dress!) but it should be done in good, even light.

So when you are choosing your locations, consider the time of day, the light angle and the size of your group. If you have a large group, will half the people be in the sun and half in the shade? Can you fit them all in the space you want?

Prior to your big event, I’d suggest you go to the potential photo location around the same time you would be taking your photos to check it out. When planning your start time for taking photos, you will need to consider the start time of the event/dance and work backwards - allowing for driving time and plenty of time to take photos (psst: groups always take longer to photograph then you think.) Also consider sunset times! You can find that here: https://www.timeanddate.com

Even if you don’t have a professional photographer, in the interest of time, I’d suggest you have 1-2 parents be the “photographers” that day so that the group is only listening to 1-2 adults not everyone’s parents saying “look here!!”

If shooting on a phone, the portrait mode is nice - it allows for a blurred background, but if taken too close, you will have a partial blurred face, too! Taken on “live” mode, you can always adjust to make sure you have the perfect photo. Both are good options.

Before I give you my location advice, remember this: This is also a special day for parents. Take a moment to get a photo with your loved ones. Even if they say no because they “aren’t dressed up” do it anyway! Here is a quick trick if they prefer to have your outfit be the one on display - have them stand behind you and give you bear hug and then we see your outfit more, like this (taken at Katie’s senior session):

Here are some great space in Katy and Houston for homecoming (or prom) photos.

Katy area:

- Cane Island: 2100 cane island parkway 

- Rock Waterfall off Cinco Ranch Blvd (next to the water park pool and tennis courts) — watch out for the gator in the pond!

- Firethorne Clubhouse - has a lake, cute path, green space and rocks. 

- Woodcreek Reserve FM 1463 & Kingsland Blvd (pro photographers need to have prior approval to shoot here)

- Katy Heritage Homes 6001 George Bush Dr. (pro photographers need to have prior approval to shoot here)

Near Memorial City:

- The Greek Orthodox Church: 1100 Eldridge Pkwy, Houston, TX 77077

- Terry Hersey Park - multiple entrance point and cute bridges 

Further into Houston:

- Hermann Park (centennial gardens) - most people go to the main lawn but it's bright. Head to the left when you enter and go to the Japanese pergola. Nice light there with open space. 

- Garden/parks near science museum

- Rice University - go here to find the perfect spot on campus: https://portraits.rice.edu/photo-areas/ (pro photographers need to have prior approval to shoot here)

What if it rains?

- Inside Gallery Furniture (call ahead). 

- Inside a parking garage. Simple have your group face the biggest entrance with the light coming and bam! Great photos with a cool, edgy background.