My Favorite Places to Photograph Families in El Paso
If you’re looking for an El Paso family photographer, one of the first questions I’m usually asked is, “Where should we take our photos?”
The good news is that El Paso has no shortage of beautiful places for family photography. We have desert landscapes, old neighborhoods, open fields, downtown architecture, and quiet little corners that can make a session feel completely different from the next.
But after photographing families here for years, I definitely have my favorites.
When I’m choosing a location for a family photography session, I’m not necessarily looking for the prettiest backdrop. I’m looking for somewhere that gives us room to move, explore, laugh, and actually be together. The location should complement your family rather than become the star of the photographs.
Here are a few of my favorite places to photograph in El Paso.
Ardovino’s Desert Crossing
Ardovino’s is one of my favorite places for family photography in El Paso, but it isn't just for families. The greenery, desert textures, and beautiful light also make it a favorite for senior portraits, maternity sessions, couples, and other portrait photography.
There’s greenery, texture, beautiful light, and plenty of those little details that make photographs feel more interesting than a simple field of desert.
It’s especially beautiful during golden hour when everything gets warm and glowy.
If you love photographs that feel natural, earthy, and a little bit editorial, this is one of my favorite choices for an El Paso photography session.
Downtown El Paso
For families who want something a little more urban, I love photographing around Downtown El Paso.
The architecture, old buildings, colorful walls, sidewalks, and city textures give us a completely different look. It can feel modern and editorial one minute and nostalgic the next. Plus, downtown is one of those locations that works for just about everything. I love it for families, but the architecture and city textures also make it especially fun for senior photography, engagement sessions, headshots, and individual portraits.
Downtown is also a great option if you want your family photos to feel less like traditional portraits and more like a little visual story about your family.
We can walk, explore, stop for a few portraits, and let things unfold naturally.
El Paso’s Desert Landscapes
Sometimes you really just need the desert.
There is something about photographing families against the wide open landscape around El Paso that feels very true to where we live. The mountains, warm earth tones, open sky, and desert plants make a beautiful backdrop without requiring much at all.
This is one of my favorite options for families who love photographs that feel simple, natural, and timeless.
And because the landscape is so expansive, the photographs can have a really beautiful sense of place.
UTEP
The University of Texas at El Paso is another favorite for family photography, especially if you love a little more architecture and texture in your photographs.
The Bhutanese-inspired architecture, stone buildings, stairways, courtyards, and mountain views give UTEP a look that is completely different from a traditional park or open field. It can feel warm and timeless while still being unmistakably El Paso.
I especially love UTEP for families who want photographs that feel a little more editorial and urban, with plenty of variety within one location.
For older kids, high school seniors, or families who want something a little less traditional, UTEP can be a beautiful choice.
Your Own Home And Neighborhood
This might be my favorite suggestion of all.
You don't always need to go somewhere special for family photographs.
Sometimes the best location is your own neighborhood, your backyard, the park you visit every weekend, or the little places your kids already know.
There is something really meaningful about photographing your family in a place that is actually part of your everyday life.
Years from now, you may not remember the name of the park where we took your photographs. But you’ll remember the house you lived in, the street your kids rode their bikes on, or the little patch of grass where they played.
Those details matter.
The Best Location Is the One That Feels Like You
When you book a family photography session with me, I’m happy to help you choose a location based on the look and feeling you want.
Maybe you want desert family photos in El Paso.
Maybe you want something more urban and editorial.
Maybe you want beautiful greenery.
Or maybe you don't really care about the location at all. You just want photographs of your family being yourselves.
That's where I come in.
I’m less interested in creating perfectly posed photographs and more interested in giving you photographs that feel like your people. The way your kids laugh. The way someone reaches for your hand. The chaos. The quiet moments. The personalities that change so quickly.
Because those are the photographs you’ll want to keep.
Looking for an El Paso Photographer?
If you're planning a photography session in El Paso, I’d love to help you find a location that fits you and the kind of photographs you love.
I photograph lovely humans throughout El Paso and the surrounding area, with a style that leans natural, documentary, editorial, and a little bit nostalgic.
You don't have to know how to pose.
You don't have to coordinate everyone's every move.
Just show up as yourselves.
I'll take care of the rest.
