I'm always on the lookout for new session locations and a couple of years ago I found a gem right in my own city of Coppell, Texas! Wagon Wheel Park is 153 acres with nature trails, a jogging trail, pond and stream as well as various sports fields, but it's the pavilion that I've fallen in love with (although I've yet to make it out into the nature trail, I suspect that will hold some spectacular photo session options for those willing to hike in a bit for their session).
The Pavilion is made of white stone with huge wood sliding doors that lead into the cantina and restrooms for the sports fields, but you'd never know it. From the outside you'd think you were in a barn in Santa Fe. There are a number of large rocks placed around which are perfect to sit on and the landscape is arid and full of texture with cacti and tall, flowing grasses like Pink Muhly which blooms in the fall.
Best of all? It's usually quite quiet there, especially in the early morning just after sunrise when the light is golden and soft. This has become one of my go-to session locations and Coppell and Grapevine families love it's close proximity to home.
(click on any image to view full screen)
Wagon Wheel Park in Coppell Is Perfect For Family Portraits
This family knew exactly where they wanted to display their portraits, in their Colorado cabin, so they loved the southwestern vibe and feel of Wagon Wheel Park in Coppell and wanted to feature the large barn door in many of the images but the park has so much more to offer!
Planning For Your Family Portrait
A large contributing factor to the overall success of your family portrait is the clothing that you wear. A harmonious color palette will be pleasing to the eye and allow each family member to "own their own color" and stand out in the group while also blending (you don't want to be the one person wearing something that JUMPS out of the image and is the first thing that everyone's eye is drawn toward). Gone are the days of everyone wearing a white or black shirt. A colorful blend of pastel or jewel tones of varying saturation and brightness adds a lot of visual appeal to your family portrait. Check out this post that I've written on the subject for more detail to help you select clothing for your family's portrait session.
We Make The Most Of Your Family Photo Session By Photographing Everyone
How often is everyone in the same place? All dressed up? Probably hardly ever so we make the most of it while we can. Multi-family portraits always include the large group image, but we also take the time to photograph the adult children and their families, the adult children and their spouse because usually the last time that happened was their wedding day, the grandparents, the grandparents with the grandkids, all the kids, the kids individually, girls together, boys together, etc. In your consultation we'll discuss everyone that we're photographing so I can prepare for the session with a list of "must have" images so nothing is forgotten.