Dallas Arboretum Locations

[STP Images]

I will be driving from Houston to Dallas on Sunday to shoot a client for a CD cover. These four guys live all over Dallas, so they decided that the best place to convene and shoot would be the Dallas Arboretum. I logged into the site and was able to pull a pdf map of the entire park, but it does nothing to give me any detail of the buildings or outdoor views of the sites. I attempted to view the photograph section listed, but for some reason, their website is not working properly and I have gotten two full days of "file not found" errors.

What the client desires is a group shot and head shots with a colorful or very textured wall and then another group shot and head shots with a large outdoor expanse (such as possilby overlooking the lake).

Does anyone have any examples of such spaces within the Arboretum that you could share to cut down on my scouting time once I get there? The park info on the website says there are 66 acres of space, so I don't want to exhaust myself searching for something that may not even exist.

Any help is appreciated and I would be more than happy to return the favor for anyone heading to H-town in the future. My email address is todd@stpimages.com.

Thanks in advance for the assistance!

[kenw]

Yes, there are such areas. Near and overlooking the lake is a stone structure that surrounds a small enclave. Light is good against the wall inside the enclave. Towards the lake from there is a large open grassy area that overlooks the lake, it can be muddy altho that's probably not an issue now. There is also a waterfall-ish feature that can pose several folks around it well. The little cottage near the front can be used creatively, if you have no more than 4 faces.....

here's some culls to explain:

[L Stegall]

Just FYI, Dallas Blooms opens this weekend at the Arboretum and it will be mobbed because of that. I have found the best time to be there is the moment it opens on Sunday. At least for an hour or so, you will miss the church crowds. After lunch on Sunday, forget it - there are people everywhere.

I can't think of a colorful wall, but there are some with texture - there are some columns down by the reflecting pool area and some cool steps, etc. behind the house (I need to double check my map - haven't been since last spring). There is one area with a red "fence" around it. That's really not the right description, but it's like a little Asian open air building with bamboo around it - past the waterfall wall - it's pretty small and you will need some flashes in there. I also like the little gravel filled garden down on the lower level closer to the lake. You can shoot down from the upper level there. Mainly, I'd recommend once you walk in, you had to the right, as I think there are more areas you might use there.

If you are using these images commercially, I think you do need a permit - if the website isn't working, I'd call them. For brides or personal portraits, there is no additional charge, but for commercial stuff, there are different rules.

L Stegall added 1 Minutes and 12 Seconds later...Double Post Merged Below

KenW - I don't recognize you without that white tux and ruffled shirt you've sported in some other shots! :-D

[kenw]

Originally Posted by L Stegall

KenW - I don't recognize you without that white tux and ruffled shirt you've sported in some other shots! :-D

whew..... i thought it might have been the 50 lbs I've gained over 30+ years......

[L Stegall]

Also, just FYI, the parking for Dallas Blooms is usually crazy unless you get there right when they open. There is parking (free, I think) further down the street @ the YMCA (where Gaston & Garland Road meet). They have a shuttle bus that goes to the Arboretum from there.

[DEMDeepEllumMusic]

If they are not looking for FLOWERS in the shots you may be better off shooting at the lake itself, there are many small parks along the lake with varied backdrops, also don't forget Flagpole Hill on the north end of the lake (a bit away from the lake), there would be less of a crowd problem.

Is this a musical group that you are shooting? (if not what sort of group?)

The more info that we have the better we can direct you.

[sandralemin]

I shoot around the buildings a lot. Great blue doors! Then out in the bakc the waterfall area its best early morning or late afternoon.
sandra