San Antonio Botanical Gardens

[EagleGirl]

I'm from Houston and looking for a spot in San Antonio (outdoors) to do a session with a very large family. Would the Botanical Gardens be a good spot? Anyone have any images that they've shot there that I could see?

[KdLaneJr]

Yes. It's not only a good spot, but they are very photographer friendly. Check out their website for entry fees and operating hours.

I'll PM you a link to look at.

[EagleGirl]

I looked at their link briefly but there aren't that many pictures. I was hoping to see anyone's session images from there.

[Shelby Lane]

I have one from a couple of years ago on one of the drives. Let me see if I can find some images.

You might also try the McNay Art Museum, but call first -- they have a charge for photographers but it is reasonable (or was last time I shot there) and sometimes they close down for events. The problem you will find this time of year with the Botanical Gardens is that their operating hours aren't always the best for sessions. But then I like to shoot when the light is very good with families, so that means either very early or near sunset.

[EagleGirl]

Is there any other place in or near San Antonio that might include a group of rocks for a large group of people to sit on?

[kenw]

Large goups might be difficult and I don't know the photo policies, but the Japanese Tea Gardens/Sunken Gardens is very photogenic and basically IS a large rock hollowed out(it's a former quarry).

[Cowboy13]

Hey Joanne, check out this forum and maybe you can find something here... i hope you find something you like here in San Antonio you can use...

http://www.texasphotoforum.com/forum...splay.php?f=43

Tim

[KdLaneJr]

Originally Posted by kenw

Large goups might be difficult and I don't know the photo policies, but the Japanese Tea Gardens/Sunken Gardens is very photogenic and basically IS a large rock hollowed out(it's a former quarry).

The last time Murph, Sean and I had an impromptu GTG there, an fairly large cheer team was there with a photographer and assistant. It definitely would be worth checking into.

[swjim]

Please delete, posted in wrong thread.

[HotHolly]

The botanical gardens are versatile. There is a long winding stone wall that you could use.



There are stone steps


And I dont have more photos with me right now, but there is a log cabin looking thing, a look out on top of a hill with stone steps spiraling up to the top, lots of sky, and the glass buildings too. LOTS you can do in one location.

[EagleGirl]

I'm looking at a group of 30 or more. Do you think any area would work besides that wall?

[KdLaneJr]

Originally Posted by EagleGirl

I'm looking at a group of 30 or more. Do you think any area would work besides that wall?

Down and to the left from that wall is a small amphitheater. You should be able to set up there without any trouble whatsoever. Just inside the entrance (of the Botanical Garden) is a rising curved walkway that might also work. To the right of the walkway is a covered trellis with steps leading to it. The steps would work well for posing the group.

[KdLaneJr]

Went back and re-read your original post. As large rocks go.., there are not too many places that come to mind for a group shot of 30 or more. I was at Pedernales falls recently and with the river as low as it currently is, the rocks in the riverbed were exposed.

[HotHolly]

Yes, there are lots of spots that have a nice clean background. And the gardens are big enough to fan out and not be falling all over each other. I would think you'd have lots of options if you dont want to line them up in a straight line. Those stairs curve, the field below the wall is slanted, so you have natural risers too. I would think you could shoot down from the look out into the grass or the amphitheater thingie on the other side. 30 is a BIG group. Good luck!

[Moshe]

I was wondering if there are any free spots to shoot? I do Head shots and body shots for actors and models so they want something different than what's in the studio. Anyone please, have any ideas?


Moshe Tortomasi