Pixtus - Photography Forum, Photographers, Photo Tips

ScottBH · **Gruene, Texas -** 09-02-2010, 05:17 PM

Hi All,

I've agreed to do an engagement session for a friend of mine, and they would like to consider Gruene, Texas. I haven't been there in years, and my only trips there have involved the river.

Can any of you offer some suggestions on locations in Gruene? They both love Texas Country and it does seem like a perfect place for their session!

Also, I've searched Gruene in TPF and have seen a few pictures of Gruene Hall. Are you allowed to take engagement pictures in there? Do you have to rent the hall?

ppcass · 09-02-2010, 05:22 PM

Just walk around...there are great locations eveywhere!!

ScottBH · 09-02-2010, 05:31 PM

I need to, but won't get a chance to. I live in Houston and will be in town this weekend.. I'm thinking we can just get in the car and find plenty of great spots. The entire city is gorgeous. I just like planning!

venchka · 09-03-2010, 08:18 AM

I walked into Gruene Hall early on a Sunday morning. The young lady behind the bar was the only person there. However, I was only taking photos of the interior. I did have a big camera and tripod. I reckon it will depend on the person behind the bar at the moment.

There is a nice open grassy area next to Gruene Hall and under the watertower. Benches, etc. for your friends. Mr. Gruene's Office would make a nice backdrop. Big tree in the front yard. nobody will bother you there.

Gruene Hall, Sunday, 10am. Not too busy.

Mr. Gruene's Office, Saturday, 2 pm. Gruene was full of folks, traffic, etc. Fortunately all of that was behind me.

I suggest you get there early. Like 7am-8am. When will you be going? Check the Gruene Events schedule in the internet. Find out if the town will be full for a festival or something like that.

pepper52 · 09-03-2010, 05:17 PM

I have never had a problem shooting in Gruene Hall. I walk in as soon as they open and always ask permission to take the photographs. I believe they open their doors at 10:00 am. I would strongly recommend that you arrive early in the morning and take your pictures prior to the crowds arriving. If I read your post correctly you will be there over the Labor Day weekend. The town will be hopping with tubers and visitors.

venchka · 09-03-2010, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottBH

I need to, but won't get a chance to. I live in Houston and will be in town this weekend.. I'm thinking we can just get in the car and find plenty of great spots. The entire city is gorgeous. I just like planning!

Park in the municiple lot across from the Red Apple Inn. You can walk all of Gruene in 15 minutes if you're slow.

ScottBH · 09-04-2010, 11:20 PM

Thank you all so much! We called the hall and they open at ten and have a concert there at one. Sure enough, we will be there for ten waiting for the doors to open!

Thank you all so much for your suggestions and tips! This is actually my first "official" engagement shoot, so I'm really nervous and very excited! Fingers crossed!

ChristopherCoy · 09-05-2010, 06:24 AM

You can do an entire shoot simply on the streets of Gruene. In addition to the Hall, there is the Grist Mill right next door, next door to that is a little General store that has a little outhouse and courtyard-ish area on the side, across the street from that is a nice pottery store that has a rustic facade, there is the HD Gruene building on the corner, across the street from that is the Grapevine wine store, and next door to that is the little general store/ice cream shop. All of these places have to be within 100yds of each other...

ScottBH · 09-09-2010, 06:09 PM

Thanks Everyone for all you're help. I got there half an hour before the shoot (it was a rough morning) and scouted out places. Wayne, you were right, it took NO time to walk almost all of Gruene. We went into the hall, sat by the river, played in a garden, and I got some great shots!

venchka · 09-10-2010, 09:19 AM

Glad it worked for you. AND.....you beat the rain. I reckon the river is still up.