Missions in San Antonio

[Kraftsims]

I'm visiting SA and would like to take a senior to do some photo ops at a Mission or two. I realize there are several around here that are nice.

Any suggestions on the top two that might be best for a senior?

Any restrictions on photography?

Do they have certain hours for visitation, fenced in? or are the grounds open and approachable at will?

Thanks for helping
Robert

[rexster314]

San Antonio Missions :: Official San Antonio Visitor Information: VisitSanAntonio.com

San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)

This should give you the information you need...

[Kraftsims]

thanks for the links.

I didnt see anything on that first link that answered my questions, could have missed it though. Sometimes things are buried deep in a website.

The second link was a little more helpful.

But neither really answered my questions.

What Im looking for is feedback from photographers who have experience in taking pics on the grounds of the missions.

#1 - any opinions from those with experience taking pics on the grounds of various missions if certain ones are better than others for a senior shoot, or are they all equally nice?

#2 - are the grounds surrounded by fences/locked or are they open to wander around freely at will. Or asked another way, if I want to go to a mission when the inside isnt open, is that possible? Are operating hours for the full grounds + inside, or just for the inside only?

I did see the application on the second link for commercial photography, but that looked more like when a company is doing something formal like making a film Vs some amateur photography doing a family shoot for seniors. Correct me on that if I'm not understanding it correctly.

I appreciate the feedback and help.

[xseption]

The mission grounds are technically closed at 5 pm and open at 9 am. You might be able to make arrangements with the NPS office, but I am sure you would have to pay a commercial fee if you use the phrase "Senior Pictures."

The better missions would be Mission Concepcion and Mission San Jose. San Jose is the largest with many more opportunities than the others, but the gate is locked at 5 pm. Concepcion is locked but you still have some access, and it is beautiful.

Good luck!

~ edd

[rexster314]

You might call ahead about Mission San Jose. I seem to remember it going to be closed at some point for repairs