Top 5 Amarillo Portrait Locations
Here’s a list of my top 5 Amarillo portrait locations. (Post 1 of 3 in a series.) Even though I only do a handful of senior sessions a year, I want you to be able to take this article series and use it to your advantage with whatever photographer you decide to use for this special milestone. If I had a nickel for every instance I was asked for senior portrait session tips in Amarillo, I would have a very heavy piggy bank. That being said, in this three part series I will be discussing location, wardrobe, and hair and makeup.
Because I am an Amarillo photographer, I will be talking exclusively about locations in the area. However, for those of you more adventurous and willing to travel for your senior portrait sessions, I might do a bonus blog to this series that covers my all time favorite shoot locations in Texas. But in the meantime, let’s jump into my favorite locations in the Amarillo area!
1. Downtown Amarillo
There is a ton of variety in downtown Amarillo for portraits. The tall buildings also provide some reprieve from the Texas Panhandle wind. Several murals, locations, and textures are all within walking distance. Other key highlights include parking garages, Hodgetown, Amarillo National Bank building, neon signs (paramount, hanging lights on polk, and the Amarillo sign)
My office is also located downtown, so we can walk to most shoot locations and come back to the office for an easy wardrobe change or a make-up and hair touchup.
2. Canadian River
Between Amarillo and Dumas, the Canadian River is a gorgeous water location that lands in my top three favorite locations for senior portrait sessions. With the bridge and the river itself, this location allows for something unique outside of Amarillo, if you are willing to drive the hour or so to get out there.
3. Palo Duro Canyon
I feel like this location speaks for itself. With all of the natural scenery and iconic land formations, Palo Duro Canyon can create breathtaking backdrops for senior portraits. The natural, rugged beauty is a favorite for a lot of people, and I feel like the pictures taken here are timeless.
This location makes for incredible sunrises and sunsets as well. Just be sure to notify the state park before hand and pay the small fee before entering.
4. Medi Park
Hear me out on all of the details on this one. I’m not talking about the main part of the park. On the north side of the park, across from Barnhill Sports Medicine not the main park though. North side of the park across from Barnhill Sports medicine on 9th street. In late spring, summer and early fall, the greenery is amazing out here. There is also an open field and some cool graffiti concrete walls.
5. Cadillac Ranch
If you are looking for something iconic, I suggest going out to Cadillac Ranch. Even though this location only offers a couple of different angles for a portrait, it is a hyper-pigmented location that can offer a “wow” factor to any session. Just be sure to keep your outfit super simple (more on this in our next blog post).
I hope these location tips are helpful for your next shoot. If you’re looking to schedule a session in Amarillo, reach out via my contact page. I’d love to connect!