A child wearing a pink tank top and floral skirt poses outdoors with yellow flowers in their curly hair.
A family stands together in a golden field at sunset with warm light illuminating the tall grass around them.

 

Best locations in Van zandt counties


If we’re being honest, location has very little to do with how well your images turn out—especially in this part of Texas. Sure, it holds some importance, but to be completely honest, some of my best images have been taken on the side of the road in a patch of wildflowers. Since we don’t have mountain vistas or ocean sunsets, we are largely limited to pastures, forests, and, in the springtime, fields of flowers. But that won’t—and cannot—stop me from capturing breathtaking images for my clients.


One thing we do have, however, is the sky. I have traveled across the U.S. and the world, and nothing beats a Texas sunset. The way the sky lights up with cotton candy colors, magnificent billowing clouds, and dramatic storm fronts is so awe-inspiring that not even Van Gogh could adequately capture it.


That being said, there are picturesque places to create beautiful moments with your family or your starry-eyed lover.


One such place in Van Zandt County is Canton Lake, located right behind Walmart off Highway 243. Around golden hour, the walking paths lined with towering pine and oak trees create the perfect setting to capture the magic of the forest—without venturing too far. The lake, along with a small pond near the entrance, offers a stunning backdrop, with the sunset glistening off the water. It’s truly a sight to see in person. With the majesty of a mighty forest and the serenity of still waters reflecting the sky, it’s all within walking distance.


Another favorite location—one where I’ve even taken my own family photos—is a spot right across the street from The Forge in Ben Wheeler. I recently shot a wedding there, and let me tell you, the light in that area is an absolute dream. It’s an open space right behind a little white chapel, surrounded by massive pine trees, with a dry creek in the summer and a full-to-the-brim creek in the spring. It has a true woodland aesthetic, making it the perfect backdrop for portraits. And when your session is finished, you can stop by Terra Sana Farms for the best Italian food, local wine, and fresh, locally sourced ingredients.


Downtown Canton on the square is another magnificent location, especially if you’re looking for a small-town yet slightly urban aesthetic. The white courthouse building provides the perfect light bounce when the sun is behind you. The Rancher’s Wife always has beautiful seasonal décor, while The Dragonfly Inn features a large, hand-carved wooden door that looks like it belongs in a castle. The Wicked Read has stunning black-and-white wrought-iron details, while the Soda Shop brings a nostalgic, hometown charm straight out of the 1950s. There’s no shortage of stunning backdrops downtown, which is why it’s my go-to spot for all of my Canton High School seniors. Bonus tip: just down the road, in the spring, there’s a massive field filled with vibrant crimson clovers—a dream for photos.


But my absolute favorite place to photograph families? Their very own property.


There’s nothing more special than capturing a family on the land where they’ve raised their children and grandchildren. Whether it’s shaded by towering trees or dotted with babbling brooks, it’s uniquely theirs, and that makes it beautiful. A photograph taken on the very ground that holds their best memories isn’t just a picture—it’s art. And that is why, above all else, my favorite place to photograph families is at home.