If you want a mix of rooftop city skyline views, green spaces mixed with urban spaces, and water views all in one spot, Auditorium Shores is the best location for your senior photos! It’s a large, outdoor area right on Lady Bird Lake that gives you both nature and downtown Austin energy perfect for seniors who want variety in their gallery without having to drive around to multiple different locations.
Why Seniors Love Auditorium Shores
This spot is a favorite for seniors who want:
It’s probably not the right fit if you’re dreaming of being completely surrounded by tall grass fields or deep woods… this is more “city nature” than “pure nature”, but I do have a bonus location idea that will work!
From a Photographer’s Perspective
Auditorium Shores is like a photographer’s playground. So much variety in one place. The only “challenge” is deciding what not to shoot because there are so many good spots. If you’re coming here for the first time, take a few minutes to wander before starting; you might stumble on something new each time.
A few things to keep in mind:
- There’s a dog park nearby, so we may see some furry visitors and it’s also a great location to bring your dog! Read my tips and guide for bringing your pup here.
- Free residential parking is available, but I highly recommend
- Since this is a large area, I always suggest bringing easy to walk in shoes.
Location info
Location: 900 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Vibe: Skyline, nature, modern, downtown
Setting: Outdoor Natural Space Downtown Austin
Parking: Free & Paid Parking Options (See the parking map here!)
Cost: Free (not including parking)
Bathrooms / Changing area: Park bathrooms available, but I provide a pop-up tent for outfit changes!
Best Photo Spots at Auditorium Shores
There’s so much variety at Auditorium Shores that you could fill an entire session without ever leaving the area. My go-to spots include:
1. The Long Center
The Long Center’s open plaza and modern architecture make it perfect for crisp, clean portraits with the skyline right behind you.
2. Long Center Parking Garage Rooftop
If you’ve been searching for where to take rooftop photos in Austin, this is the spot! This open-air garage sits right above downtown, giving you unobstructed rooftop pictures of the Austin skyline in every direction. It’s also one of the only rooftop locations in the city where you can bring your car or motorcycle right up for the shot. If car photography or a vehicle-focused session is on your list, this is THE place to do it!
3. Butler Metro Park Field + Pond
Just next to the Long Center, is Butler park and the Children’s Alliance Garden. It has a green open field and a pond that’s a perfect spot to mix in some nature to balance out the city shots from earlier in the session. Fall colors here are gorgeous at the pond!
4. Doug Sahm Hill Summit
Connected to Butler Park, there’s a grassy hill where you get a panoramic view of the city with wide-open sky above you.
5. Vic Mathias Shore Field
This grassy field with the skyline gives closer access to Town Lake and the rustic fence lining the popular Ann & Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail along the side.
6. The Palmer Events Center
The Palmer Events Center is one of my go-to spots when we’re at Auditorium Shores. The building itself is made of stone with a pond in front. At night, the building lights up, which makes for some really dramatic portraits. Off to the side, there’s a row of big rocks under trees that’s perfect for more relaxed shots.
7. South First Street Pedestrian Bridge
This pedestrian bridge stretches across Town Lake, attached to South First Street, with beautiful views of the Colorado River. I also recommend utilizing the area under the bridge before walking on the bridge.
8. Shoal Beach at Town Lake Metropolitan Park
Bonus location idea: If you stay on the bridge and walk across Town Lake, right across the bridge is Shoal Beach. This spot has a bit more of a nature vibe and less buildings, but it is quite a walk across and can eat up some time.
Planning Your Senior Session Here – What to know
There’s no website or official contact… this is just a public space I’ve scouted and used often. But here’s what you’ll need to know:
Best time to shoot here
Golden hour (1–2 hours before sunset) is the best here… Sometimes the sunlight reflects off downtown buildings and adds free additional lighting that can make it a fun and unique photoshoot experience. This is especially true for rooftop photos, where the skyline catches the light directly.
Ready to book your senior photoshoot at Auditorium Shores?
Featured Senior Photo Sessions at Auditorium Shores in Austin
Want to see what a real senior photography session looks like at Auditorium Shores? Check out the sessions below to see more!
More Senior Photo Locations
Check out the full list of my recommendations for senior photo locations!
I absolutely love how you broke down each location! And that table of contents made me so happy! All these spots offer so much variety and I love that this could all happen by foot rather than always changing location by driving and worrying about new parking. Thanks for all this inspo!
Yes, it’s a great spot to wander around for sure!