Sam Houston Park in Downtown Houston

Downtown Houston is more than the hustle and bustle of the oil industry.  It can be a photographers dream.  There are so many opportunities compacted within the oddly shaped circle of highways 45, 59 and 90.

One of my favorite shooting locations is Sam Houston Park located at 1100 Bagby.  The first thing you notice are the beautiful period homes that grace the grounds of the park.  Each of the houses has an interesting history.  Visit the Heritage Society to learn more.

Old Place (1823): The house is not in the park but across the street within a gated area.  If you enjoy a rustic look then this house has a lot to offer.  A wood fence, wood steps, fascinating wood siding for a background.  Around the house are metal tubs and different types of metal structures.  The only thing that would make this house better would be opening the door and shooting within the rustic decadence.

Pillot House (1868): This house has many beautiful angles and interesting backgrounds.  Walk up the stairs and through the white picket fence.  Veer to the right and walk towards the back of the house.  Line each of your subjects along with steps and take pictures from the ground.  Then everyone move towards the front of the house - you on the ground and the photography subjects on the balcony. Experiment with the angle.  Have everyone look to the right and then the left, look at you, etc. If there are younger children then you can ask the parents to have them sit on the bannister but make sure to hold them tight. Next move to the opposite side of the yard and porch and take the same pictures.  The two boys that I took pictures of loved sitting on the Pillot Dogs statue which is on either side of the steps. Stop to let the children play as you walk out of the white picket fence and take some random play shots.  As the children play - pose the couple on the steps directly outside of the fence  - on the steps or on the sloping sides.  Snuggle the wife to her husband and take some intimate shots.

St. John Church (1891): The church does not have many opportunities for photos but what it does offer are some beautiful frames.  The church door is a unusual frame for a standing family shot.  Move to the side of the church for a slanting walkway with church windows in the background.

The week of January 18 we will cover the Kellum-Noble House (1847), Nichols-Rice-Cherry House (1850), San Felipe Cottage (1868), Yates House (1870), Staiti House (1905), 4th Ward Cottage.  The week of January 25 we will begin discussing the photography possibilities of the almost dozen monuments.