Top Locations for Fashion Shoots in Dallas

Fashion photography tells a story about clothes, shoes, and accessories. A key element in creating compelling images is choosing the right location. This is why I'm sharing the top locations for fashion shoots in Dallas, so you can pick the best spots to develop your skills as a fashion photographer.

Top Locations for Fashion Shoots in Dallas

The top fashion shoot locations in Dallas include the McKinney Cotton Mill and White Sparrow Barn. There are nature spots like the Dallas Quarry and Dallas Arboretum. You can go to Downtown Dallas, Bishop Arts District, Fort Worth Camera, and the Fort Worth Stockyards for a dash of arts, culture, and nightlife.

The right location depends on the shoot's theme, mood, and goals. As you prepare for a Dallas fashion shoot, consider these areas as your next shooting site.

McKinney Cotton Mill

One of the top locations for fashion shoots in Dallas is the McKinney Cotton Mill. Use the unique scenery as the backdrop for your editorial fashion shoots! It is a 1900s warehouse that now serves as an elegant wedding venue with a touch of rustic and industrial vibes.

Whether indoors or outdoors, the McKinney Cotton Mill offers a lot of light and historic charm to add context to your fashion photos. Aside from guaranteed natural light, the space has lots of textures, including wooden floors and brick exteriors. 

Things to Remember

  • Photography pricing starts at $150 per hour, with a minimum of 2 hours.

  • Requires a waiver, with the video and catalog shoots costing $1500 per day.

The White Sparrow Barn

One of my current favorites is The White Sparrow Barn! With its lush gardens and lavender fields, who wouldn't love to take stunning fashion photos in this place?

Woman posing in her lingerie

Just a 40-minute drive from Downtown Dallas, you can get transported to the countryside for a shabby chic and romantic feel that's perfect for high fashion shoots. From muted color tones to tall ceilings and whitewashed walls, this is a beautiful place to showcase fashion items.

Things to Remember

  • Make sure to contact the Barn ahead for tours and scheduling since the site is usually closed for weddings.

  • Venue is available as a rental studio, with rates depending on the hours.

Dallas Quarry

Dubbed as "That Dallas Quarry", a majestic limestone quarry near McKinney Airport serves as a fabulous backdrop for fashion shoots. With the blue water and white limestone, this is the perfect setting for vibrant fashion shoots to make colors pop out! 

Pastel-colored items would match the buds of flowers blooming around the quarry. Since it isn't open to the public, the water remains still, and you can focus because it feels like you're on an oasis.

Things to Remember

  • It's private property, so you have to get in touch with the owner.

  • The place isn't completely maintained, although the abandoned aura adds character to the location.

Bishop Arts District

The Bishop Arts District is one of my go-to shooting locations in Dallas because it combines grungy and small-town vibes, perfect for street and high-end fashion shoots!

It features some of the most Instagrammable spots in Oak Cliff. Its electric ambiance makes sure you won't run out of backgrounds, from colorful street art to alleyways and restaurants. 

Things to Remember

  • Huge crowds at night, so better to shoot during the morning.

  • Most establishments let you in and out for free, although it's best to coordinate with business owners.

Downtown Dallas

About 40% of the retail industry hires fashion photographers. Even Dallas is home to several Fortune 500 companies, hospitality businesses, and manufacturing services. If you're looking for a New York urban setup for fashion shoots for such clients, Downtown Dallas is the place to go! 

It's the all-in-one site where you can get green spaces and luxurious spots. This expansive area mixes fine dining, art scenes, and nightlife. You can shift ambiance from the walkable downtown hub at the Arts District to diverse cultures and flavors at the Farmer's Market.

Things to Remember

  • Contact the Parks & Plazas place for permits. 

  • Each establishment enforces guidelines due to the pandemic.

Fort Worth Stockyards

You may notice that The Fort Worth Stockyards is a recurring theme in my photos, and that's because the Western and modern mix is a suitable ambiance for fashion photography!

Giving you the best of both worlds in Dallas, you can bring a rustic touch and luxurious atmosphere to your fashion images. You can have wooden stables, cobblestone streets, and eclectic buildings like the Hotel Drover as your background.

Things to Remember

  • The area allows commercial photoshoots all year round, although I usually schedule my shoots in the mornings. 

  • Hourly and day rates are available. 

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is one of the most gorgeous places I've seen! With thriving ferns, flower blooms, and lush lawns, it's no wonder the Dallas Arboretum is among the top gardens to visit in the world.

It has cozy indoor locations, including a lounge, house, and private garden. The outdoors is a floral oasis with lots of colors and dazzling water features.

Things to Remember

  • Best to shoot early in the morning for natural light and smaller crowds.

  • Fashion photoshoot rates vary for crews who want private rental and full garden access. 

Print ad created for Osadia

Fort Worth Camera and The Print Refinery

The Fort Worth Camera and The Print Refinery are among my top picks as the best indoor locations for fashion shoots in Dallas. Gray and textured walls are the highlights of this site, making it the absolute backdrop for industrial-inspired photoshoots.

A striking pierced concrete wall at the entrance resembles a camera's aperture openings. The circles create various lighting effects that you can use in your fashion images.

Things to Remember

  • Free entrance, although you need to book a slot for the studio rental.

  • One-stop shop for gear rentals, service center, and image development.

Conclusion

Dallas is full of places for fashion shoots. Make sure to check the policies of each location, weather, and project timeline to avoid scheduling problems. I hope this list can get you started as a Dallas fashion photographer, and we'll see your fashion photos in magazines and billboards soon!

Lyndsay Dixon