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Davis and Prather Parks: A Beautiful Highland Park Portrait Location

Tuesday, June 02, 2026 | By: Tracy Allard

If you’re looking for a portrait location that feels polished but still warm and approachable, Davis and Prather Parks in Highland Park might be exactly what you didn’t know you needed. They’re classic without feeling overly manicured. Beautiful, but not overwhelming. And if you value a natural look with rustic elements, their combination hits the mark.

As a family portrait photographer serving Carrollton and the greater Dallas area, I’m always thinking about how a location fits the needs and personality of the client, not just how it photographs. These two parks make that easy.

 

Hidden Gems for Portrait Sessions in Dallas

One of the most interesting things about Davis and Prather Parks is that they almost blend into each other. They sit right next to one another and sort of run together, so sometimes it’s hard to tell where one ends and the other begins. That’s actually a benefit.

You get mature trees, open green space, charming pathways, and lovely stone and architectural elements, all within a short walking distance. There’s no need to load everyone into the car halfway through. No relocating. No added stress. Especially if you’re bringing children or a dog who has a limited patience window.

For family portraits, that flexibility allows us to move naturally. We can start in a more open area for classic groupings, then shift to a tucked away corner for something a bit more intimate for individual portraits. If you’re planning high school senior portraits, we can mix refined and relaxed looks in one session without feeling rushed.

And if you’re bringing your pet, which I strongly encourage, there’s a variety of seating options to bring everyone close together. 

A person with shoulder-length hair leans on a stone wall outdoors, surrounded by trees and soft natural light.

A Polished Setting That Still Feels Personal

These parks have that Highland Park aesthetic. Clean, maintained, timeless. But they don’t feel overdone or busy. You won’t feel like you’re competing with the background.

For pet and owner portraits, I love how the greenery and stone textures frame you without overpowering you. Your connection stays the focus. That’s always the goal.

For senior portrait photography, especially for young women who want something classic but not overly dramatic, the setting offers subtle elegance. And for families who care about how their images will look displayed as wall art and photo albums in their home, this location translates beautifully into finished products.

A person with light hair sits on a stone wall, wearing a dark sweater with a tree design, surrounded by natural scenery.
Person with short hair leaning on a stone wall outdoors, wearing a blue sweater.
Person with a blue sweater sitting on outdoor stone steps near a grass-covered area.
Person doing a side plank against a wall in a tunnel, wearing a blue sweatshirt and sneakers.
A person smiling in a tunnel wearing a blue sweatshirt with a tree design.
Person with a cheerful expression leaning on a stone wall in a park setting with blurred trees in the background.

The Bonus: Walk to Highland Park Town Hall and Library

Here’s something I always point out during planning.

Davis and Prather Parks are within walking distance of the Highland Park Town Hall and Library complex. That proximity opens up even more visual variety in a single session. We can move from soft green park settings to structured architectural lines without driving anywhere.

For all types of portrait sessions, this gives us options, and variety without the stress of driving to another location.

You don’t want to spend your session navigating crowds or walking long distances in uncomfortable shoes. You want a beautiful setting, clear direction, and a photographer who has already thought through the details. When you’re investing in professional portrait photography, you deserve a location that works as hard as we do. One that supports a smooth, thoughtful session and produces images you’ll be proud to display. 

Person walking on a brick pathway next to a building with large windows and decorative lanterns.
Person with light hair leaning on a colorful mosaic wall, smiling outdoors.
Person smiling while leaning on a colorful mosaic tile structure in front of patterned glass windows.
A person with short hair in a striped sweater stands near a decorative tiled wall and yellow flowers.
Person sitting on a ledge, smiling, with neatly trimmed bushes in the background.
Person smiling in front of a textured wall, wearing a striped sweater and necklace.

If you’re considering family portraits, high school senior portraits, or pet / pet and owner portraits and want a location that offers elegance, variety, and convenience in one place, Davis and Prather Parks are worth serious consideration.

I’ll guide you through everything. Location choices, wardrobe suggestions, timing, and final product design. You don’t have to figure it out alone.

Tracy Allard of Penny Whistle Photography is a Master of Photography, Photographic Craftsman, and Certified Professional Photographer, holding the M.Photog., Cr.Photog., and CPP degrees from the Professional Photographers of America (PPA), designations held by fewer than 2,000 photographers nationwide and a hallmark of consistency, technical skill, artistry and professionalism. 

Penny Whistle specializes in both on-location and studio photography providing pet, family, and high school senior portraits as well as corporate headshots and commercial photography services in her studio located in historic downtown Carrollton as well as on location in Coppell, Grapevine, Southlake, Flower Mound and surrounding communities in Dallas – Fort Worth, Texas.

Location: Davis Park, Prather Park, and Town Offices in Highland Park TX

Other sessions held at this location: 

Interested in Davis and Prather Parks for your portrait session? Let's Talk!
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