Take the picture, mama! Capture the memories.
Every mom’s cellphone is filled with pictures of the kids, and if you’re like me, the pictures folder is 90% pictures of them and 10% a mixture of screenshots that relate to them. However, if you take a close look, us mamas are often the ones BEHIND the camera. Needless to say, there are few pictures where the whole family comes out. I mean, there’s barely enough time to get the kids ready and rush out the door. Who has time to gather them all around for pictures when we’re already running late? This is where the importance of family photos comes in!
“The best thing about a picture is that it never changes, even when the people in it do.” – Andy Warhol
Family photos capture the memories of our most cherished ones. Looking back at them reminds us just how blessed we are. We know that when we grow old, our children will always have these gems. The photos and the memories behind them will forever be part of our legacy.
Where in El Paso can I take pictures with my family?
The Sun City is known for its beautiful desert landscape amongst other things, and the desert is not the only landscape El Paso has to offer! There are many beautiful places where memories can be captured. Here are some of our favorites:
1. Transmountain Road
If you want the beautiful El Paso desert to be the landscape of your pictures, you can’t go wrong with choosing Transmountain Road as your spot! Sunsets by the mountains are just gorgeous. A plus is that these places are not frequented by a lot of people, which makes the photo session a bit more private and comfortable.
Museum of Archeology
(Photo by: Megan Garza Photography)
Tom Mays Trail
(Photo by: Jaks Noelle Films)
2. Scenic Drive
The location with the best views of our beautiful city! I feel that this place lends itself to pictures at any time of the day, but my personal favorite scenes are during the sunset and at night because the city lights look gorgeous! Plus, there is a park nearby where the kiddos can play after the pictures, so you can bribe them, mama–“Pictures first, then the park!” At least that’s what kept our babies smiling! But really, this place is also very gorgeous!
(Photos by: Jaks Noelle Films)
3. Local Parks
Personally, I think El Paso Parks are so beautiful for pictures! Despite El Paso being a desert city, the parks always have lots of greenery that makes pictures look amazing, no matter the season of the year. Parks are versatile for family pictures because of how spacious they are (my kids can’t be the only ones that run around everywhere they go–am I right?). And one park can offer many different places and angles for pictures. Even your local park can be the perfect spot for pictures. Here are some of the parks we have taken pictures at, but there are so many more around the city.
Memorial Park
(Photo by: Marisol Aguilar Photography (left) and Jaks Noelle Films (right))
Municipal Rose Garden
(Photos by: P. Lujan Photography)
Rancho Del Sol Park
(Photos by: Ana Lidia Photography)
4. UTEP
No books required! Although this is mostly considered a location for graduation pictures, it actually makes a great spot for family pictures too. It is a safe, enclosed area (away from streets and cars), and there is plenty of room for the kids to run around–not to mention, a beautiful landscape! It can also make for a more private session if you go during weekends, especially if you avoid graduation season. By far this has been a favorite for our family too!
(Photos by: Jaks Noelle Films)
5. Downtown El Paso
The landscape of El Paso’s epicenter is timeless and beautiful. While there, you get the city feel with a touch of “desert vibes” from the view of the Franklin Mountains nearby.
(Photos by: P. Lujan Photography)
Disclaimer: These gems were taken what seems like centuries ago. My high school sweetheart and I were young with no babies (not even engaged or married yet). As a family, we have not yet been able to take pictures here because of safety (or probably just my “mom anxiety”). We are outnumbered by babies that love running around everywhere they go (really–is it just my kids?) which is not a good combination with streets and cars. But, for the mamas who have older kids–or better yet, children who don’t run around like they are being chased like mine–this place is definitely for your family! Just looking at these pictures makes me eager for the day my not-so-little family can take pictures here.
6. Last but Not Least, a Very Special Place: Your Own Home
Photos are a way of ensuring the story of our family is shared beyond our years, and they don’t have to be at a specific location (or even captured professionally) for them to be special. What is special is making those memories, regardless of location and family dynamic.
El Paso gets its nickname “The Sun City” for a reason–the sun provides perfect lighting both inside the home and out in the backyard, perfect for pictures. Sometimes our family has chosen our home as the place for pictures taken either with our own camera or professionally. To be real, these have been the times that pictures really capture those raw moments and memories because we are all in our space and comfort. Here are some of these moments:
“When documenting your life, instead of capturing FOR memory, try FROM memory.” -Marie Masse
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Always remember, mama, that you are trying to capture memories. Sometimes we fear that the kids will not cooperate or the pictures won’t look perfect. What matters is looking back at the pictures and feeling joy as you remember those moments.
Family photos are a way of sharing history with many generations to come, and El Paso is definitely a perfect landscape for them.
The opinions expressed in this post are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of El Paso Mom, its executive team, other contributors to the site, its sponsors or partners, or any organizations the aforementioned might be affiliated with.
What an awesome article!!! And I am a dad!!!!