A Milam Park Family Portrait

Downtown San Antonio is a lively blend of history, culture, and ever-evolving city life—making it a fantastic setting for a Milam Park family portrait. Recently, I photographed Susan and her family starting at San Pedro Creek and finishing at Milam Park. Despite ongoing Zona Cultural construction and a few downtown challenges, we found unique photo spots at every stop. If you’re considering a session in the heart of San Antonio, here’s why downtown is still one of the best places for your next family portrait.

The Unexpected History of Milam Park

Nestled in the heart of downtown San Antonio, Milam Park is a charming green space with a history that might surprise you. Long before it became a place where families gather, children play, and photographers capture beautiful portraits, this land was actually a cemetery.

Originally, the land where Milam Park stands today served as Campo Santo. This was the city’s primary Catholic cemetery from the 1700s to the mid-1800s. When the cemetery was decommissioned, most of the burials were relocated to San Fernando Cemetery. It is widely believed, however, that many bodies remain undisturbed beneath the park’s grounds.

The park is named after Ben Milam, a hero of the Texas Revolution who played a crucial role in the Siege of Bexar in 1835. This battle that ultimately led to Texas gaining independence from Mexico. Milam was killed in combat and is buried in the park, where his grave remains marked by a prominent monument in his honor.

Over the years, the park has transformed from a burial ground into a vibrant gathering place, complete with a beautiful Victorian-style gazebo, intricate wrought iron benches, and a large playground. While it has changed significantly since its days as a cemetery, Milam Park still holds echoes of San Antonio’s past, making it a fascinating and meaningful location for portraits.

A Milam Park Family Portrait: Starting at San Pedro Creek

This family session was part of my ‘neighborhood discount’ program, which offers a one-hour session for $300 to anyone who want to check out the hidden gems of downtown San Antonio. We started at San Pedro Creek, a stunning spot with bold murals, a (normally) flowing waterway, and architectural details. San Pedro Creek is a fantastic alternative to the often-crowded River Walk, offering a more relaxed atmosphere while still providing plenty of lush greenery.

One challenge during Susan’s shoot was that it coincided with the annual River Walk maintenance. While only certain sections are drained each year, this time, the stretch of San Pedro Creek where we were shooting happened to be dry. The surrounding walkways were still beautiful, but the creek itself had a more rugged, rocky appearance.

A Milam Park Family Portrait: Moving on to UTSA’s Downtown Campus and City Hall

From there, we made our way through UTSA’s downtown campus and over to City Hall. The mix of modern and the historic architecture of City Hall added variety to the session. Incorporating this interesting mix of urban textures added a nice creative energy to the shoot.

Milam Park at Golden Hour

Finally, we arrived at Milam Park, where the real magic happened. First, we timed the shoot so that we arrived just as the sun was setting over the park. The light was perfect and the glow from golden hour was fantastic.

Our visit to the park took advantage of all the special details the park had to offer. I started out by having Susan and her husband on the wrought iron bench. They fit perfectly. Next up was the lamp posts. These had been on my ‘bucket list’ for some time, and the kids were game to scamper up to the top. Susan’s family is a fun bunch, as these photos demonstrate. Finally, we ended the shoot in front of the gazebo.

Downtown’s Current Challenges

Photographing in downtown San Antonio always brings a unique energy, but right now, it also comes with some challenges. The Zona Cultural project, an ambitious revitalization effort, has made navigating the area a bit tricky. This project, which is set to be completed by winter 2025, aims to enhance the downtown experience by improving pedestrian walkways, updating streetscapes, and preserving the cultural essence of this historic district. While the improvements will be fantastic once finished, right now, it means detours, construction barriers, and a little extra patience when working downtown.

Another challenge, and one that many downtown visitors have noticed, is the presence of vagrants in the area. Unfortunately, this is just a fact of modern life. Like many urban centers, San Antonio has seen an increase in homelessness. While most individuals are harmless, it’s something to be aware of when planning a shoot downtown. The city continues to work on solutions, and the upcoming revitalization projects may help create a more welcoming environment for everyone.

Despite these obstacles, downtown San Antonio remains an incredible place for photography. The character, history, and architectural beauty make it a location that’s hard to match. Milam Park, in particular, offers a balance of nature and city vibes, giving families a unique and personal backdrop for their portraits.

Why Choose Downtown for Your Next Photo Session?

If you’re considering a downtown San Antonio family session, don’t let the construction and city life deter you. The vibrant energy, historic charm, and variety of locations make it a fantastic choice. You simply can’t find locations like La Villita, the River Walk, or Milam Park anywhere else in San Antonio. Plus, supporting local businesses and embracing the beauty of downtown helps keep San Antonio’s history alive.

And if you live in the area, my neighborhood discount program is a great way to celebrate your own corner of the city. Whether it’s Milam Park, San Pedro Creek, or one of the many other colorful spots downtown, there’s no shortage of incredible backdrops waiting to be captured.

Enjoy the images and I will have more photo adventures for you next week!

______________________________________________________________________

If you found this article on ‘A Milam Park Family Portrait’ useful, then check out my other family portrait articles here:

Are you interested in scheduling a family portrait in San Antonio? Drop me a line and let’s chat about how I can help you. I have hourly rates, and all photo shoots include editing and high-resolution files.

To view more images from my family photography portfolio, please visit my website – KellyWilliamsPhotographer.com