Mueller Southwest Greenway – Spring Family Photos

Mueller Southwest Greenway – Spring Family Photos

Spring Wildflowers, being a rocket ship, and “Graduation” portraits

For this Springtime Family Portrait Session, the mom requested wildflowers and a way to document the end of Elementary School and Middle School for her two kids.

spring family photo session wildflowers at mueller southwest greenway park in austin, texas

After driving around my favorite wildflower patches in Austin, we selected Mueller Southwest Greenway’s Butterfly Garden as our location.

spring photo session austin texasspring family photo session mueller park

Each kid got their solo shots to document their graduating milestone.

And then we recreated a photo from their last photo session to cap off our time together.

rocket ship photo family

Tips for Photo Sessions at Mueller Southwest Greenway:

  • I like to suggest we meet at the Butterfly Garden – the rocketship makes a great landmark to find each other
  • March, April and May usually have a rotating variety of abundant wildflowers
  • There’s also a small pond with rocks you can visit during your session
  • Keep an eye out for wildlife (bugs to reptiles) in the park and wear closed-toed shoes

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Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Family session in Austin, Texas. Explore more family sessions on my blog.

  1. What prompted you to have this photo session? Apparently, we are on an “every 2.5 year” schedule for family photos! With both kids “graduating” this spring (from middle school and elementary school), it felt like a time of milestones that we wanted to capture.
  2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? Good question. We’ll definitely get some printed to hang around the house. The kids will probably also use their solo shots for some graduation activities at school. If we get our act together, I may actually send out holiday cards later this year with these photos as well.
  3. How did you choose your location for your session? We hadn’t taken family photos in the spring in a very long time, so having some wildflowers in the shots was paramount. Stephanie offered to scout locations with good flowers for us which we were happy to take her up on. We landed on an area of the Mueller development that I wouldn’t have thought of which was lovely and convenient for us.
  4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? Let your kids be themselves (within reason). With my 11 YO who doesn’t love getting dressed up and doing photo shoots, we let him bring a little of his own silliness into the photos which he seems to enjoy. Last time it was having a popped collar for some of the shots, this time he insisted on wearing his athletic sunglasses. We also re-took a silly photo of us holding him up for the second time which I think is now going to turn into a tradition every time we do family photos… not sure we’ll be able to lift him in a few years though! 😛
  5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie is such a fantastic human to work with! As Jason said at the shoot, she takes care of everything, makes it fun but is also very efficient with time which my family definitely appreciates.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

More From This Category

Mueller Southwest Greenway – Spring Family Photos

Mueller Southwest Greenway – Spring Family Photos

Spring Wildflowers, being a rocket ship, and "Graduation" portraits For this Springtime Family Portrait Session, the mom requested wildflowers and a way to document the end of Elementary School and Middle School for her two kids. After driving around my favorite...

read more

Butler Park & Ladybird Lake Trails – Senior Photo Session

Butler Park & Ladybird Lake Trails – Senior Photo Session

Butler Park skyline views, Running around Ladybird Lake and Celebrating Graduation

I always ask my graduating Seniors in Austin, Texas if they’d like to incorporate some of their hobbies into their Senior Photo Session.

runner ladybird lake town lake austin texas lone star boat tour water

This University of Texas Senior loves running around Ladybird Lake (aka Town Lake) so we made sure to get some images in one of her favorite parts of town.

college senior photo session holding running shoes around ladybird lake trails in austin texas

If you’re also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at Butler Park and around the Ladybird Lake Trails, check out my essential tips below.

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions around Ladybird Lake:

  • You have several entry points as options for Trail photos – around Austin High School, near Zachary Scott Theater and near Butler Park are my top 3 favorites
  • If you like the Butler Park area, pay for parking at the Long Center and walk over
  • We can get a combination of skyline views from Butler Park as well as nature and water backdrops near the Lake
  • I’ll make sure to check local event calendars to make sure there aren’t any large event conflicts during your session date and time

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Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Senior session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior sessions like Maddie’s on my blog.

  1. What prompted you to have this photo session? Graduating is always a big deal, but I didn’t really get to celebrate my high school graduation as it was during the Covid era, so I really wanted to try and commemorate my college graduation. I wanted to have nice photos to look back on and also use for my announcements! 
  2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos?I plan on using them for my announcments and for the obligatory instagram grad post, of course. I will also end up using on of the photos for my LinkedIn profile. 
  3. How did you choose your location for your session? I have really fallen in love with running and with Austin over the past year, and Lady Bird Lake has become a comfort place for me- so it only seemed right to take these photos here. 
  4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? Trust in the weather to cooperate as long as it isn’t raining! And for this location, take note of the events happening on the same day, we got lucky with empty-ish spaces to shoot but it was definitely more packed than normal, even for an Austin weekend! 
  5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? She was amazing to work with. So sweet and full of energy, she got me pumped up to shoot these photos when the weather had been concerning me. She made me feel like a hundred bucks and I’m so grateful that she was recommended to us, truly such a considerate and talented photographer. I’m so excited to see the photos! 

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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Mueller Southwest Greenway – Spring Family Photos

Mueller Southwest Greenway – Spring Family Photos

Spring Wildflowers, being a rocket ship, and "Graduation" portraits For this Springtime Family Portrait Session, the mom requested wildflowers and a way to document the end of Elementary School and Middle School for her two kids. After driving around my favorite...

read more

Tennis – Sports Photo Session

Tennis – Sports Photo Session

Does your child have a favorite sport you want to document with a photo session? 

For students of any age, you can schedule a Sports-themed Portrait Session. (The pricing is the same as a Senior Session).

This High School Junior met me on the Tennis courts for her Sports Photo Session.

girls' face shown through a tennis court net austin texas high school photo session

All sports are an option: basketball, football, softball, baseball, track, cross-country, cheer, tennis, soccer, archery, water polo, swimming, volleyball, golf, lacrosse, etc.

shadow of tennis raquet and tennis balls during sports themed photo session in austin, texas

If you’re also interested in booking a Sports Photo Session for your child, check out my essential tips below:

Tips for Sports Themed Photo Sessions in Austin, Texas

  • We’ll work together to find the best court or field for your session (I may need your help getting access if we use your school’s facilities)
  • Make sure you have all your sports equipment clean and ready
  • Decide if you want to be in uniform or just athletic clothes
  • Be ready for candid action shots as well as posed images

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Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Sports session in Austin, Texas. Explore more photo sessions on my blog.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

More From This Category

Mueller Southwest Greenway – Spring Family Photos

Mueller Southwest Greenway – Spring Family Photos

Spring Wildflowers, being a rocket ship, and "Graduation" portraits For this Springtime Family Portrait Session, the mom requested wildflowers and a way to document the end of Elementary School and Middle School for her two kids. After driving around my favorite...

read more

Seaholm District – Austin High School Senior Photos

Seaholm District – Austin High School Senior Photos

Exploring Downtown Austin, Walking the Butterfly Bridge and Dealing with lots of wind

I always do a weather and text check-in with my High School Seniors (and their parent) the day of their photo session. This makes it easy for them to find my contact info in their phone if they have last-minute questions.

For this Senior, my day-of text message to them said “Pack a Hairbrush – it’s going to be windy!”

wind blown senior hair on the butterfly bridge in austin, texas for cap and gown senior photo session

Thankfully, her mom was on hand to do hair touch-ups in the different spots we explored around the Seaholm District and Downtown Austin near the Central Library.

high school senior spring blossoms tree photos

Some spots were definitely less windy than others – like this beautiful green ivy wall.

green ivy wall high school senior photo session austin

If you’re also interested in having your Senior Photo Session in the Seaholm District, check out my essential tips below.

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions in the Seaholm District in Austin, Texas

  • It can get crowded with other photo sessions at peak times (weekend evenings in Spring and Fall) – so pick off times if possible.
  • Garage parking is available at the Central Library or Trader Joe’s nearby (Trader Joe’s will validate your parking with purchase)
  • Have a spotter when you’re taking photos on the Butterfly Bridge and be ready to get out of the way fast if cars are coming
  • Make sure to capture the mix of greenery, artwork and industrial buildings
  • If your clients need a place to change or restrooms, the Austin Central Library is right there (if your session is during their open hours)
  • Make a plan to eat downtown after your session, there are lots of great restaurants within walking distance

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Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Senior session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior sessions like Lauren’s on my blog.

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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Mueller Southwest Greenway – Spring Family Photos

Mueller Southwest Greenway – Spring Family Photos

Spring Wildflowers, being a rocket ship, and "Graduation" portraits For this Springtime Family Portrait Session, the mom requested wildflowers and a way to document the end of Elementary School and Middle School for her two kids. After driving around my favorite...

read more

Commons Ford Ranch – Wildflower Senior Pictures

Commons Ford Ranch – Wildflower Senior Pictures

Spring wildflowers, celebrating Senior year and a view of the river from the dock

If you book your High School Senior Photo Session in Austin in March, April or May, there’s a good chance you can have a backdrop of Spring wildflowers in your photos.

texas bluebonnets and red indian paintbrush wildflowers in a south austin senior photo session at commons ford ranch

Since that was this Senior’s request, I went on some wildflower location scouting trips. Finding a nice patch of bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrush there, I suggested Commons Ford Ranch in South Austin for her location.

high school senior photo session water dock commons ford ranch

If you’re also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at Commons Ford Ranch, check out my essential tips below.

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions at Commons Ford Ranch

  • It can get crowded with other photo sessions at peak times (weekend evenings in Spring and Fall) – so pick off times if possible.
  • It’s about a 10 minute walk from the parking lot to the Lakefront area – make sure to wear or bring comfortable shoes for walking between locations 
  • The Lakefront area can be a popular party area – keep an eye out for stray beer cans in your frame and you might have to wait your turn on the dock. (We had some lovely fisherman move out of the way so we could get the angle and shots we wanted)
  • Lots of wildlife call this park their home. If you are going to be in the tall grass, wear cowboy boots or pants as one of your three outfit options.
  • Springtime wildflowers can be spectacular – peak blooms are usually in March, April and May. Winter has some lovely golden dry grass as well.
  • Enjoy the beautiful and peaceful scenery just 25 minutes away from downtown Austin

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Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Senior session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior sessions like Lanie’s on my blog.

  1. What prompted you to have this photo session? I wanted to have this photo session because I am a senior and wanted to have pictures done, not just to put on graduation cards & that sort of thing but also to memorialize this time in my life. I think it will be fun to look back and see how I looked as a senior in high school when I am older.
  2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? I plan to post some to my personal instagram account, send some to relatives and put one on a graduation card.
  3. How did you choose your location for your session? I chose Commons Ford because I really wanted something natural. I felt like an urban setting wouldn’t really match my personalty; I love Austin nature and wanted to be photographed in it. I also wanted to have wildflowers in my photos and I heard from a friend (plus Stephanie scouted it out for me) that the wildflowers there were pretty.
  4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? Make sure you look at the forecast beforehand! I didn’t realize it would be so cloudy on the day I picked; I hoped the sky would be bluer. That said, I think my photos still turned out well. Also, go in with a specific vision and don’t be afraid to communicate that!
  5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie was so sweet; I liked her immediately. She made me feel very comfortable, which was good since I don’t love being photographed. She also was very prepared, she had everything from double-sided tape to hairspray to props. She made posing feel natural and it wasn’t awkward at all. My mom and I enjoyed chatting with her, her happy manner and her expertise behind the camera!

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

More From This Category

Mueller Southwest Greenway – Spring Family Photos

Mueller Southwest Greenway – Spring Family Photos

Spring Wildflowers, being a rocket ship, and "Graduation" portraits For this Springtime Family Portrait Session, the mom requested wildflowers and a way to document the end of Elementary School and Middle School for her two kids. After driving around my favorite...

read more

Long Center – Austin High School Senior Pics

Long Center – Austin High School Senior Pics

All the world’s a stage, rain break, and graduation cap and gown

Even though I always check the Events Page of the location before setting a date for a session, you still get surprises.

Like when I walked up to the Long Center Rotunda before a High School Senior photo session and saw an exercise class happening.

long center exercise class

This Senior’s family was so sweet and flexible. So, when we learned the exercise class would be wrapping up 30 minutes into our session, we rolled with it.

I started taking photos around the edges first – making sure to get some shots of this Theater kid on the 3-D printed stage.

cap and gown senior on 3-D printed stage at the Long Center in Downtown Austin, Texas

Then it started to rain. Which meant the exercise class ended early. And we could wait for breaks in the rain to get the classic “skyline reflected in the windows” image. (Note the raindrops on the ground)

rainy senior photo session austin

Thankfully the rain didn’t last long, so we were able to finish out the Senior Pictures in all my favorite spots (including the rooftop of the parking garage).

class of 2024 high school senior photo session

If you’re also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at the Long Center, check out my essential tips below.

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions at the Long Center

  • EVENTS: Check the Long Center events page first to ensure there won’t be a conflict with your session date (though be ready to be flexible if a surprise event IS happening)
  • PARKING: Long Center Garage has ample parking (as well as lots of great backdrops)
  • TIME OF DAY: I prefer “just before sunset” golden hour sessions to get the best light on the Austin Skyline in the background
  • LOCATIONS: I usually start at the Long Center Rotunda (love all the architectural details and color palette), and then either move towards the parking garage rooftop for an urban vibe or go towards Butler Park for a nature setting
  • OUTFIT CHANGES: Be prepared to change outfits in your car in case the Long Center is closed to visitors during your session.

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Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Senior session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior sessions like Naomi’s on my blog.

  1. What prompted you to have this photo session? Our daughter saw your work featured on a friend’s IG page and loved her photos.  We reached out because it was exactly the kind of photos she wanted (Leigh). 
  2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? We will have prints made of a few of the ones we really love to display in our home and make the others into a photo book that will include other photos from Naomi’s childhood and high school years (Leigh). I plan to use the photos for my graduation invitations, my school’s yearbook, and to print them so we can hang some in our house (Naomi). 
  3. How did you choose your location for your session? Naomi was in the Nutcracker in elementary school and  is involved with select ensemble now. Both performances took place at the Long Center so it has significance for her (Leigh). I choose the Long Center to have my session at because the Long Center is a significant place to me, as I’ve performed there mulitple times for different events throughout my life (Naomi).
  4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? Take the time to think about locations that are important and wearing outfits that you won’t regret 10-20 years from now:).  Also, it’s hard to control the weather.  We knew we wanted the Long Center and were just wanted to make sure it wasn’t going to be 100 degrees in Austin yet (Leigh). My piece of advice to others is don’t be afraid to ask questions, strike poses, and voice your opinion, these photos are for you! (Naomi).
  5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie made the entire process very easy and worked really well with Naomi.  Your communication leading up to and after the shoot about what to expect was also super appreciated!  (Leigh). Working with Stephanie was an absolute delight. She’s super friendly and open to all ideas. 10/10 experience!! (Naomi).

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

More From This Category

Mueller Southwest Greenway – Spring Family Photos

Mueller Southwest Greenway – Spring Family Photos

Spring Wildflowers, being a rocket ship, and "Graduation" portraits For this Springtime Family Portrait Session, the mom requested wildflowers and a way to document the end of Elementary School and Middle School for her two kids. After driving around my favorite...

read more