So you live in the south part of Austin*, and you’re wondering, “Where should I go for my family photo session?”
Things I consider when scouting a location:
- How scenic is the landscape? (natural or urban)
- Can we find a variety of backgrounds?
- What’s the comfort level for families? (i.e. bathrooms available, free parking, safe for little kids to explore, easy to get to)
- Is it often crowded?
- What season does the location looks best? (great for wildflowers? or fall color?)
- Where’s the best light in the morning vs. the evening?
Here are my Top 5 favorite spots I recommend to my families who live down South:
Butler Park: 1000 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Features: Downtown skyline, pond, fountain, walking paths
Parking: Small lot (gets full on weekends)
Bathroom: yes
Kid-friendly: yes
Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2017/12/11/heather-carsyn-holiday-portrait-session-2/
—
Long Center: 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704
Features: interesting architecture, downtown views
Parking: Pay garage
Bathroom: no
Kid-friendly: yes
Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2017/10/02/wonder-woman-carsyn-halloween-portrait-session/
—
Common Ford Ranch: 614 N Commons Ford Rd, Austin, TX 78733
Features: Lakefront park, fishing dock, walking trails, old barn
Parking: lot
Bathroom: port-a-potty
Kid-friendly: yes
Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2016/12/14/the-t-family-holiday-portrait-session/
—
Circle C trails: 6301 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78739
Features: trails, water, wildflowers in Spring
Parking: lot
Bathroom: yes- but closer to the sports fields, not the trails
Kid-friendly: yes
Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2017/06/21/the-b-family-summer-portrait-session/
—
Lady Bird Lake: 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 (address for Zach Scott Theater which has parking lot nearby)
Features: hiking trail, bridges, water (can canoe, kayak, SUP), wildflowers in Spring
Parking: street parking
Bathroom: yes
Kid-friendly: yes
Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2016/04/13/the-catania-family-spring-portrait-session/
—-