Blanton Museum Family Photos | Austin Family Photographer
Blanton Museum Courtyard Holiday Photos: Tips From an Austin Family Photographer
Looking for a colorful, modern spot for your family photos in Austin? The Blanton Museum of Art courtyard on the UT campus is one of my favorites. It was renovated in 2023, and now it has bright petal sculptures, a big colorful mural, and a view of the Texas Capitol, all in one easy-to-walk space.
As an Austin family photographer, I’ve photographed families here and know just how to plan a smooth session. Here are my top tips.
1. Where to Park for Your Blanton Museum Photo Session
The easiest option is the Brazos Garage on MLK. It’s paid parking, and it’s a short walk to the courtyard. I suggest parking a few minutes early so nobody is rushing (especially little ones).
2. The Best Spots for Family Photos at the Blanton
The courtyard packs a lot of variety into a small space, so we can get several different looks without walking far.
- The petal sculptures: Stand under them with the Texas Capitol behind you. This is the shot most families come for.
- The colorful alphabet mural: On the back of the museum, it makes a fun, bright background for kids.
- The landscaping and walkways: Perfect for natural, candid shots of your family walking and playing together.
- Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin”: This artist-designed building opened in 2018, and its outside adds a clean, modern look. I love using all four sides of it during a family photo session.
Good to know: The Blanton doesn’t allow professional photo sessions inside the museum, so we’ll stay outside in the courtyard. See the Blanton FAQs for their full rules.
3. What to Wear for Colorful Family Photos
The courtyard is bright and full of color, so lean into it. Solid colors and fun pops of color look great next to the petals and mural. Pick two or three colors that work together, and avoid busy logos or tiny patterns.
Need help planning outfits? I give suggestions to every family with what to wear before their session.
4. Best Time to Schedule Family Photos at the Blanton
This is a busy part of campus, so timing matters.
- Check the calendars: Look at the Blanton events calendar and the UT football schedule before picking a date.
- Try a Monday: The museum is closed on Mondays, so the courtyard is usually much quieter.
- University of Texas holiday breaks: When students are away, campus is calmer and parking is easier.
5. Make a Day of It: See the Art and Grab a Bite
After your session, stay and enjoy the museum’s galleries. A French café, Cafe Fleurs de Nuit, is set to open at the Blanton in late 2026.
Still hungry? Here are some other nearby favorite restaurants:
- Scholz Garten
- Gabriel’s Café at the AT&T Hotel
- Goodall’s at Hotel Ella
- Otopia Rooftop at The Otis Hotel
- Texas Chili Parlor
- Clay Pit
- Veracruz All Natural
- Arturo’s Underground Café
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you take professional photos inside the Blanton Museum?
No. The Blanton doesn’t allow professional photo sessions inside the museum, but the outdoor courtyard has plenty of great spots.
Where do you park for photos at the Blanton Museum?
The Brazos Garage on MLK is the closest paid parking, about a short walk to the courtyard.
When is the Blanton courtyard least crowded?
Mondays, when the museum is closed, and during UT holiday breaks.
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Client Feedback & Advice
- What prompted you to have this photo session? I joke that we are on the every 2.5 years family photo schedule! Now that both my kids are taller than me it was time for another set of family photos.
- What do you plan to do with your digital photos? Hopefully knock out Christmas cards, which I manage to send out about every 3 years…
- How did you choose your location for your session? I like to alternate between more urban and natural settings, and it was time for a more urban setting and I really love the grounds at the Blanton so I thought that would be fun.
- What advice would you give to others planning a similar Family photo session? Don’t put a sweater to dewrinkle in the steam setting in the dryer 15 minutes before you leave unless you want to wear a damp sweater for your photos!
- Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie is so easy and fun to work with. I really appreciate that she’s so prepared with a wagon full of things, this year it was unseasonably hot for our “fall” photo shoot and she saved us with fans and water.
Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.
During all that, she’s been photographing Families and Seniors for the last 10 years. You can count on her to be communicative and organized before your session. She’ll help you feel relaxed and confident during your session. And you’ll have a smile on your face after your session once you see your new photos.
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