Blog Posts - Austin Senior Photographer | Stephanie Friedman Photography

Lakewood Park in Leander – Family Photo Session

by admin | Dec 21, 2025 | family, photography

Sculpture Garden Trail | Austin Family Photography

Last year for their holiday photo session, I met up with this family at Mayfield Park.

mayfield park family photo session austin, texas

This year, we met up at Lakewood Park in Leander (the site of their family photos two years ago).

We made sure to revisit some of our favorite pieces of art on the hiking trail.

sculpture garden trail in leander texas family photo session by stephanie friedman photography

If you live in Austin and are also interested in having your Family Photo Session at the Sculpture Garden Trail at Lakewood Park in Leander, check out my tips below.

Tips for Family Photo Sessions at Lakewood Park:

This 125-acre park has lots of great spots to explore. I recommend parking near the kayak rental area for easy access to the Sculpture Garden Trail.
Make sure to also walk over to the dock to get some water views.
There are restrooms by the pavillion and the kayak rentals.
The Sculpture Garden Trail has calls for new artwork on occasion so keep an eye out for new rotating pieces.
Lakewood Park also has a skatepark, splash pad, playground, volleyball courts (and more) – so expect crowds on nice weekends.
If we’ll be exploring all over the park, bring a pair of comfortable shoes to wear for all the walking between different locations.

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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 photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more portrait sessions on my blog.

Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Sisters Shared Senior Photos – UT Graduation Session

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University of Texas at Austin College Photo Session | Austin Senior Photographer When planning a University of Texas college photo session, I tell my Graduating Seniors to pick their top three-four anchor locations on campus. Then we'll plan the flow of their session...

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Family Photo Session Games for Kids

by admin | Dec 12, 2025 | family, photography

List of Fun Games to Play at your Photo Session | Austin Family Photographer

It’s rare that a toddler will want to stay still for long at a family photo session. Or maybe they fell asleep in the car on the way to the session and needs some time to warm up first.

So, I like to have a variety of games and prompts in my back pocket. This keeps things moving and the expressions natural.

Ten Games and Prompts to use at your Family Photo Session

family photo session in austin, texas

1) Walk & Talk – Not so much a game, but a prompt. I consider this suggestion “easy mode” as a way to get family members interacting with each other and moving. You can also upgrade this to a “silly bump walk” where the family members have to bump hips (gently) as they walk towards you.

kid running under a blanket at a family photo session at a park in austin by stephanie friedman photography

2) Run under a blanket – Not every kid will want to play this game. But, it’s another fun activity to get kids moving around. And you’ll get genuine smiles as they race towards you. Though maybe save this suggestion for the end of your session in case you want to keep the energy more chill.

family playing the telephone game at photo session in austin

3) Telephone game – This secret sharing game gets the family all snuggled close together and interacting with each other as they play.

siblings at a family photo session

4) Fart Machine – sometimes you just have to bring out the potty humor. I have a remote controlled fart machine that gets kids giggling. Just make sure each kid gets a turn holding the remote.

family photo session with dog at austin park

5) Run and Surprise – Kids love this game! Just warn them not to knock over their parents. You can have the kids run up to hug their parents from the front or the back. You can also mix it up and have the Parents run up from behind to surprise their kids. I love the interactions I get from this prompt.

kid in flowers at family photo session in austin

6) Peek-a-boo – Have the kid hide in some greenery and pop up to surprise you for your camera.

holiday family photo session at mueller southwest greenway park in east austin by stephanie friedman photography

7) Climb up – Again, more of a prompt than a game – kids like it when you have them higher up than their parents for photos.

family photo session with dog in austin by stephanie friedman photography

8) “Everyone look at X…” game. Take turns with everyone looking at and loving on one person in the family at the time. Definitely include the dog.

father and daugher at family photo session

9) Give Nose kisses and cheek kisses – This is another prompt to keep families close and connecting during their photo session.

10) Have a dance party – encourage the kids to jump and dance around while you take their photos. You can also have the kids twirl under their parents arms.

And if you want even more games to try, consider:

Simon Says – make one of the kids Simon so they can tell their parents what to do. You can also rename Simon Says to one of the Kid’s Names Says.
Tickle Time – pay attention to make sure the kids are having fun, not everyone wants to be tickled. You can also have the kids tickle the parents.
“Superman” flight – have one parent lift a kid up in the air (or hang them upside down)
Ring-around-the-rosie – have the kids spinning and circling around together
Follow the Leader – have the youngest lead the family in a line
Hot Potato – pick a topic and have the family take turns naming as many different types of that topic until they run out (easy ones to suggest are colors, fruit, sports). If you know what the kids are into – you can also do something more specific like “name Minecraft block types” or “name Pokemons”
Piggy back or shoulder rides – get the youngest up in the air

family of four plus their pet dog at mueller greenway park in east austin for a holiday family photo session with stephanie friedman photography

Making a Family Photo Session feel more like a playdate in the park is one of my goals as an Austin Family Photographer.

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Please contact me if you’d like to book your own Family photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more photo sessions on my blog.

Client Advice and Feedback

What prompted you to have this photo session? Time is a thief and it’s important to us to capture these moments with our kids before we blink and they’re off to college.
What do you plan to do with your digital photos? Refresh our photos in our house and include them on a holiday card that we send to family and friends.
How did you choose your location for your session? A setting with options in nature is important to us. We like to give our kids space to be themselves and also allow our dog to be in the family pictures.
What advice would you give to others planning a similar Family photo session? Relax, as much as you can and go with the flow. Trust in your photographer to make the most of the moments and just enjoy the moment. Also, bribes work really well with kids and pets!
Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie is absolutely wonderful to work with. She’s organized, brings positive energy and has a lot of tricks up her sleeve to help the kiddos feel comfortable.

stephanie friedman headshot

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.

Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Tips for a Photo Session at the Blanton Museum Courtyard

by admin | Dec 7, 2025 | family, photography

Tips for Photo Sessions in the Blanton Museum Courtyard | Austin Family Photographer

One of my favorite locations to recommend for Senior and Family Photo Sessions is the Blanton Museum Courtyard.

This artistic and colorful setting is on the University of Texas campus in Central Austin.

Renovated in 2023, this space is full of interesting backdrops like the petal sculptures, the green mural and the Ellworth Kelly “Austin” building (that was opened to the public in 2018).

Austin families are so lucky to have such a fun spot to explore. ♥

ellsworth kelly austin building in family photo session

If you’d also like to have a Family or Senior photo session in the Blanton Museum Courtyard, here are my Top 5 Tips below:

PARKING: I always recommend paying for parking at the Brazos Garage on MLK and then walking over.
LOCATIONS: There are so many interesting and colorful backgrounds in this one small area. I love that you can see the Texas Capitol peeking from behind when you are seated under the Petals sculptures. Don’t forget about the alphabet mural on the backside of the Museum as well. ***If you want to take any photos inside the Museum itself, The Blanton is not available for professional photoshoots inside the museum at this time. They also have some lovely landscaping to get some close-up greenery shots.
WARDROBE: You’ll be surrounded by some bright, vivid colors, so keep that in mind when planning your outfits.
SCHEDULE: Double check the Blanton’s Events page and the University of Texas Football schedule to make sure you won’t have conflicts. Also the Museum is closed on Mondays if you want the Courtyard when it’s least crowded. Or aim for UT Student holiday breaks.
EAT & STAY FOR THE ART: End your photo session with a visit inside the Museum to appreciate the art. Also, their French Cafe will be open starting in 2026. But other great restaurants nearby to make a night of it (that the Museum recommends) include:

Scholz Garten
Gabriel’s Café at AT&T Hotel — show day-of museum ticket or wristband for 10% off starters
Goodall’s at Hotel Ella
Otopia Rooftop at The Otis Hotel
Texas Chili Parlor
Clay Pit
Veracruz All Natural (located in Travis County Civil and Family Courts Facility)
Arturo’s Underground Café

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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 photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more photo sessions on my blog.

stephanie friedman headshot

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.

Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Holiday Photo Gift Guide

by admin | Dec 6, 2025 | photography

Creative Custom Photo Gift Ideas for the Holidays | Austin Photographer

The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to turn your recent photo session into something meaningful and memorable. Custom photo gifts are thoughtful, personal, and fun.

Besides framed prints and photo albums, here are some creative ideas of different things you can make.

Top Custom Photo Gift Ideas

1. Ideas for the Kitchen

Perfect for the home cooks, entertainers, and food lovers in your life. Add a photo to:

pot holders
wine bottles
aprons
placemats
dish towels

A practical gift becomes extra special with a favorite pet photo front and center.

custom photo gift potholder

2. Holiday specific ideas

Make the holiday season feel extra special with these festive custom photo touches:

photo wrapping paper
holiday ornaments
holiday card
holiday scented candles

These extra details turn the season into something even more magical.

custom photo wrapping paper gift guide idea

3. Wearable Photo gifts

If you want a memorable and playful present, wearable items are always a hit:

custom photo socks
custom ties
personalized t-shirts
baby onesies

These gifts are fun, lighthearted, and guaranteed to get laughs (or happy tears).

custom photo socks

4. Photo gifts for Game Lovers

Know someone who loves games or sports? Try one of these creative options:

photo golf ball
custom playing cards
photo puzzles

custom photo golf ball

5. Edible Photo Gifts

For the foodie or sweet-toothed friend, try edible treats with a custom twist:

bag of coffee
candy with your face
photo cookies

Delicious—and unforgettable.

custom photo coffee bag

A simple search will lead you to these ideas, but some sites that offer a lot of different custom photo gift options include:

These sites offer everything from simple stocking stuffers to premium custom items.

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From small stocking stuffers to the white elephant exchange, add some extra fun into your gift giving this year. The best holiday gifts are meaningful and personalized to the recipient.

These custom gifts need extra lead time, so get your holiday ordering done early this season.

Happy creating!

stephanie friedman headshot

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.

Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Posing Sequence for Family Photo Sessions

by admin | Dec 5, 2025 | family, photography

Posing Tips for your Family Photo Session | Austin Family Photographer

When you hire me as your Austin Family Photographer, I’ll walk you through your photo session with posing instructions and prompts. Then you never have to wonder “What do I do with my hands?“

family of five at mueller greenway park for photo session

Here is my general posing sequence I like to follow:

Family Posing Sequence

*First Location, Everyone Standing*

Whole Family together
Just parents
All siblings together
Each kid individually

Since I like to focus on connection and warmth in my family photo sessions, I’ll also instruct everyone to hug or hold onto the person next to them.

three siblings in flower garden for family photos in austin, texas by stephanie friedman photography

Then, I’ll move us to another location and repeat the sequence but with everyone sitting.

*Second Location, Everyone Sitting*

Whole Family together
Just parents
All siblings together
Each kid individually

After that sequence, in the second half of the session, I’ll add in some candids and more creative and/or silly poses. I’ll also do some other family combinations like Mom + the kids and Dad + the kids.

Each family is different and some are more responsive than others to less posed images.

siblings holding their sister up during a family photo session

Take a look at some of my gallery images below and check off how many different variations I got for this Family Photo Session at Mueller Southwest Greenway Park in East 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 Family photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more photo sessions on my blog.

Client Feedback and Advice

What prompted you to have this photo session? We like to have family pictures taken annually to capture a moment in time with our three kids as they grow and change.
What do you plan to do with your digital photos?We will create holiday cards to send to friends and family, as well as print some out for our family photo wall.
How did you choose your location for your session? We like to mix things up year to year with both natural and urban settings. The Mueller Southwest Greenway is centrally located and had a great mix of native plants, water areas, and art sculptures sprinkled in.
What advice would you give to others planning a similar Family photo session? I like to create a Pinterest board to pull together clothing ideas and see how they look together. In spite of my planning, we still had a couple items that did not arrive in time and had to pivot at the last minute. I think it worked out ok though!
Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie is a pro! She is positive, encouraging, flexible, and funny. I am always amazed that she can get everyone to authentically smile – even sometimes together!

stephanie friedman headshot

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.

Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Sculpture Garden Trail | Austin Family Photography

Tips for Family Photo Sessions at Lakewood Park:

Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

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List of Fun Games to Play at your Photo Session | Austin Family Photographer

Ten Games and Prompts to use at your Family Photo Session

And if you want even more games to try, consider:

Client Advice and Feedback

Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

More From This Category

Tips for Photo Sessions in the Blanton Museum Courtyard | Austin Family Photographer

If you’d also like to have a Family or Senior photo session in the Blanton Museum Courtyard, here are my Top 5 Tips below:

Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

More From This Category

Creative Custom Photo Gift Ideas for the Holidays | Austin Photographer

Top Custom Photo Gift Ideas

1. Ideas for the Kitchen

2. Holiday specific ideas

3. Wearable Photo gifts

4. Photo gifts for Game Lovers

5. Edible Photo Gifts

Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

More From This Category

Posing Tips for your Family Photo Session | Austin Family Photographer

Family Posing Sequence

Client Feedback and Advice

Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

More From This Category

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