University of Texas – Blanton Museum Courtyard – Family Session

University of Texas – Blanton Museum Courtyard – Family Session

Art on campus, bright colors and exploring the Capitol Mall grounds

The last time I photographed this family, we went to Waterloo Greenway Park for a fall photo session.

This year, we went to the University of Texas, Blanton Museum Courtyard area. I love the vibrant colors – especially the greens and yellows we used as backdrops.

child standing under the Petals sculptures at the Blanton Museum

Tips for Photo Sessions around the Blanton Museum

  • Make sure to check the Blanton Museum events calendar before you book and the University of Texas home football game schedule
  • Garage parking is available at the Brazos Garage on MLK next door
  • The Museum is closed on Mondays – so the area is the least crowded then (or go when the University of Texas students are on a school break)
  • Let your clients know how colorful the backdrops are if they want to go vibrant with their outfits
  • If you want to take any photos inside the Museum, permission is required

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session.

1. What prompted you to have this photo session? Each fall, we schedule family photo session with Stephanie for our holiday cards.  Our son went to preschool with Stephanie’s sons and she’s been taking our pictures since he was 3. 

2. How did you choose your location for your session? Stephanie always has great suggestions – we try to alternate outdoorsy and more urban locations.  Stephanie suggested the Blanton and it was perfect!

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? Go with the flow. Our now 13-year old who was always happy to smile for the pictures and was incredibly easy at photo sessions.  This year, he was definitely 13 and only giving us occasional half-smiles, but Stephanie was wonderful about it.  I am sure I will look back at this year’s photos and remember the struggle that was age 13.  ?

4. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography?We LOVE taking our annual pictures with Stephanie!  She’s the best.

 

Interested in a photo session?

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Austin Winter Holiday Checklist

Austin Winter Holiday Checklist

Looking for fun Kid-Friendly ideas this Winter Holiday Season in Austin, Texas?

winter holiday idea list

I’ve got a list for you!

Print out or screenshot my checklist of favorites above and have a great time this month and next.

There’s light displays, holiday performances, and hands-on activites to enjoy. Some of the activities are free, while some have an entrance fee. Some are in Austin, while others are a short drive out of town. Most appeal to a wide range of ages. All of them should put you in a festive holiday mood (ugly Christmas sweaters are always optional to wear). 

 

Happy Holidays – now go out and have some fun!

Interested in booking a photo session?

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Blanton Museum & Capitol Mall – Family Session

Blanton Museum & Capitol Mall – Family Session

Blanton Museum Courtyard, Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin” and the Capitol Mall

The last time I photographed this family was at their house and in Pease Park before they left for an international adventure.

This year, we went to the University of Texas campus and took photos around the Blanton Museum.

ellsworth kelly austin family photo session

 Tips for Photo Sessions around the Blanton Museum

  • Make sure to check the Blanton Museum events calendar before you book and the University of Texas home football game schedule
  • Garage parking is available at the Brazos Garage on MLK next door
  • The Museum is closed on Mondays – so the area is the least crowded then (or go when the University of Texas students are on a school break)
  • Let your clients know how colorful the backdrops are if they want to go vibrant with their outfits
  • If you want to take any photos inside the Museum, permission is required

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session.

1. What prompted you to have this photo session? We needed family photos, and we love Stephanie’s style and approach. It is fun and creative, and the whole experience is made easy for the family. So well organized. 

2. How did you choose your location for your session? I was inspired by other families’ photoshoots and wanted to try something new. The location was close to our house, and Stephaine had good ideas on how to make it work with my wishes. 

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? If you follow the photographer’s prompts, it won’t go wrong. The emails are meant to help the family stay organized and get the most out of the expereince. It relieves the family of having to overthink or stress about the experience. 

Interested in a photo session?

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Seaholm District – Family Photo Session

Seaholm District – Family Photo Session

Urban backdrops, walking the Butterfly Bridge and street art

The last time I photographed this family was on the University of Texas campus for a holiday photo session.

This year, we went to the Seaholm District and had fun exploring the urban area.

walking the butterfly bridge in downtown austin for a family photo session

 Tips for Photo Sessions in the Seaholm District

  • 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 Central Library is right there
  • This part of town is popular with photo sessions, you may see at least a few while you’re downtown

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session.

1. What prompted you to have this photo session? We try to take photos every year especially since our children are changing so much.

2. How did you choose your location for your session? We chose Seaholm for the variety of backgrounds and urban feel.

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? Try to relax and enjoy it. Also I think next year we’re going to let our kids pick their clothes vs trying to match so they feel more comfortable and more authentic.

4. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie is wonderfully talented and unbelievably flexible. We had to reschedule several times and it was raining during our shoot!

 

Interested in a photo session?

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Tau Ceti Mural and Downtown Rooftop views – Family Session

Tau Ceti Mural and Downtown Rooftop views – Family Session

Tallest mural in Austin, skyline views and blue walls

The last time this family was in front of my camera was in the Seaholm District for a holiday photo session.

This year, the mom picked a different downtown location, the tallest mural in Austin, Tau Ceti, and the next door garage’s rooftop.

tau ceti mural family photo session

The Austin Convention Center parking garage rooftop has great downtown skyline views as well as some colorful blue corners.

downtown garage rooftop skyline austin texas

blue wall brothers photo session

Tips for Photo Sessions at the Tau Ceti Mural and Rooftop next door

  • Lots of folks will be taking photos in front of the Tau Ceti mural – be ready to wait your turn (and then go quickly if other people are waiting)
  • For the mural – shoot wide and get back to ensure more colors are viewable in your image
  • Then go to the Convention Center garage next door and take the elevator up to the roof
  • There may be other photo sessions up there – but it’s a large space with a variety of backgrounds (the buildings look best at sunset)
  • Encourage your clients to go eat nearby at the Fareground Food Hall after their session

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session.

1. What prompted you to have this photo session? We do family sessions every year.  For the last 4 years we have hired Stephanie, and she makes it so easy – scheduling, picking a location, sending me parking directions, it’s all so seamless . She even makes my (sometimes high strung) family feel relaxed. 

2. How did you choose your location for your session?  Always look to Stephanie for advice on locations. Some years we want nature settings, some years we want something more urban, but this year I could not pass up the Tau Ceti Mural. The vibrant colors are what hooked me. 

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? I like to pick a location, and then my outfit, and then the rest of the families. I aim to be coordinated, but not too matchy.

4. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? If you don’t already, follow her instagram! Not only does she post fun things to do around Austin, you can get a behind the scenes peek at what it takes to make photo sessions work, from location hunting, constantly monitoring the crazy Texas weather, and all the editing that makes the pictures look perfect. 

Interested in a photo session?

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