Blog Posts - Austin Senior Photographer | Stephanie Friedman Photography

Tips for a Senior Photo Session at Waterloo Greenway Park

by admin | Mar 29, 2026 | photography, seniors

Senior Portrait Sessions at Waterloo Park | Austin Senior Photographer

If you’d like a mix of urban and nature for your Senior Portrait Session, check out Waterloo Greenway Park.

This 11-acre greenspace is located in Downtown Austin near the state capitol building. Scenic sections include the Moody Amphitheater, native gardens and over 1.5 miles of trails. The park will also be expanding in the future.

map of waterloo greenway park in austin

If you’d like to have your Senior Portrait Session at Waterloo Greenway, check out my advice and recommendations below.

high school senior boy posing at waterloo greenway park in downtown austin

If you’d also like to have a photo session at Waterloo Park, here’s some information:

EVENTS CALENDAR: Check out their Events calendar in case of conflicts.
PARKING: There are meters for street parking (free after 6pm). I recommend the Capitol Visitor’s Parking Garage (parking is free for the first two hours unless there’s a special event)
OPERATING HOURS: The park is open from 5am-10pm.
LOCATIONS: I like to take photos behind and on the Moody Amphitheater stage. There are also lots of lovely gardens to explore. For younger kids, there are a few pieces of climbing equipment and a slide to play on.
RESTROOMS: There is a public restroom you can use to change outfits in.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS: If you’d like to go out for dinner after your photo session, some nearby options include the classic Texas Chili Parlor, the upscale Roaring Fork and Stubb’s BBQ.
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, as long as they are on leash.
WHAT TO BRING: It’s optional, but some prop ideas are listed HERE for Seniors.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Senior 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 at the University of Texas (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

Besides 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 Senior Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Sisters Shared Senior Photos – UT Graduation Session

May 7, 2026

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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Where to find Wildflowers in Austin

by admin | Mar 27, 2026 | Austin, wildflower

Best Wildflower Fields in Austin | Spring Locations

Spring wildflower season is my favorite time of year in Central Texas. It usually lasts from March to May. If you want to take photos in the flowers – check out my recommended Spring-time patches below.

Reminder: the blooms change from year to year – so subscribe to the Wildflower Center updates or follow the Texas Wildflower Report for the latest news.

Where are my favorite wildflower fields in and around Austin?

Spring wildflowers at Mueller Southwest Greenway Park

1) Mueller Southwest Greenway

Located in East Austin, this restored Texas blackland prairie has native plants, sculptures and pond access.

2501 Tom Miller St. ATX 78723

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, free to use, but expect crowds on Spring weekends.

Wildflower Center

2) Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Located in South Austin with over 900 native plant varieties. Several fields of wildflowers are grown across their gardens and meadows.

4801 La Crosse Ave. ATX 78739

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, but professional photography has a location cost of $100 (M-F) or $250 (after hours / weekends)

If there’s a “sure thing” for bluebonnet season, it’s the Wildflower Center in southwest Austin.

Brushy Creek Lake Park

3) Brushy Creek Lake Park

Located in Cedar Park (about 20 minutes from Central Austin), this 90-acre park has nature trails, lake views and lots of Spring wildflowers.

3300 Brushy Creek Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, free to use, but expect crowds on Spring weekends.

Pease Park wildflowers

4) Pease Park

Located in Central Austin, there is a wildflower field near the Live Oak Meadow.

1100 Kingsbury St. ATX 78703

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park. But keep an eye on their Events Page.

Commons Ford Ranch wildflowers

5) Commons Ford Ranch

Located in Southwest Austin, this 215 acre park has multiple fields of wildflowers. You can also explore their boat dock and rustic barn. Their flower season lasts into the start of summer with sunflowers blooming.

614 N. Commons Ford Rd, Austin, TX 78733

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park. Will be crowded on Spring weekends.

Northwest Park wildflowers

6) Northwest District Park

Located in Central Austin, this 31 acre park has a field of wildflowers near the bridge that backs up to Shoal Creek.

7000 Ardath St. Austin, TX 78757

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park.

Lady Bird Lake patch of wildflowers

7) Lady Bird Lake Trails

Located in South Austin, the trail around the water often has a mix of wilflowers including bluebonnets. I’ve found good patches by the Austin High School baseball fields.

AHS Baseball Fields

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park. You may have to pay to park nearby.

St. Edwards Park spring flowers

8) St. Edwards Park Greenbelt

Located in Northwest Austin, this 80-acre greenbelt park includes trails blanketed by wildflowers in certain years.

7301 Spicewood Springs Rd. ATX 78759

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park.

Waterloo Greenway garden

9) Waterloo Greenway Park

Located in Downtown Austin, this 1.5 mile park system includes a flowering butterfly garden filled with native plants.

500 E. 12th st. ATX 78701

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park. You may have to pay to park nearby. Also – keep an eye on their Events page.

wildflower meadow at mckinney falls state park in spring

10) McKinney Falls State Park

Located in Southeast Austin, this state park has a wildflower meadow that starts with bluebonnets and shifts to other wildflowers throughout the spring season.

5808 McKinney Falls Parkway 78744

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, though there is a fee to enter the park ($6/adult). Also check their Events page for possible conflicts.

Other Hill Country Flower Spots outside of Austin:

Poppies in Georgetown, TX

1) Red Poppies in Georgetown

Located 30 miles from Austin, the Red Poppy patches in Georgetown bloom in Spring. You can also visit their Red Poppy Festival at the end of April.

Various locations around town

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, but check by location.

2) Wildseed Farms

Located an hour and a half from Austin, this Fredericksburg farm has gardens to explore as well as a vinyard on site.

100 Legacy Drive, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, personal photography is allowed. Ask permission first for professional photo sessions. Their site also says they do charge an entrance fee during peak bloom times.

Sweet Eats Sunflower Fields

3) Sweet Eats Farm

Located in Georgetown, this farm has a multitude of activities to enjoy. They have a tulip field in February, pick your own flowers in May and a sunflower field in June and July.

14400 E. State Hwy 29, Georgetown, TX 78626

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, personal and professional photography is allowed provided you pay the admission fee.

4) Arnosky Family Farm

Located in Blanco, TX, visit this cut flower farm and garden. This farm in the Hill Country has blooms throughout the year (tulips, poppies, sunflowers and more).

13977 Farm to Market Rd 2325, Blanco, TX 78606

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, personal photography is allowed. Ask permission first for professional photo sessions.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Please contact me if you’d like to book your own Family or Senior Portrait session among the wildflowers. 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.

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 Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Zilker Botanical Gardens – Senior Photo Session

by admin | Mar 25, 2026 | photography, seniors

Tips for Portrait Sessions at Zilker Botanical Gardens | Austin Senior Photographer

If you’d like a year-round green space for a Senior Portrait Session, one photo location I recommend is Zilker Botanical Gardens.

This 28-acre botanical garden is located in South Austin in Zilker Park. Scenic sections include a Japanese Garden, a rose garden and shady walking trails.

map of zilker botanical garden location in austin

If you’d like to have your Senior Portrait Session at Zilker Botanical Gardens, check out my tips and recommendations below. (The ability to do a split in the Butler Window is optional)

senior photo session at zilker botanical gardens

If you’d also like to have a photo session at Zilker Botanical Gardens, here are my tips below:

LOCATION FEE: There is a $50 location fee for professional photo sessions at the Gardens. Sessions must end 30 minutes before the Garden closes and start two hours before that. So you may not get “golden hour” during your session.
EVENTS CALENDAR: Check out their Events calendar in case of conflicts.
PARKING: There is a parking lot in front of the gardens. They also have overflow parking available a short walk away.
OPERATING HOURS: Photo Sessions are available from 9am-4:30pm Sept. – May. Photo Sessions are available from 8am-3:30pm in June – August.
LOCATIONS: Popular features include the “keyhole” Butler Window, the various pergolas and the flowering gardens. There’s also a small waterfall in the prehistoric garden section.
RESTROOMS: There are public restrooms around the grounds you can use to change outfits in. The nicest ones are next to the giftshop.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS: If you’d like to go out for dinner after your photo session, Barton Springs has lots of great options including Chuy’s Mexican Restaurant, Juliet Italian Kitchen and Green Mesquite BBQ.
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, as long as they are on leash. Check the FAQs.
WHAT TO BRING: It’s optional, but some prop ideas are listed HERE for Seniors.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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

stephanie friedman headshot

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Tips for a Family Photo Session with your Dog

by admin | Mar 24, 2026 | family, photography

Preparing for a Photo Session that includes your Dog | Austin Family Photographer

1. LOCATION

You’ve booked a Family or Senior Portrait Session, and want to include your dog. What should you do next? The first step is to pick the right location.

Let your photographer know if your dog is comfortable around other people and good around other dogs. Also let them know if your dog would be okay in an urban setting or if you prefer a park. Is your dog older and not able to walk as far? Let your photographer know that.

Here’s a blog post with some of my favorite dog-friendly locations around Austin.

This family chose Balcones District Park, a park near their house in North Austin, for their family photo session.

balcones district park family photo session including their dog

2. RECRUIT A HANDLER

Decide if your dog will be in all of the photos. If not, make a plan for where your dog will be when not being photographed. Some options include recruiting a friend or family member to hold the dog when it’s not being photographed. If your dog would be okay with their leash attached to a nearby tree while just the family is being photographed, plan for that.

For this family, they brought along the grandparents – who also got to be in some photos when not in charge of the dog.

grandparents at family photo session

3. PREP YOUR PET

Before your photo session, give your dog a bath or take them to the groomers to make sure they’re looking their best.
Pick out a clean collar and leash that compliments your family’s outfits.
Let the dog have some playtime or go on a walk before your session to burn off some energy.
Get to your location early to let your dog sniff out the location and do a bit of exploring first.

small white dog sitting on its owner's lap during a family photo session

4. WHAT TO BRING

Bring treats and toys to help get and keep your dog’s attention.

If it’s a hot day, also pack some water for your dog.

And don’t forget the poop bags just in case.

If we’ll be going to a spot with water, bring a towel for drying off afterwards.

family photo session with pet dog at balcones district park in austin

5. WHAT TO EXPECT

Depending on your dog’s personality, we will get a mix of posed and candid shots with the family. I’ll also aim to get photos of just the dog by themselves as well.

Some prompts may include walking your dog, giving it lots of love and pets and playing with a toy together.

Be patient and embrace any chaos that may come.

Hope these tips help you feel ready to bring your beloved family pet to your next family photo session!

All your loved ones should be documented in your yearly family photos, especially the furry ones.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Please 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

Interested in Booking a Senior or Family Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Best Austin Skyline Locations for Photo Sessions

by admin | Mar 22, 2026 | advice / tips, photography

Best Downtown Skyline Locations in Austin | Austin Photographer

butler park austin downtown skyline views

You’re planning a Senior or Family Photo Session in Austin and wondering where to go. If you’d like a beautiful view of the downtown skyline, check out my Top 10 recommendations below.

Where are my favorite downtown Austin skyline views found?

Butler Park

1) Butler Park

Located in South Austin, this 50-acre metro park has docks, skyline views and the Doug Sahm hill.

1000 Barton Springs Road. ATX 78704

Tips: Works best at sunset for that golden glow on the downtown buildings. Can get crowded on weekends. Pay to park before 5pm. Public Restroom available. Great children’s playground.

Long Center

2) Long Center

Located in South Austin, this event space has lots of interesting architectural details. I also like to go to their parking garage roof for other angles. You can also catch great reflections on the rotunda.

701 W. Riverside Drive ATX 78704

Tips: Check their Events page for conflicts. Go at sunset for the best light. Make sure to go to top floor of the parking garage as well.

Pedestrian Bridge

3) Pfluger Pedestrian Brige

Spanning 700 feet over Lady Bird Lake, this bridge connects the North and South parts of the hike and bike trail.

222 West Ave. ATX 78701

Tips: Park near the Zachary Scott Theater and walk over the bridge. Aim for sunset when the light is best.

Zilker Rock Island

4) Zilker Rock Island

Located in Zilker Park, the rock island is found near the soccer fields and the Great Lawn.

2001 Lou Neff Rd. ATX 78704

Tips: Super crowded on weekends with families and sports. May be closed during festivals and events.

high school senior photos downtown austin rooftop

Tau Ceti Rooftop

5) Austin Convention Center Garage Rooftop

Located in Downtown Austin, start at the Tau Ceti mural and then head to the top floor of the Austin Convention Center garage.

117 1/2 Brazos St. ATX 78701

Tips: Check the Convention Center events listing first. Make sure to go to all corners of the garage rooftop for different views in each direction. Great at sunset.

Rowing Dock

6) Retro Rental Boat Dock

Why not get some downtown views from the water? Rent a boat and cruise along the water. Make sure to get some pics from the dock as well.

74 Trinity St. ATX 78701 (first floor of the Waller Creek Boathouse)

Tips: Rowboats start at $35/rental. Retro boats start at $160/rental. Must have a 21+ driver. Check their operating hours.

Butterfly Bridge

7) Butterfly Bridge

Located near the Austin Central Library, this rainbow-shaped bridge goes across Shoal Creek.

Shoal Creek Blvd. ATX 78701

Tips: Park at the Austin Central Library nearby. Have a spotter checking for cars as you take photos on the bridge. Best at sunset.

South Congress

8) South Congress

Full of fun murals, great storefronts and downtown views, visit the South Congress Avenue neighborhood.

South Congress around W. Gibson Street. ATX 78704

Tips: Aim for weekdays when it’s less crowded. Plan to pay for parking in the neighborhood or neaby parking garages.

senior photo session on hike and bike trails in austin

Lady Bird Lake Trails

9) Auditorium Shores Dog Park

Bring your pet and get some skyline views near the water at the Auditorium Shores Dog Park across from the Long Center.

Town Lake Park ATX 78704

Tips: There are several openings near the trails with downtown views. Park at Auditorium Shores or at the Long Center across the street.

Seaholm District

10) Seaholm District

Located in Downtown Austin, this mixed-use development centers around the decommissioned Seaholm Power Plant.

800 W. Cesar Chavez St. ATX 78701

Tips: Park at the Austin Central Library or the Seaholm Parking Lot under Trader Joe’s.

Lou Neff Point

Other great spots for Austin Skyline views include:

1. The Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake – 1820 S. Lakeshore Blvd

2. Mount Bonnell – 3800 Mount Bonnell Road

3. Lou Neff Point – Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail

4. Cidercade – 600 E. Riverside Dr.

5. St. Edward’s University – 3001 S. Congress Ave.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Please contact me if you’d like to book your own Family or Senior Portrait session with the Austin skyline in the background. 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 Photo Session?

Contact Me

← Previous Post Next Post →

Senior Portrait Sessions at Waterloo Park | Austin Senior Photographer

If you’d also like to have a photo session at Waterloo Park, here’s some information:

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

More From This Category

Best Wildflower Fields in Austin | Spring Locations

Where are my favorite wildflower fields in and around Austin?

1) Mueller Southwest Greenway

2) Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

3) Brushy Creek Lake Park

4) Pease Park

5) Commons Ford Ranch

6) Northwest District Park

7) Lady Bird Lake Trails

8) St. Edwards Park Greenbelt

9) Waterloo Greenway Park

10) McKinney Falls State Park

Other Hill Country Flower Spots outside of Austin:

1) Red Poppies in Georgetown

2) Wildseed Farms

3) Sweet Eats Farm

4) Arnosky Family Farm

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

More From This Category

Tips for Portrait Sessions at Zilker Botanical Gardens | Austin Senior Photographer

If you’d also like to have a photo session at Zilker Botanical Gardens, here are my tips below:

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

More From This Category

Preparing for a Photo Session that includes your Dog | Austin Family Photographer

1. LOCATION

2. RECRUIT A HANDLER

3. PREP YOUR PET

4. WHAT TO BRING

5. WHAT TO EXPECT

Interested in Booking a Senior or Family Photo Session?

More From This Category

Best Downtown Skyline Locations in Austin | Austin Photographer

Where are my favorite downtown Austin skyline views found?

1) Butler Park

2) Long Center

3) Pfluger Pedestrian Brige

4) Zilker Rock Island

5) Austin Convention Center Garage Rooftop

6) Retro Rental Boat Dock

7) Butterfly Bridge

8) South Congress

9) Auditorium Shores Dog Park

10) Seaholm District

Other great spots for Austin Skyline views include:

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

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