University of Texas at Austin College Photo Session | Austin Senior Photographer When planning a University of Texas college graduation photo session, I tell my Seniors to pick their top three-four anchor locations on campus. Then we'll plan the flow of their session...
Tips for a Senior Photo Session at Butler Park
Tips for Portrait Sessions at Butler Park | Austin Senior and Family Photographer
If you’d like a mix of urban and nature for a Family or Senior Portrait Session, one photo location I recommend is Butler Park.
This park is located in South Austin next to the Long Center. It has great Downtown Austin skyline views and three small docks overlooking a pond.
This 50-acre district park near Lady Bird Lake has a mix of greenery and expansive downtown views. It also has a splash pad in the warmer months if you need to cool off after your photo session.
If you’d also like to have a photo session at Butler Park, here are my tips below:
- PARKING: There is a small paid parking lot off of Barton Springs Road. Use the Park ATX app to pay Monday-Friday from 8am-5pm and on Saturdays from 12pm-5pm. If the parking lot is full, you can also look for street parking along Riverside Dr. or in the pay lot at the Long Center.
- OPERATING HOURS: The park is open from 5am-10pm daily.
- LOCATIONS: Main features include the Doug Sahm Hill (with those downtown Austin skyline views), an open meadow, walking trails, three docks overlooking the pond and some flower beds.
- RESTROOMS: There are public restrooms near the Alliance Children’s Garden you can use to change outfits in.
- EVENTS: Keep an eye on local event calendars to make sure there aren’t major conflicts nearby at the Palmer Events Center or the Long Center.
- NEARBY RESTAURANTS: If you’d like to go out for dinner after your photo session at Butler Park, some nearby favorites include: Terry Black’s BBQ, Mexican Restaurant El Alma, and dine-in or drive-through Sandy’s Hamburgers.
- DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, this park is definitely dog-friendly.
- WHAT TO BRING: It’s optional, but some prop ideas are listed HERE for families and HERE for Seniors.
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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.
Client Feedback and Advice
- What prompted you to have this photo session? Excited to capture this period of change and transition for Brody.
- How did you choose your location for your session? Butler Park was a great mix of natural feel while still capturing the spirit of being in Austin.
- What advice would you give to other High School Seniors planning a similar photo session? I would encourage students to bring the instrument or “prop” that shows who they are and what they have spent their time on in high school. Brody was on the fence about bringing it, but ultimately was really glad he had it.
- Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie is so great to work with. She scouted the park to ensure it was in a shape that would photograph well, and super flexible with weather. She made Brody feel comfortable quickly and came up with creative angles and shots. Two thumbs up!
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.
