Senior Year Bucket List – Things to do before you graduate

by admin | Mar 13, 2026 | photography

High School Senior Bucket List | Austin, Texas

Hi Senior!

This last year of High School is going to fly by. Why not make a check list to slow down, be present and appreciate all these final milestones.

high school senior year bucket list

So many great things are headed your way! Take time to appreciate where you are now before you take the next step.

What items would you add to your own list? There’s a blank template below to personalize.

blank senior year bucket list checklist

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Please contact me if you’d like to book a Senior portrait session in Austin, Texas before you graduate.

Ready to book a Senior Photo Session?

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Tips for a Downtown Austin Senior Photo Session

May 6, 2026

Seaholm District, Tau Ceti Mural and Downtown Rooftop Views | Austin Senior Photographer This Family chose the Seaholm District and the Tau Ceti area in Downtown Austin for their combination Senior + Family photo session. When they met me outside of Seaholm this...

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Tips for a Senior Photo Session at Butler Park

by admin | Mar 9, 2026 | photography, seniors

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.

map of butler park in austin

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.

high school senior photo session at Butler Park in South Austin by Stephanie Friedman Photography

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.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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 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 or Family Photo Session?

Contact Me

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High School Senior Year Checklist – March

by admin | Mar 3, 2026 | photography, seniors

High School Senior Year To Do List | Austin, Texas

Happy Spring!

High School Seniors (and your Parents):

See below for your March To Do List to keep on top of your college applications and a reminder to keep an eye on your School Calendar for events and traditions. And don’t forget to make time for fun as well.

to do list march v2

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Please contact me if you’d like to book a High School Senior portrait session in Austin, Texas this year.

Ready to reach out to book your photo session?

Contact Me

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Fun Things to do in Austin – March 2026

by admin | Mar 1, 2026 | advice / tips, Austin

SXSW, Bluebonnets in Bloom and Volunteering at local parks | March Newsletter links

Happy March!

Ready for a fun mix of events, classes and places to visit in Austin, Texas in 2026?

Check out some links below for inspiration.

MARCH PLACES TO VISIT – Bluebonnet Edition

Bluebonnets are due to arrive at the end of March. Check out my latest blog post Where to Find Bluebonnets in Austin with my Top 10 spots.

SXSW Festival

If you’re in town for Spring Break, take advantage of the multitude of SXSW Events happening March 12th-March 18th.

And if you don’t have a badge, free events include:

Congress Avenue Block Party March 12th-March 18th for complimentary drinks, food and sponsor swag.

Flatstock Poster Show March 13th at the Austin Marriott Downtown to get some new art for your walls.

Community Concert at Lady Bird Lake on March 15th.

Or check out Do512 for their listing of more free events that festival week.

You can also check RSVP ATX for their list of free and unofficial SXSW events and shows.

MARCH EVENTS

Eat a free Cowboy Breakfast at the Long Center on March 6th to kick off the Rodeo.

Then visit the Austin Fair & Rodeo from March 13th-March 28th. Enjoy carnival rides, concerts, bull riding and more.

Wear white and throw color packets at the Khush Fest Austin Color Festival on March 14th at Republic Square.

Bike through Downtown Austin for their 5th annual Arts & Parks Tour on March 14th.

Dress up Renaissance-style and visit the Sherwood Forest Faire all month long.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th at one of the many pubs in town. Or go to Volente Beach for their 3-day festival weekend of green beer, duck races and beer olympics.

See bluebonnets at Bluem at Muleshoe Bend Park on March 21st.

Enjoy wildflowers and music at Tuesday Twilights on March 24th or 31st at the Wildflower Center.

Listen to brass bands at Honk! ATX March 27th-March 29th at various locations.

MARCH CLASSES

Make tea cup candles at Captain Quack’s Bakery on March 10th.

Learn about eco-dyes and printing at Buzz Mill Coffee on March 12th.

Sip & Solder a Pet Paw stained glass ornament at Austin Beerworks.

Learn how to swing dance Thursday nights in March at the Mansion on San Gabriel Street.

Throw on the wheel at the outdoor donation-based pottery class in a dome at Pot Daddy (various dates)

MARCH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Here are some ways to help and give back in March.

Donate during Amplify Austin Days March 4th-5th.

Help clean up your local park during It’s My Park Day on March 7th.

Pick up and spread mushroom blocks to improve local soil (multiple dates in March)

Dig in with the Green Corn Project to plant local gardens on weekend mornings in March.

Sign up with Austin Wildlife Rescue in March to help with their daily operations in Elgin. “Must be comfortable handling bugs for feedings“

MARCH PHOTO SESSIONS

If you’d like to book Senior or Family Photos this Spring (perhaps in the wildflowers), reach out and let me know.

Check back in early April for the next monthly list of fun items to do around Austin.

Sign up to get my newsletter delivered to your inbox.

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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HOPE Outdoor Gallery – Senior Photo Session

by admin | Feb 28, 2026 | photography, seniors

What’s a Senior Photo Session like at HOPE Outdoor Gallery | Austin Family Photographer

If you want a colorful and unique Senior Portrait Session, check out the newly re-opened HOPE Outdoor Gallery.

Located near the Austin Airport, this open-air, multi-story event “paint park” has rotating murals and public walls you can contribute to.

map of the hope outdoor gallery in austin

If you’re a Senior that appreciates artistic expression, I recommend this space for your photo session. Get ready to leave your mark on Austin.

HOPE Outdoor Gallery wall with senior holding spray paint cans in front of it in Austin

So what’s it like to have you Senior Portrait Session at HOPE Outdoor Gallery?

I’ll make sure to take your photo in front of any murals that appeal to you.
We’ll explore all the different areas of the park, using the art for framing, composition and mood.
I’ll end your session letting you do some spray painting yourself on the outside walls.

If you’d also like to have a Senior photo session at HOPE Outdoor Gallery, here are some tips below:

PARKING: There is plenty of free parking in their lot
OPERATING HOURS: The gallery is open Wednesdays – Sundays from 10am- 6pm.
LOCATIONS: This venue has two levels on an eight-acre community art park.
WARDROBE: You’ll be in front of lots of bright, colorful walls. And we’ll make sure any wall you’re leaning against is dry so we don’t get paint on your clothes.
SCHEDULE: Check their Events page before you book. They are more crowded on weekends.
FOOD / RESTROOMS: There’s a coffee bar inside the event space as well as gender-neutral restrooms.
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, this park is definitely dog-friendly
NEARBY RESTAURANTS: If you want to go out to dinner after your photo session, a nearby option is: Live Oak Brewing.
WHAT TO BRING: Spray paint to use on the outside concrete walls. They have an art supply shop is on-site if you need to stock up as well while you’re there.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Senior Portrait 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 High School Senior Photo Session?

Contact Me

← Previous Post Next Post →

High School Senior Bucket List | Austin, Texas

Hi Senior!

This last year of High School is going to fly by. Why not make a check list to slow down, be present and appreciate all these final milestones.

Ready to book a Senior Photo Session?

More From This Category

Tips for Portrait Sessions at Butler Park | Austin Senior and Family Photographer

If you’d also like to have a photo session at Butler Park, here are my tips below:

Client Feedback and Advice

Interested in Booking a Senior or Family Photo Session?

More From This Category

High School Senior Year To Do List | Austin, Texas

Happy Spring!

High School Seniors (and your Parents):

See below for your March To Do List to keep on top of your college applications and a reminder to keep an eye on your School Calendar for events and traditions. And don’t forget to make time for fun as well.

Ready to reach out to book your photo session?

More From This Category

SXSW, Bluebonnets in Bloom and Volunteering at local parks | March Newsletter links

Sign up to get my newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

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What’s a Senior Photo Session like at HOPE Outdoor Gallery | Austin Family Photographer

So what’s it like to have you Senior Portrait Session at HOPE Outdoor Gallery?

If you’d also like to have a Senior photo session at HOPE Outdoor Gallery, here are some tips below:

Interested in Booking a High School Senior Photo Session?

More From This Category

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