by admin | Dec 4, 2018 | advice / tips, photography
Every year I choose a different photographer to take our family photos (I like variety) – and it’s a great experience to be in front of the camera (rather than safely behind it). With each session, I narrow down what’s most important to me as a client. I appreciate photographic talent, clear communication and how comfortable you make my kids feel.
That’s what I look for. Now, you might have different criteria. To help you decide if we’d be a good match for each other as photographer/client, here are more details on what a photo session with me is like.
Why choose me?
Pre-session value
Do you like my work? If you haven’t already, take a look at my blog and galleries. Is my style something you want for yourself? If yes, keep reading. If not, and you’d like recommendations for other local photographers with different styles, price ranges, etc. – I’d be more than happy to share.
You can read more about me.
We’ll start with the end in mind – I’ll ask at the beginning – “What do you want to do with your photos?” Are these for a holiday card, to document a family reunion, for a birth announcement? Will you plan on ordering wall art or an album? That helps me tailor your session.
If you need help deciding what to wear, I have several Pinterest boards of outfits.
If you’d like a recommendation to a local Hair and Makeup Artist, I can provide that.
If you need help choosing a location, I have lists sorted by nature vs. urban and parts of town (North, Central and South) and spots outside of town.
I’ll also send a short checklist of reminders before your shoot so you feel ready. In fact, you’ll get several check-ins from me by email and/or text
- Booking FAQ
- How to Prepare for your Session
- Text reminder/weather check the day before
- What happens next after your shoot
- Your photos are ready!
Value during session
I’ll help you find your most flattering poses (the secret is angles), but we’ll also have fun and play games so you forget about the camera.
I tell bad jokes.
I’ll ask your kids to make me laugh.
Your kids will get to climb and explore.
I’ll ask your kids (and you) if you have your own ideas for poses.
I’ve scouted your spot ahead of time so we’ll know where to go – but I’m also flexible if we need to adjust on the fly (and find the best light)
Value after session
You get to download all your files from the session.
Your photos will be processed in color as well as black and white (to give you all the options).
I’ll do light photoshop retouching on faces (I’m not taking out wrinkles, but if your kid has a cut on their face that won’t be there next week, it’s getting removed).
I make it easy to download and print products from your image gallery.
I make it easy to share your photos with friends and families – on the flip side, if you don’t want any of your images shared online or don’t want your images shared in any social media, I follow your guidelines there – your privacy is important to me.
If you think we’d be a good match, contact me below. I’d love to hear from you!
(And a BIG Thank You to all the Parents who took these behind-the-scenes pics: Ann, Katherine, Heather and Alfred)
by admin | Dec 2, 2018 | advice / tips, photography
How to explore art in Austin with kids?
Your milage may vary – but I don’t think my kids (age 4 and 7) are ready to enjoy traditional Museum spaces (i.e. not run and not touch). Here are my Top 10 recommendations of where to “Explore Art in Austin with Kids”.
First, I look for the following criteria:
- Is the art outdoors?
- Is the art interactive
- What’s the admission price for a family of four?
- Does it have a S.T.E.A.M. aspect? (will they build or make something during or be inspired to build or make something after)
- Is it photogenic?
(Some of these recommendations are seasonal).
Second Saturday at Laguna Gloria (ice-themed)
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Laguna Gloria
My number one favorite is Laguna Gloria. It’s a short drive from our house. The boys can appreciate the 14-acre sculpture park (lots of room to run and explore). But the extra special part is their “Second Saturdays” series. We’ve made gingerbread houses, foam monsters, bird houses and melted art.
Upcoming Programs:
Gingerbread Villas, December 8, 2018 (we’ll be there!)
Seeing Double, January 12, 2019
Let’s Rock, February 9, 2019
And nothing will top the 2015 Strange Pilgrims foam exhibit (also seen at the top of this post).
And that’s why we always have a change of clothes and towels in our car wherever we go with the boys.
2. HOPE Gallery
The HOPE Gallery is currently located in Downtown Austin – but has plans to move in 2019. You can also sign up to add your own graffiti.
3. Ellworth Kelly “Austin“
Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin”
The Ellsworth Kelly “Austin” exhibit at the Blanton Museum of Art is kid-friendly. And you can also use that as an excuse to explore the University of Texas campus.
4. Fairy Houses / Woodland Faerie Trail at the Zilker Botanical Garden
The Woodland Faerie Trail (or Fairy Houses) at the Zilker Botanical Gardens happens only in Summer. And you can even sign up to submit your own entry.
5. Fortlandia at the Wildflower Center
(since they’ve opened, you can no longer climb on some of the forts) – just check the posted signs
As of this post, we’ve already visited the Fortlandia Exhibit at the Wildflower Center four times. But the exhibit is only up until February, 2019. It has 10 unique forts where your kids can climb and swing and build. Highly recommended before it’s gone!
6. E.A.S.T.
The East Austin Studio Tour happens in November every year. There are kid-friendly gems to visit. I really like Do512Family’s list. We particularly enjoyed the Austin Tinkering School’s installation this year.
7. Hill Country Science Mill
It takes a short drive out to the Hill Country, but the Science Mill embodies S.T.E.A.M activities. Your kids will have a great time exploring. And inside the Silos, there’s often a rotating art exhibit.
8. Waller Creek Show
Since 2014, every November in Austin, the Waller Creek light show is a must-see. (Just make sure your kids don’t mind waiting in potentially-long lines to get in).
9. Bob Bullock History Museum
The Bob Bullock History Museum has many family-friendly events. One of our past favorite times to visit was a Maker Faire pop-up held there in 2017.
10. Make Your Own
Smudge Studio
Don’t just go look at art, take some time to make your own. You can visit:
Smudge Studios
Gather Art Workshop
Shutterbugs
Creative Action and more
And if all this art inspires you to want your own art-themed family photos… Let’s Play. We can do face paint, body paint, color smoke bombs, color pellets (Holi powder), chalk and more. The only limit is our imaginations.
by admin | Nov 29, 2018 | family, photography
I’ve been lucky to photograph this family since 2013. And even when they moved from Austin to Houston a few years ago, they still make the trip back for their yearly Holiday Portrait Session (usually to coincide with a UT football game).
We tend to alternate between urban and nature settings from year to year. But when our nature setting got all of its long, beautiful grass mowed a few weeks ago, it was time for Plan B.
So we met at the Long Center Downtown for golden hour. There was dancing, leaf throwing and dog snuggling.
I love seeing the Austin skyline reflected.
Playing with shadows.
Ben had several pose ideas of his own as well (something I always encourage with the kids I photograph).
And the picture below (and several like it) are why I found leaves in my hair and camera bag once I got home 😉
Thank you, W. Family! Happy Holidays!
1. How do you know Stephanie Friedman Photography?
I have known Stephanie forever! We worked together once upon a time 🙂 I loved how she could pick the best photos for what I was trying to illustrate!
2. What was your favorite part of your photo session?
Just seeing the locations and the different visions Stephanie comes up with for us to do. Plus Ben likes to contribute his “visions” too!
3. What advice would you give to other families planning a photo session?
Have fun! Enjoy the location and the moment.
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Please enjoy this sneak peek of their family session. To see all the photos and purchase prints from the (password protected) gallery, click HERE.
If you’d like to book your own family session in Austin, contact me:
by admin | Nov 27, 2018 | family, photography
For their holiday portrait session, I took this family exploring in Downtown Austin. We took photos around the Butterfly Bridge, the Downtown Central Library and the Seaholm Power Plant.
When it was time to break out some more smiles, I challenged the kids to a knock-knock joke contest. This was the contribution from the 5-year-old:
“Knock-Knock”
“Who’s there?”
“Knock-Knock”
“Who’s there?”
“Knock-Knock”
“Who’s there?”
“Knock-Knock”
“Who’s there?”
“Knock-Knock”
“Who’s there?”
(you get the idea)
It was pretty entertaining.
Other games we played included “Look at Person X!”, sibling staring contests and “Tell Ms. Stephanie how hilarious she is” <- my most favorite game of all. Not to mention playing a few moves on the giant chess board in the Children’s section of the Library.
We managed to dodge the seven other family photo shoots also going on in the same area. This stretch of buildings in Austin is quite photogenic. And we found ourselves telling the kids “you can read books AFTER your family pictures are done.” Once the shoot was over, we were all rewarded with blow pops (myself included).
1. How do you know Stephanie Friedman Photography?
We met through a mutual friend nearly 10 years ago and have been friends ever since.
2. What was your favorite part of your photo session?
All of it! Stephanie is a master at getting kids (and adults) to relax and do different things that bring out their personality and smiles.
3. What advice would you give to other families planning a photo session?
Be flexible and have fun with it! Trust your photographer to get the best shots in the best locations. And be sure your kids are well-rested and not hungry. Nothing spoils a photo session like a cranky kid!
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Please enjoy this sneak peek of their family session. To see all the photos and purchase prints from the gallery, click HERE.
If you’d like to book your own family session in Austin, contact me:
by admin | Nov 26, 2018 | family, photography
This time last year, they were a family of three. So, I was extra excited to get to capture newborn Baby G. this year. For their holiday portrait session, we went back to Tanglewood Park (a place with special memories for them). Nana was along to help baby brother and big sister wrangle (the call of the playground was very tempting).
Thank you, S. Family – Happy Holidays! May you get the gift of lots of long naps.
1. How do you know Stephanie Friedman Photography?
We met Stephanie a few years ago when our kids attended the same preschool. While chatting at a birthday party, we discovered that she was a photographer. We were super impressed with her online portfolio and decided to have her take our family photos.
2. What was your favorite part of your photo session?
We’ve always had a great experience during our sessions with Stephanie. She is so patient and engaging with children. This year, we had a fussy baby and an energetic four year-old. She was able to get a smiles from both and capture their special bond. Stephanie had already selected spots with the best light and was prepared with an extra blanket and baby lounger when we forgot ours!
3. What advice would you give to other families planning a photo session?
My advice to other families with young children would be to bring a helper if possible. We were so thankful that our Nana came with us to hold the baby when we had to change locations or positioning. She also kept our daughter occupied during the shots with our son.
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Please enjoy this sneak peek of their family session. To see all the photos and purchase prints from the (password protected) gallery, click HERE.
If you’d like to book your own family session in Austin, contact me:
