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

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.

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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.

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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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.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Tips for a Family Photo Session on South Congress

by admin | Dec 3, 2025 | advice / tips, family, photography

Top 10 Tips for Photo Sessions on South Congress | Austin Family Photographer

This New Jersey Family of Longhorn fans reached out to me to capture some iconic Austin photos while they were in town for a UT football game. Immediately, South Congress came to mind.

i love you so much mural at Jo's Coffee Shop for family of three photo session

They put on some burnt orange gear, and we took a slow morning to explore the murals and storefronts along the street.

If you’d also like to have a Family or Senior photo session on South Congress, here are my tips below:

1. Avoid peak times – I recommend Monday-Wednesday evening sessions for smaller crowds and easier parking.

2. Plan to pay for parking at a nearby garage on in the neighborhood.

3. Meet at the “I love you so much” mural at Jo’s Coffee Shop.

4. Wear comforable shoes you don’t mind walking several blocks in.

5. Explore side streets as well – you’ll find some fun backdrops just off South Congress as well.

6. Buy something at Jo’s if you take a lot of photos there.

7. Book an evening session (because the string lights near Service Menswear and the colorful neon rainbow lights near Austin Motel are more noticeable then).

8. Be considerate of everyone else on the street, and try not to block traffic while taking your photos.

9. Murals will change over time – so if you have a favorite, book your session now to make sure to capture it.

10. Make the most of your time on South Congress. End your photo session with dinner (Guero’s or Home Slice are some of my favorites) or a sweet treat (ice cream at Amy’s or Jeni’s) along South Congress.

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

Client Feedback and Advice

What prompted you to have this photo session? Someone wisely told me that I would never regret investing in capturing all the years with my son as he grows up. They were right. This time, we wanted to capture the experience of visiting a new city that has held my husband’s heart (without ever being here) for so many years .
What do you plan to do with your digital photos? We will make our annual joyful Christmas card so we can share what the Deiberts have been up to!
How did you choose your location for your session? We loved your reccos and really loved the vibe with all the murals. I love a good quote and write Friday reflections for our 3k leaders at work called Fill Your Cup Friday, and they are almost always anchored by a quote.
What advice would you give to others planning a similar Family photo session? Have fun. Be you. Look at galleries to see if the photographer you are choosing fits your vibe.
Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie was awesome. She was communicative. Made great reccos. And she got us!!

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 Family Photo Session?

Contact Me

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How to prepare for a Family Photo Session at the park

by admin | Nov 15, 2025 | advice / tips, family, photography

Prepare for your Family Photo Session at the Park | Austin Family Photographer

I love being outside in nature, so I often recommend local parks as a great location for family photo sessions. Austin has so much natural beauty, from the creekside trails at Bull Creek to the golden grass (and Spring wildflowers) at Commons Ford Ranch.

There’s lot of space to play, and I find families can be more relaxed at the park.

Check out my tips below on everything you need to know to prepare for a stress-free and fun-filled family photo session at the park. We went to Mueller Greenway for their session.

1. Coordinate your outfits, don’t match your surroundings

Avoid yellow or green clothes! You’ll likely be camouflaged into the background.
Wear clothes you can sit down on the ground in (I’ll have a blanket so you don’t get dirty)
Wear closed-toed shoes to protect your feet (and keep an eye out for ants or other creatures)
Earth tones (cream, rust, denim and light blue) photograph nicely against Austin’s landscapes

2. Pack some extra essentials

Snacks and water bottles are always welcome
I’ll bring a white blanket, but if you have a favorite blanket that coordinates well with your outfits – bring one as well
Bring props that you can use at the park (a ball, a guitar, etc.)

family photo session at the park

3. Leave time to play and explore

We’ll get a mixture of posed and candid shots during your family photo session. For the candid shots, it’s fun to let your family just enjoy the park during our time together as well.

🌳 Best Austin Parks for Family Photos

Looking for inspiration? Here are a few of my favorite local spots that offer beautiful light and scenery:

Bull Creek District Park – shallow water, limestone cliffs and nature trails
Commons Ford Ranch – rustic barn, lakeside dock and huge fields
Pease Park – fun Treehouse architecture, spanish moss in old oak trees and the Troll
Waterloo Greenway Park – mix of architecture at the outdoor amphitheater and gardens full of Texas native plants
Mueller Greenway – East Austin park that includes a butterfly garden and pond

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Please check out some of my favorite images below and 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

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.