family - Austin Senior Photographer | Stephanie Friedman Photography

Tips for a Downtown Austin Senior Photo Session

by admin | May 6, 2026 | family, photography, seniors

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 Spring, we saw lots of construction fences. The Seaholm Power Plant has been taken over by one of Elon Musk’s companies. Which means that a security guard came out right away when we tried to take some photos in spots I’ve been photographing for years.

This change meant we just headed over to the downtown public library area sooner for their photos.

seaholm district senior boy photo session

After exploring around the Butterfly Bridge, we drove over to the Tau Ceti mural and then took some photos on top of the Convention Center Garage rooftop.

downtown austin rooftop family photo session

If you’d also like to have a Family and/or Senior photo session in Downtown Austin at the Seaholm District, here are my tips below:

1.PARKING: Paid garage parking is available at the Central Library or Trader Joe’s nearby (you can also use the Library restrooms during their operating hours for outfit changes). And if you buy anything at Trader Joe’s, they’ll validate your parking.

2. LOCATIONS: Seaholm: There’s a great variety of urban and nature backgrounds in a few block radius. Make sure you take advantage of all the different backdrops available. It’s a fun juxtiposition of greenery and metal. Tau Ceti: Start at the colorful mural then take the garage elevator up to the rooftop for skyline views.

3. TRAFFIC: This area is very popular, so expect other photo shoots to be happening at the same time and take your turn in front of popular spots. You will also have literal car traffic going across the Butterfly Bridge, so be careful when photographing there. Have a spotter for cars.

4. DINING: Make a plan to eat downtown after your session. There are lots of great restaurants within walking distance of Seaholm. Near the Convention Center Garage, I recommend the Fareground Food Hall.

5. CLOTHING: Choose outfits that match the modern, urban vibe. And wear comfortable shoes – we’ll be walking several blocks.

6. DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes – you can bring your pet on a leash to this area of town.

7. WHAT ELSE TO BRING: It’s optional, but some prop ideas are listed 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 + Family photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more photo sessions on my blog.

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 Family Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Pfluger Park – Family Photo Session

by admin | Apr 4, 2026 | family, photography

Family Photos in Pflugerville, soccer shots and all four dogs | Austin Family Photographer

For this family photo session, the mom had a few requests. She wanted a nature spot with water. She also wanted to include her four dogs for part of the time.

So when discussing locations, we picked a spot where they could quickly drive home, get the dogs and then return to the park to finish out their session.

How cute are all of their dogs!

family photos with four dogs at pfluger park in texas by stephanie friedman photography

This meant we met up at Pfluger Park and took photos along Gilleland Creek. This public park, with over 30 acres of trails and fields, made a great background. And halfway through the photos, the parents left to get the “pack” and the kids got to show me their soccer skills.

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

EVENTS CALENDAR: Check out their Events calendar in case of conflicts.
PARKING: There is a lot at the entrance to the park off of City Park Road.
OPERATING HOURS: The park is open from 5am-10pm.
LOCATIONS: My favorite scenic spots are along the creek. There’s also some fields that had a few wildflowers so far this season.
RESTROOMS: There is a public restroom you can use.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS: If you’d like to go out for dinner after your photo session, some nearby options include the Victory Tap sports bar, El Rincon Mexican Restaurant, and Venezuelan food at Fogonero.
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, as long as they are on leash.
WHAT TO BRING: It’s optional, but some prop ideas are listed HERE for Families. They brought a soccer ball for the kids to to use for part of their session. And made sure to have some dog treats as well for their pack 😉

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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? We have not had a family photo session for several years and needed to capture these moments.
What do you plan to do with your digital photos? Share and make prints for our home.
How did you choose your location for your session? It had water and was accessible for us to also have our dogs.
What advice would you give to others planning a similar Family photo session? Lots of patience when working with your furry family members.
Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie is extremely organized and responsive! She does great work!

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 Family 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.

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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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Hope Outdoor Gallery – Family Photo Session

by admin | Feb 10, 2026 | family, photography

Tips for Photo Sessions at HOPE Outdoor Gallery | Austin Family Photographer

Whether it’s for a Family or Senior Portrait Session, a new photo location in Austin is the re-opened HOPE Outdoor Gallery.

Located near the Austin Airport, this 6,000 ft. gallery and event venue includes outdoor mural walls that you can leave your own mark on.

If you’re a family that appreciates color, creativy and something unique, I recommend this space for your next photo session.

family photo session at the HOPE outdoor gallery spray paint

If you’d also like to have a Family or Senior photo session at HOPE Outdoor Gallery, here are my 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 if you have kids with spray paint in their hands, make sure you’re okay getting a little messy.
SCHEDULE: Check their Events page before you book.
FOOD / RESTROOMS: There’s a coffee bar inside the event space as well as restrooms.
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, this park is definitely dog-friendly (this family even brought their cat as well)
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.

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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 Advice and Feedback

What prompted you to have this photo session? My husband surprised me with it as a birthday gift since we haven’t had family photos since our youngest was born. I love photos of my kids and do not enjoy getting photos taken of myself, but I love having these moments in time captured.
What do you plan to do with your digital photos? We will share them with family, print some to hang and then hopefully have a Christmas card this year!
How did you choose your location for your session? I wanted someplace artsy and vibrant so I was thinking of St. Elmo’s area with the murals, but Stephanie suggested the HOPE Outdoor Gallery which I had never heard of and it was PERFECT. I absolutely loved the vibrant, beautiful artwork and the opportunity for us to try out spray painting ourselves. It kept my kids very engaged.
What advice would you give to others planning a similar Family photo session? I think I always want to be in a better headspace about my body and where I am at personally for photos. I always want pictures of my kids but I struggle getting excited to be a part of the photos because of my own issues around self image. I think I would encourage others to try to push any of that aside because these moments are precious, and we deserve to have ourselves pictured along with the rest of our family in this chapter of time.
Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie was amazing at working with us and our special variety of chaos. She was flexible and quick to adjust based on everyone’s energy levels and quickly changing moods. She had beautiful vision but also checked in with us to see if there was something that spoke to us whether it be a pose or a background we liked. She kept things moving quickly which was what our crew needed. Her communication was incredible – from the initial set up plan through to when we received the photos. Highly impressed with her professionalism and extensive knowledge about the area and different suggestions for the best locations for our family.

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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Tips for Photo Sessions at Bull Creek Park

by admin | Jan 2, 2026 | family, photography, seniors

Tips for Photo Sessions at Bull Creek Park | Austin Family + Senior Photographer

Whether it’s for a Family, Senior, Extended Family or Maternity Photo Session, one of my favorite park locations to recommend is Bull Creek District Park.

This 48-acre city park (with easy parking and restrooms) has a mix of limestone cliffs, flowing stream and hiking trails.

I like that it works in any season with lots of photogenic backdrops.

family couple photo session at bull creek in stream

If you’d also like to have a Family + Senior photo session at Bull Creek District Park, here are my recommendations below:

PARKING: Use the lot at 6701 Lakewood Dr.
LOCATIONS: From green trees and grass in the front park area to limestone cliffs along Bull Creek, you can get a variety of backgrounds in one small area. The water level (and strength of the Creek’s current) can vary throughout the year.
WARDROBE: If you’d like to get in the water for part of your photo session, bring a towel and water shoes to dry off afterwards. Or put your kids in rain boots.
SCHEDULE: This park is VERY popular with photographeres – so expect to see other photo sessions happening at the same time. For that reason, choose weeknights for smaller crowds.
WHERE TO EAT NEARBY: End your photo session with a meal at County Line on the Lake or Waterloo 360 just down the street
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, this park is definitely dog-friendly
CAUTION: It hasn’t happened to me (*knocks on wood*) but there are car break-ins reported from their parking lot – make sure no valuables are visible and lock your car.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Senior + 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 Horns), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

Besides 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 + Family Photo Session?

Contact Me

← Previous Post Next Post →

Lakewood Park in Leander – Family Photo Session

by admin | Dec 21, 2025 | family, photography

Sculpture Garden Trail | Austin Family Photography

Last year for their holiday photo session, I met up with this family at Mayfield Park.

mayfield park family photo session austin, texas

This year, we met up at Lakewood Park in Leander (the site of their family photos two years ago).

We made sure to revisit some of our favorite pieces of art on the hiking trail.

sculpture garden trail in leander texas family photo session by stephanie friedman photography

If you live in Austin and are also interested in having your Family Photo Session at the Sculpture Garden Trail at Lakewood Park in Leander, check out my tips below.

Tips for Family Photo Sessions at Lakewood Park:

This 125-acre park has lots of great spots to explore. I recommend parking near the kayak rental area for easy access to the Sculpture Garden Trail.
Make sure to also walk over to the dock to get some water views.
There are restrooms by the pavillion and the kayak rentals.
The Sculpture Garden Trail has calls for new artwork on occasion so keep an eye out for new rotating pieces.
Lakewood Park also has a skatepark, splash pad, playground, volleyball courts (and more) – so expect crowds on nice weekends.
If we’ll be exploring all over the park, bring a pair of comfortable shoes to wear for all the walking between different locations.

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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 portrait sessions on my blog.