Why are Family Photos Important?

Why are Family Photos Important?

Big Milestones and Everyday Moments | Austin Family Photographer

As they say, “the days are long, but the years are short” – so freeze time while you can with a photo.

Whether this year holds tiny baby shoes, missing front teeth or teens starting to drive, let me help capture who you are now, so you can enjoy your photos for years to come.

Here are my Top 5 Reasons why I think Professional Family Photos are so important.

Why are Family photos so important? 

1. They freeze a season of life before it changes.

Life moves fast and kids grow quickly. Before you know it – this photo

father and newborn daughter

turns into this photo.

father and daughter photo session in austin

Help time stand still for another year.

2. It’s a visual legacy for your children

Every year on their birthday, I’ll show my kids photos from when they were younger. It’s a way to tell stories about their pasts and share these memories. So print and display your photos to make it easier to enjoy them for years to come.

brother and sister

 

3. They document the journey of your growing family

From the newborn to the high school years, family photos help you look back on all the changes you might not notice day-to-day but do year-to-year.

brother and sister with new pet dog

4. They give parents a chance to BE in the photos as well

If you’re a mom, it’s likely your camera roll on your phone is full of photos of your kids – with a lot less that you’re in.

mom and kids at photo session

Hire a professional photographer to make sure you’re included. 

5. They remind of us the love and joy we share with each other

Family photos capture more than just moments, they hold the stories, emotions and connections that define our lives. These photos are time capsules of milestones, traditions and everyday magic.

family photo session in austin

So get professional family photos taken and honor what family means to you.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Please check out some of my favorite images below from this Family’s photo session at Pease Park 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.

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?

More From This Category

Butler Park – Senior + Family Portrait Session

Butler Park – Senior + Family Portrait Session

Tips for Photo Sessions at Butler Park | Austin Senior and Family Photographer This High School Senior was looking for a nature setting in South Austin for her combination Senior + Family photo session this Spring. One of the spots I recommended was Butler Park. This...

read more

How to prepare for a Family Photo Session at the park

How to prepare for a Family Photo Session at the park

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 landscapesfamily photo session at Mueller Greenway Park in Austin

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:

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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.

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?

More From This Category

Butler Park – Senior + Family Portrait Session

Butler Park – Senior + Family Portrait Session

Tips for Photo Sessions at Butler Park | Austin Senior and Family Photographer This High School Senior was looking for a nature setting in South Austin for her combination Senior + Family photo session this Spring. One of the spots I recommended was Butler Park. This...

read more

Pros and Cons of Weeknight Photo Sessions

Pros and Cons of Weeknight Photo Sessions

When to Book a Family Photo Session | Austin Family Photographer

When booking a family photo session, one of the decisions you’ll need to make is if you want a weeknight or a weekend time slot. Here are some Pros and Cons for each:

YES – BOOK A WEEKNIGHT TIME SLOT

1. LOCATIONS ARE LESS CROWDED  – Considering the metro population of Austin is over two million people in 2025, you’ll find popular parks and urban spots have fewer people out on a weeknight. It’s even better earlier in the week on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

2. LESS LIKELY TO HAVE AN EVENT CONFLICT – Check an Event calendar in Austin, and yes, you’ll find fun things going on every night of the week (more so in good weather in Spring and Fall) – but for major events – those are most likely to happen on weekends. You’ll have more possible conflicts at your location of choice if you pick a Saturday or Sunday time slot.

3. CONSIDER AN AISD HOLIDAY – Not counting, Thanksgiving, Christmas or Spring Break – there are on average 13 extra school holidays you could use during the school year for your photo session date. You may still have work, but the kids will be out of school that day.

4. MORE CHOICE OVERALL – For myself, I offer more weeknight photo sessions per year than weekend, so if your family has busy schedules, there are more possibilities of dates that match.

treehouse at pease park family photo session

NO – BOOK A WEEKEND TIME SLOT INSTEAD

1. TIME – You have more time to get ready without the rush of an after-school photo session.

2. CAN SCHEDULE HAIR AND MAKEUP BEFORE YOUR SESSION – If you’d like to get professional hair and makeup, you have more time (and won’t have to miss work or school to do so).

3. TIME CHANGE – With the earlier sunset from November to March, weeknight sessions have an earlier start to beat sunset. That might be too early for your family’s work and school commitments.

4. AVOID RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC – The best light aka “golden hour” – happens about an hour before sunset. Most of the year, that coincides with rush hour traffic.

mother and son family photo session at pease park in austin, texas by stephanie friedman photography

This family met me on a Tuesday night at Pease Park, and we had the Treehouse area mostly to ourselves.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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

Client Feedback and Advice

 

  1. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? First and foremost, we will create our annual holiday cards with our photos.  It’s a family tradition!
  2. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Family photo session? Ask for the advice of your photographer regarding location spots and take them up on their offer to scope out the place ahead of time.  I appreciated you going after the rains to see how the park grounds looked.
  3. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Remind your photographer about any specific needs you/your kids have so they are aware of limitations and peculiarities (sensory processing, physical posturing, etc)

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 Family Photo Session?

More From This Category

Butler Park – Senior + Family Portrait Session

Butler Park – Senior + Family Portrait Session

Tips for Photo Sessions at Butler Park | Austin Senior and Family Photographer This High School Senior was looking for a nature setting in South Austin for her combination Senior + Family photo session this Spring. One of the spots I recommended was Butler Park. This...

read more

Props to Bring to your Family Photo Session

Props to Bring to your Family Photo Session

Personalize your Family Photos | Austin Family Photographer

Want a family photo session that captures this unique moment in time? Then bring props that showcase your family’s interests, skills and hobbies right now.

Take a look at some examples below. And here’s a list of ideas to get your started:

  • sporting equipment
  • bouquet of colorful flowers
  • bubbles to blow
  • favorite stuffed animal
  • toy your kid is obsessed with now
  • kite to fly
  • musical instrument
  • game your family plays together
  • balloons
  • books to read together
  • confetti or streamers to celebrate a milestone number
  • sentimental items
  • holiday seasonal items (ex. pumpkin, ornament, etc.)
  • your pet (not a prop, but something you love and can bring)

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 Family Photo Session?

More From This Category

Butler Park – Senior + Family Portrait Session

Butler Park – Senior + Family Portrait Session

Tips for Photo Sessions at Butler Park | Austin Senior and Family Photographer This High School Senior was looking for a nature setting in South Austin for her combination Senior + Family photo session this Spring. One of the spots I recommended was Butler Park. This...

read more

Wildflower Center – Family Photo Session

Wildflower Center – Family Photo Session

South Austin Wildflower Center Gardens | Austin Family Photography

Earlier this year, I met up with this sweet family in their neighborhood for their photo session.

This Fall we met at the Wildflower Center in South Austin. Even though the Center was busy with activities and events, we started early and found some quiet corners for photos.

I definitely plan to suggest this spot to other families who want blooming plants all year long.

brother and sister at a family photo session at the Wildflower Center in Austin

Tips for Family Photo Sessions at The Wildflower Center

  • This venue has a location fee. The photography fee during business hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.), Monday through Friday, is $100. The photography fee on weekends or after hours is $250. Additional fees may be occur to accommodate guests over the maximum of six. You get a two-hour block with your fee.
  • While Spring bluebonnets are a showstopper, you can find What’s in Season on the Wildflower Center’s website before you book a photo session
  • Check their Events Page to see how busy the Center might be when you visit
  • Make sure to follow the Wildflower Center’s rules and regulations for photo sessions (stay on the path, don’t disturb other guests visiting, etc.)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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 family sessions on my blog.

Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

More From This Category

Butler Park – Senior + Family Portrait Session

Butler Park – Senior + Family Portrait Session

Tips for Photo Sessions at Butler Park | Austin Senior and Family Photographer This High School Senior was looking for a nature setting in South Austin for her combination Senior + Family photo session this Spring. One of the spots I recommended was Butler Park. This...

read more

The Grove Park – Family Photo Session

The Grove Park – Family Photo Session

Playing in the Park | Austin Family Photographer

Last year I met up with this family at the Blanton Museum for their photo session.

This year we met at Grove Park in Central Austin. Even though the Park has been open since 2018, this is the first photo session I’ve held there.

I definitely plan to suggest this spot to other Seniors and Families who want a nature spot centrally located.

mom and her two sons at their family photo session in austin

And if you know me, when a location has good trees, I will be encouraging the kids to climb them. I also suggested the mom bring some props that match what her kids are into these days.

Those ended up being some of my favorite individual photos showcasing their guitar, chess and soccer skills. 

Tips for Family Photo Sessions at The Grove Park:

  • I like to meet by the exercise equipment so the playground equipment isn’t a distraction
  • Keep an eye out for dog poop on the main lawn – this park has a lot of four-legged visitors
  • Make sure you walk to the back of the park to see the bridge to Shoal Creek
  • You can also bring a prop for an activity you enjoy doing (guitar, soccer ball etc.)

_______________________________________________________________________________________

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 family sessions on my blog.

Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

More From This Category

Butler Park – Senior + Family Portrait Session

Butler Park – Senior + Family Portrait Session

Tips for Photo Sessions at Butler Park | Austin Senior and Family Photographer This High School Senior was looking for a nature setting in South Austin for her combination Senior + Family photo session this Spring. One of the spots I recommended was Butler Park. This...

read more