Elementary Graduation – 360 Overlook Session

Elementary Graduation – 360 Overlook Session

Tips for Photo Sessions at the 360 Overlook | Austin Senior Photographer

This group of nine 5th graders wanted to celebrate graduating Elementary School together. So we met at the top of the 360 bridge overlook.
I loved that one of the moms made sure everyone had 2026 sunglasses, matching caps and stoles (in pink, of course) to wear for some of the group photos.

The 360 Overlook is located in Southwest Austin next to the 360 Bridge. You’ll park on the side of the 360 highway and take a short 10 minute rocky climb straight up.

view from the 360 bridge overlook in austin

 

If you’d also like to have a photo session at the top of the 360 Overlook, here are my tips below:

  1. PARKING: There is illegal parking on the unpaved shoulder of Loop 360 (but that’s where everyone parks). You can also park back in the neighborhood, but it’s a longer walk to the trailhead.
  2. OPERATING HOURS: The area is open 24 hours day/7 days a week. Weekends are more crowded.
  3. LOCATIONS: Main features include the view from the top of the overlook. I think the light looks best for sunset sessions. It’s about 0.5 miles out and back.
  4. RESTROOMS: There are no nearby restrooms. 
  5. SAFETY: Wear good hiking shoes (or change into cuter shoes at the top). The limestone path up is best with close-toed sturdy shoes. Also, there are no guardrails at the top – so be very careful at the edge. The cliff drops straight down. There are frequent break-ins at the parking spots as well – so don’t leave any valuables in sight.
  6. NEARBY RESTAURANTS: If you’d like to go out for dinner after your photo session at the Overlook, some nearby favorites off of 360 include: County Line on the Lake (BBQ), Jack Allen’s Kitchen (Southern Comfort food) and Maudie’s Milagro (Tex-Mex). 
  7. DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, this area is definitely dog-friendly if your dog is a good climber and on a leash.
  8. WHAT TO BRING: It’s optional, but some prop ideas are listed HERE for families and 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 or 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 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?

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    Elementary Graduation – 360 Overlook Session

    Elementary Graduation – 360 Overlook Session

    Tips for Photo Sessions at the 360 Overlook | Austin Senior Photographer This group of nine 5th graders wanted to celebrate graduating Elementary School together. So we met at the top of the 360 bridge overlook. I loved that one of the moms made sure everyone had 2026...

    read more

    University of Texas – College Friends Senior Photo Session

    University of Texas – College Friends Senior Photo Session

    Fraternity Brothers’ College Senior Photo Session at the University of Texas

    This group of six college friends wanted a photo session right before graduation at the University of Texas in Austin.

    six college seniors in front of the tower at the university of texas at austin

    We made sure to get plenty of individual shots as well as the whole group in front of the major landmarks on campus – the Tower and the Fountain.

    If you’re also interested in having a College Senior Photo Session at the University of Texas, check out my essential tips below.

    Tips for Senior Photo Sessions at the University of Texas: 

    • Right before Graduation, Campus gets pretty full of other photo sessions, so try and plan early or choose off-times for your photos (or be okay with waiting for your turn in front of popular spots)
    • Iron your regalia
    • You can pose in your full cap and gown, part of your regalia, regular clothes or any combination of the above
    • If you have a particular spot on campus that means a lot to you (ex. where you took the majority of your classes), let your photographer know
    • If your family will be in town, we can add-on a mini-family photo session 
    • Get ready to “Hook ‘Em Horns!”

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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 session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior photo sessions like these friends had on my blog.

    1. What prompted you to have this photo session? This photo session came about because we all wanted to have photos from graduation and with our friends without having the stress of doing it during graduation weekend. The photos around campus were so fun. 
    2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? With our digital photos, we plan to post and send to all of our friends and families and keep for years to come. 
    3. How did you choose your location for your session? We wanted the photos on the main hotspots of campus.
    4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? I would highly recommend scheduling the photos early as possible and working with Stephanie. 
    5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie was great. Super effective and efficient and the photos have came out great so far. 

    Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

    More From This Category

    Elementary Graduation – 360 Overlook Session

    Elementary Graduation – 360 Overlook Session

    Tips for Photo Sessions at the 360 Overlook | Austin Senior Photographer This group of nine 5th graders wanted to celebrate graduating Elementary School together. So we met at the top of the 360 bridge overlook. I loved that one of the moms made sure everyone had 2026...

    read more

    UT PhD – Graduation Portrait Session

    UT PhD – Graduation Portrait Session

    It’s graduation portrait season at the University of Texas! This UT PhD was a rock star wearing heavy robes and regalia in 90 degree heat as we visited some favorite spots around campus (sometimes having to wait our turn with all the other graduates getting their photos taken :).

    Please enjoy this sneak peek of her Graduation Portrait session. To see all the photos and purchase prints from her session click HERE.

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