location information - Austin Senior Photographer | Stephanie Friedman Photography

Dog-friendly photo session locations in Austin

admin — Mon, 13 Jan 2025 14:57:28 +0000

My Top 10 locations for a Photo Session with your pet dog in Austin, Texas

If your four-legged friend is a part of your family, let’s make sure to include them in your next family photo session.

Austin is known for being super dog-friendly, and there are plenty of beautiful outdoor locations that welcome both people and pups.

Here are some of my suggestions for the best dog-friendly spots that capture your special family moments.

1. Long Center & Butler Park

One of Austin’s most iconic outdoor spaces, Butler Park offers wide-open fields, a stunning view of the downtown skyline, and plenty of room for dogs to roam. The Long Center adds some architectural elements and fun patterns and reflections.

2. Seaholm District

Let your pup have their urban moment among the downtown architecture and sculpture. Or cross the Butterfly Bridge together.

3. St. Edwards Park

For a more serene and nature-filled setting, St. Edwards Park is an excellent choice. This park features spring wildflowers, scenic paths and access to water.

4. Red Bud Isle

A favorite among local dog owners, Red Bud Isle is an off-leash dog park that doubles as a scenic oasis. Surrounded by water, this location provides a unique island-like feel with shaded trails and a peaceful environment.

**Be warned this park has a very tiny parking lot that fills up quickly during peak times

5. Your House

Your pet will be most comfortable in their familiar surroundings. Consider using your house (indoors and outdoors) for your next family photo session location.

6. Central Market Pond

Right next to the Central Market grocery store on N. Lamar, this small park with towering oak trees and central pond is very dog-friendly.

7. Katherine Fleischer Park

This Wells Branch park has some old homesteads as well as nature trails to walk your pet around for photos.

8. University of Texas

If you’re a college senior graduating, why not include your beloved pet in your senior photo session. Burnt orange football toy is optional.

9. Northwest Park

Located in Central Austin, and full of wildflowers in the spring, this park is also very dog-friendly.

10. Bull Creek Park

Your dog will love exploring the water in Bull Creek. Just remember to bring a towel for any drying off during your family photo session.

Tips for Including Your Dog in Your Photo Session

Bath time! Take your dog to the groomers or give them a bath at home before your session to have them looking their best for the camera.
Bring treats and toys to keep your dog engaged and looking at the camera.
Choose a clean collar or leash that complements your outfit for a polished look.
Schedule your session during cooler parts of the day to keep your pup comfortable during the hotter months.
Let them have some playtime before the session to burn off extra energy for more relaxed photos. Take them on a walk before you drive to your location spot.
Bring a lint roller to clean up your clothes before and during your session.
Bring water if it’s a hot day.
And don’t forget the poop bags just in case.

Including your dog in your family photo session can make for a fun, memorable experience that captures the love you all share. If you’re ready to book a dog-friendly session in Austin, reach out—I’d love to help you plan the perfect shoot!

Interested in Booking a Senior or Family Photo Session?

Contact Me

← Previous Post Next Post →

More From This Category

Elementary Graduation – 360 Overlook Session

Jun 4, 2026

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...

The post Dog-friendly photo session locations in Austin appeared first on Austin Senior Photographer | Stephanie Friedman Photography.

Top 10 Indoor Photo Studio Locations in Austin – Portrait Sessions

admin — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 22:16:15 +0000

For the summer months, if you don’t want to get up at sunrise or be in the water for your portrait session – there are several great indoor photo studio locations in and around Austin to choose from. Most require a location fee – prices range from $75 to $200/hour.

Top 10 Indoor Locations to beat the Summer Heat include:

Your house – $0/hour
Ice Plant Building – La Grange, TX – $100/hour
Barr Mansion – Northeast Austin; Monday-Thursday 10am-5:30pm and Friday-Sunday 9am-1pm *depending on our event schedule – $150/hour
One Eleven East – Hutto, TX – $95/hour (2-hour minimum)
The Lumen Room – South Austin – can book online, $75/hour
CityHouse Collective – Pflugerville, TX – can book online, $115/hour
Laguna Gloria – Central Austin – $100/hour
The Social House – Cedar Park – $75/hour
The Commune – Central Austin – $100/hr. with a 2 hour minimum (would work best for a branding session)
Woodbine Mansion – Round Rock, TX – $250/2 hr session

Contact me if you want to book someplace indoors during the hot months in Texas.

The post Top 10 Indoor Photo Studio Locations in Austin – Portrait Sessions appeared first on Austin Senior Photographer | Stephanie Friedman Photography.

Best Places in Austin for Photo Sessions

admin — Tue, 06 Aug 2019 14:52:01 +0000

So Step 1 is done – you’ve booked your photo session in Austin this year. Now you’re ready for Step 2 – what’s the location going to be? What are the best places in Austin for Senior or Family Photos?

By answering a few simple questions, we can narrow down your search. There are over 50 suggestions below on where you could have your family photos this Fall.

Question 1:

Do you want to leave your house?

If no, search over, let’s have a cozy, in-home lifestyle session. You can snuggle on the couch and play in the yard. Pets always welcome.

Your house – indoors/outdoors

Question 2:

Are you ok with a location fee ($50-$250*)?

If yes, some great options include

Sekrit Theater – East Austin, $150/hour
The Woodbine Mansion – Round Rock, $300/session (1.5 hours)
Laguna Gloria – Central Austin, $150/hour
Mayfield Park – Central Austin, $50/session – can only book up to a month in advance
Jones Center Rooftop (Contemporary Austin) – Downtown, $100/hour (only during Museum hours)
Jennifer’s Garden – Central Austin, $125/hour (2 hour minimum)
Pioneer Farms – Northeast Austin, entrance fee only if during regular hours ($8/adult, $6/kid)
Zilker Botanical Gardens – South Austin, $50/hour
Wildflower Center – South Austin, $100/hour (during business hours – $250/weekends)
Lake Austin or Lake Travis boat rentals (price varies) – various companies
Roadhouse Relics/Greetings From Austin mural – South Austin, $150-$200/hour (Weekday vs. Weekend prices)
Star Hill Ranch – West Austin, $125/hour
Wayback Hotel and Cafe – $125/hour
Greenhouse at Driftwood – Driftwood, TX $400 for two hours
Chap el D u lcinea – out near Driftwood, TX; Monday-Thursday, $200/hour
Ice Plant Building – La Grange, TX – $100/hour
Barr Mansion – Northeast Austin; Monday-Thursday 10am-5:30pm and Friday-Sunday 9am-1pm *depending on our event schedule – $150/hour
One Eleven East – Hutto, TX – $120/hour
The Lumen Room – South Austin – can book online, $75/hour
Elgin Christmas Tree Farm – Elgin, TX – only available to photographers on certain dates
Wish Well House – Georgetown, TX – $250/hour
A Light Collab Studio – Pflugerville, TX – $110/hour (2 hour minimum)
Peerspace – prices vary
The Spot Studio – Central Austin – $100/hour
The Commune – Central Austin – $200/session (two-hour block minimum)

*2024 prices – may be subject to change

Question 3:

If you want a free spot, do you prefer an urban or a nature setting?

If you want an urban setting, some spots include (Outside of Austin, then North to South):

Downtown Georgetown – Main Square
Downtown Round Rock – Main Street
Old Settlers Park – Round Rock
Shops at the Domain – North Austin (Rock Rose Ave.)
State Capitol – Central Austin
University of Texas campus (various locations including: Blanton Museum exterior/Ellsworth Kelly exterior) – Central Austin
Mueller Development (Thinkery exterior, shops) – Central Austin
2nd street/City Hall – Downtown Austin
Central Library – Downtown Austin
Springdale Road – East Austin, buildings around Springdale Station, Dimensions Sculpture Park, etc.
Seaholm Power Plant – Downtown Austin
Tau Ceti mural / garage rooftop (or other downtown garage rooftops)
Butterfly Bridge – Downtown Austin
Waterloo Greenway – Downtown Austin
Lady Bird Lake pedestrian bridge – Downtown Austin
Lady Bird Lake Trails (Lou Neff Point)
South Congress shops – South Austin
View of downtown skyline from the Austin Rowing Club dock or the Boardwalk
View of downtown skyline from various Rooftop Bars
Greetings from Austin mural (or any mural around town) – South Austin (and various locations)
Zilker Park (Rock Island)
Butler Park – South Austin
Long Center (and nearby parking garage roofs) – South Austin
Jester King Brewery – South Austin
Your favorite spot in town

If you want a nature setting, some spots outside of Austin (North to South) include:

Sweet Eats Farm – Georgetown
Brushy Creek Community Center – Round Rock
Twin Lakes Park – Cedar Park
Champions Park – Cedar Park
Brushy Creek Park – Cedar Park
Stagecoach Park – Buda
Meadows Center – San Marcos
Gruene Hall – New Braunfels
Pedernales Falls – Johnson City

If you want a nature setting in town, some spots in Austin (North to South) include:

Balcones District Park
Mills Pond Recreation Area
St. Edwards Park
Bull Creek District Park
Bull Creek Preserve
Central Market Pond
Seider Springs Greenbelt
Mueller Park or Mueller Southeast Greenway
Northwest Park
Bartholemew District Park
Pease Park and Treehouse at Pease Park Conservatory (Kingsbury Commons)
Red Bud Isle (very dog-friendly but limited parking)
Lady Bird Lake Trail/Pedestrian Bridge
Commons Ford Ranch
Woodlands Park (near River Place Nature Trail)
McKinney Falls
Bee Caves Park
Wild Basin Trail
Zilker Park
Greenbelt Trail
Austin Nature & Science Center
Circle C Park
Waterloo Park / Greenway

So what’s your best match? Or do you have other ideas for great locations? Contact me and let me know. Let’s find you the best place in or around Austin for your family photos.

The post Best Places in Austin for Photo Sessions appeared first on Austin Senior Photographer | Stephanie Friedman Photography.

Old Settlers Association – Location Scouting

admin — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 15:45:47 +0000

I have a family that requested a location that felt very “Texas/Country” – so I wanted to share some photos and video (below) of the Old Settlers Association.

Red barn – check

Old truck – check

Random farm animals – check

As well as cabins from the 1850s, a Fire House Museum and an old Country Store all located a short drive away in Round Rock, TX.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-gzHb0dNXc&feature=youtu.be

You can compare these pictures to the last time I took the boys location scouting here (two years ago).

===== stephanie friedman. austin, tx family photography. your life. close-up =====

The post Old Settlers Association – Location Scouting appeared first on Austin Senior Photographer | Stephanie Friedman Photography.

South Congress – Location Scouting

admin — Fri, 06 Jul 2018 17:57:50 +0000

Thinking of a photo session on South Congress? We may have to wait in line to get the “I love you so much” mural shot (and I’ll of course offer to take pictures for the folks in line in front of us on their phones so they don’t have to worry about selfie arms) – but look at all the great spots in a few block radius. For this session, we wandered from Jo’s Coffee to Lucy’s in Disguise one summer evening – enjoying the shady side of the street.

Please enjoy this sneak peek of her Portrait session. To see all the photos and purchase prints from the (password protected) gallery click HERE.

===== stephanie friedman. austin, tx family photography. your life. close-up =====

The post South Congress – Location Scouting appeared first on Austin Senior Photographer | Stephanie Friedman Photography.

10 Best Spots for Family Photos – outside of Austin (Round Rock, Cedar Park, Elgin, San Marcos, Bee Cave, Georgetown, Wimberley) Texas

admin — Tue, 26 Jun 2018 21:00:36 +0000

So you live outside of Austin*, and you’re wondering, “Where should I go for my family portrait session?”

Things I consider when scouting a location:

How scenic is the landscape? (natural or urban)
Can we find a variety of backgrounds?
What’s the comfort level for families? (i.e. bathrooms available, free parking, safe for little kids to explore, easy to get to)
Is it often crowded?
In what season does the location looks best? (great for wildflowers or fall color)
Where’s the best light in the morning vs. the evening?

Here are my Top 10 favorite spots I recommend to my families who live outside of the Austin city limits:

Old Settlers Park: 3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665

Features: huge park, wildflowers in Spring, Old Settlers Association cabins from the 1800s, big red barn

Parking: multiple lots

Bathroom: yes

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2016/10/11/max-miles-old-settlers-association/

—

Brushy Creek Community Center: 16318 Great Oaks Dr, Round Rock, TX 78681

Features: flower-filled garden, space sometimes get booked for private events, check their calendar first

Parking: front lot

Bathroom: yes

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2016/05/06/the-linden-family-spring-portrait-session/

—

Star Hill Ranch: 15000 Hamilton Pool Rd, Bee Cave, TX 78738

Features: various scenic buildings (chapel, old houses, country store, gardens, etc.), location fee $$ to rent

Parking: lot

Bathroom: yes

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2017/06/22/capturing-joy-school-of-photography-workshop/

—

Downtown Round Rock: 216 E Main St, Round Rock, TX 78664

Features: various storefronts

Parking: street or lot parking

Bathroom: yes (at library or stores)

Kid-friendly: yes, but keep an eye out for cars

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2017/11/01/the-f-family-round-rock-portrait-session/

—

Champions Park: 3830 Brushy Creek Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613

Features: Family-oriented park including a covered playground with sand box, picnic areas, bridge, a water feature and trails

Parking: yes

Bathroom: yes

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2016/10/29/heather-carsyn-holiday-portrait-session/

—-

And 5 bonus spots to make my Top 10 for outside of Austin:

1. Wimberley, TX

2. Blue Hole, Georgetown, TX

3. Downtown Georgetown, TX (also the blue garge door at the top of the post)

4. Sweet Eats Fruit Farm, Georgetown, TX

5. Glass bottom boats, San Marcos, TX

And one more bonus location – just for the October/November season

Christmas Tree Farm, Elgin, TX – photographer information

*milage surcharge added for travel outside of Austin, TX (inquire for rates)

CONTACT ME if you’d like to book a photo session in any of these locations.

The post 10 Best Spots for Family Photos – outside of Austin (Round Rock, Cedar Park, Elgin, San Marcos, Bee Cave, Georgetown, Wimberley) Texas appeared first on Austin Senior Photographer | Stephanie Friedman Photography.

10 Best Spots for Family Photos – Central Austin Edition

admin — Fri, 22 Jun 2018 21:27:09 +0000

So you live in the Central part of Austin*, and you’re wondering, “Where should I go for my family photo session?”

Things I consider when scouting a location:

How scenic is the landscape? (natural or urban)
Can we find a variety of backgrounds?
What’s the comfort level for families? (i.e. bathrooms available, free parking, safe for little kids to explore, easy to get to)
Is it often crowded?
In what season does the location looks best? (great for wildflowers or fall color)
Where’s the best light in the morning vs. the evening?

Here are my Top 5 favorite spots I recommend to my families who live Central:

University of Texas at Austin: Main building: 110 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, TX 78705

Features: Visit the Architecture Library and the Architecture building, the Greenhouse (shown above), the Main Tower, the Fountain and the Stadium, Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin (shown at the top of the post) at the Blanton Museum

Parking: Pay lots (easiest off-season when school is out)

Bathroom: yes

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2018/05/10/ut-phd-graduation-portrait-session/

—

Bull Creek Park: 6701 Lakewood Dr, Austin, TX 78731

Features: 48-acre city park, trails and stream (Bull Creek)

Parking: Small lot (gets full on weekends)

Bathroom: yes

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2017/04/17/creekside-exploring-spring-family-photo-session/

—

Central Library/Butterfly Bridge: 701 W. Cesar Chavez St. Austin, TX 78701

Features: Scenic downtown views, interesting architecture

Parking: Pay lot at library and Trader Joe’s next door

Bathroom: yes (at library and nearby stores)

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2017/11/30/the-w-family-bridge-library-photo-session/

—

Mueller Lake Park: 4550 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723

Features: pond, greenery, colorful walls around store-fronts, Thinkery exterior

Parking: pay garage and pay street parking

Bathroom: yes

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2018/05/03/the-h-family-spring-portrait-session/

—

Central Market Pond: 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756

Features: pond, trees

Parking: lot

Bathroom: yes (at store)

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2016/11/29/the-l-family-holiday-portrait-session-2/

—-

And 5 bonus spots to make my Top 10 for Central Austin:

1. Sekrit Theater

2. Austin State Capitol

3. Red Bud Isle (parking lot gets filled up in a hot minute, great for dog owners)

4. Laguna Gloria (location fee $)

5. HOPE Grafitti Park (closing in Winter of 2018 to move to a new spot out by the airport by the early 2019)

Contact me if you’d like to book a family photo session in one of these spots.

*I’m considering “Central Austin” to be anything roughly between 183 to the North and Lady Bird Lake to the South

The post 10 Best Spots for Family Photos – Central Austin Edition appeared first on Austin Senior Photographer | Stephanie Friedman Photography.

10 Best Spots for Family Photos – South Austin Edition

admin — Wed, 06 Jun 2018 14:03:25 +0000

So you live in the south part of Austin*, and you’re wondering, “Where should I go for my family photo session?”

Things I consider when scouting a location:

How scenic is the landscape? (natural or urban)
Can we find a variety of backgrounds?
What’s the comfort level for families? (i.e. bathrooms available, free parking, safe for little kids to explore, easy to get to)
Is it often crowded?
What season does the location looks best? (great for wildflowers? or fall color?)
Where’s the best light in the morning vs. the evening?

Here are my Top 5 favorite spots I recommend to my families who live down South:

Butler Park: 1000 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704

Features: Downtown skyline, pond, fountain, walking paths

Parking: Small lot (gets full on weekends)

Bathroom: yes

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2017/12/11/heather-carsyn-holiday-portrait-session-2/

—

Long Center: 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Features: interesting architecture, downtown views

Parking: Pay garage

Bathroom: no

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2017/10/02/wonder-woman-carsyn-halloween-portrait-session/

—

Common Ford Ranch: 614 N Commons Ford Rd, Austin, TX 78733

Features: Lakefront park, fishing dock, walking trails, old barn

Parking: lot

Bathroom: port-a-potty

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2016/12/14/the-t-family-holiday-portrait-session/

—

Circle C trails: 6301 W Slaughter Ln, Austin, TX 78739

Features: trails, water, wildflowers in Spring

Parking: lot

Bathroom: yes- but closer to the sports fields, not the trails

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2017/06/21/the-b-family-summer-portrait-session/

—

Lady Bird Lake: 202 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704 (address for Zach Scott Theater which has parking lot nearby)

Features: hiking trail, bridges, water (can canoe, kayak, SUP), wildflowers in Spring

Parking: street parking

Bathroom: yes

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2016/04/13/the-catania-family-spring-portrait-session/

—-

And 5 bonus spots to make my Top 10 for down South:

1. Wild Basin Preserve

2. Austin Nature Center

3. Zilker Botanical Gardens (location fee $$)

4. South Congress shops

5. Pennybacker bridge (Loop 360 bridge)

—

Contact me if you’d like to book a family photo session in one of these spots.

*I’m considering “South Austin” to be anything south of Lady Bird Lake

The post 10 Best Spots for Family Photos – South Austin Edition appeared first on Austin Senior Photographer | Stephanie Friedman Photography.

Sweet Eats Farm – Location Scouting

admin — Wed, 30 May 2018 14:26:04 +0000

The last time we went to Sweet Eats farm in Georgetown, TX was in March to check out the blooming peach trees. This past weekend, we went back to pick some fruit. We brought home about 10 lbs (!) of their June Gold variety.

You can check the Farm’s page for the latest updates on what’s in season. And once you pick, there are dozens of kid-friendly activities to enjoy in the shade or you can even walk down to the San Gabriel river and splash around.

They are open most weekends from 9am – 6pm. Admission to the activities section of the farm is $12/kids, $10/adults, and kids under 2 are free.

So if your kids enjoy wide-open spaces to run around (plus zip lines, hammocks, tire swings, hay maze, etc.) and you want some fresh, local produce – add it to your list of spots to check out this summer.

===== stephanie friedman. austin, tx family photography. your life. close-up =====

The post Sweet Eats Farm – Location Scouting appeared first on Austin Senior Photographer | Stephanie Friedman Photography.

10 Best Spots for Family Photos – North Austin edition

admin — Mon, 28 May 2018 19:20:01 +0000

So you live in the north part of Austin*, and you’re wondering, “Where should I go for my family photo session?”

Things I consider when scouting a location:

How scenic is the landscape? (natural or urban)
Can we find a variety of backgrounds?
What’s the comfort level for families? (i.e. bathrooms available, free parking, safe for little kids to explore, easy to get to)
Is it often crowded?
In what season does the location looks best? (great for wildflowers or fall color)
Where’s the best light in the morning vs. the evening?

Here are my Top 5 favorite spots I recommend to my families who live up North:

St. Edwards Park: 7301 Spicewood Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78759

Features: Multiple trails, stream, hill country views

Parking: Small lot (gets full on weekends)

Bathroom: no

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2015/11/12/st-edwards-park-location-scouting/

—

Mill Pond: 15108 Wells Port Dr, Austin, TX 78728

Features: Trail, pond, small wood bridge, two docks

Parking: street parking

Bathroom: yes

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2016/10/12/woods-family-fall-portrait-session/

—

Katherine Fleischer Park: 2106 Klattenhoff Dr, Austin, TX 78728

Features: Historic homestead museum, fields, trails, playground

Parking: lot

Bathroom: yes

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2017/10/31/the-k-p-family-holiday-portrait-session/

—

Balcones District Park: 12017 Amherst Dr, Austin, TX 78759

Features: great wildflowers in the Spring, trails, stream, fields

Parking: lot

Bathroom: yes

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2018/04/16/heather-carsyn-wildflower-portrait-session/

—

Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park: 7000 Ardath St, Austin, TX 78757

Features: stone steps, metal bridge, lots of wildflowers in Spring, pond, playground, rocky creek

Parking: lot

Bathroom: yes

Kid-friendly: yes

Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2018/04/09/northwest-park-location-scouting/

—

And 5 bonus spots to make my Top 10 for up North:

1. Tanglewood Park

2. The Domain – Rock Rose Murals

3. Walnut Creek Park

4. Arboretum – duck pond

5. Springwoods Park

Springwoods Park, Anderson Mill

—

Contact me if you’d like to book a family photo session in one of these spots.

*I’m considering “North Austin” to be the Allandale, 183, Arboretum, Balcones Woods, Wells Branch, etc. area

The post 10 Best Spots for Family Photos – North Austin edition appeared first on Austin Senior Photographer | Stephanie Friedman Photography.