location scouting - Stephanie Friedman

Old Settlers Association – Location Scouting

by admin | Jul 23, 2018 | location information, location scouting, photography

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 =====

South Congress – Location Scouting

by admin | Jul 6, 2018 | location information, location scouting, photography

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 =====

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

by admin | Jun 26, 2018 | location information, location scouting, photography

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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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.

Sweet Eats Farm – Location Scouting

by admin | May 30, 2018 | brothers, location information, location scouting, photography

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 =====

Northwest Park – Location Scouting

by admin | Apr 9, 2018 | bluebonnets, location information, location scouting, max and miles, photography, spring, wildflower

Took Max & Miles location scouting at Northwest Park to check out their back field of wildflowers this weekend. The boys enjoyed running over the metal bridge, checking out all the different colors and types of flowers back there (and were open to being bribed when I requested they sit still for a few pics as well). 😉

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

Austin Central Library – Location Scouting

by admin | Nov 6, 2017 | downtown, location information, location scouting, max and miles, photography

Took the boys location scouting at the new Downtown Central Public Library. Between the Butterfly Bridge, the new sculptures and the beautiful landscaping outside – it’s a great location for pictures – and then you go inside – swoon – stairs upon stairs upon stairs – a beautiful reading porch, a rooftop terrace, and lots of stylish places to sit.