Sisters Photo Session – Sekrit Theater

Sisters Photo Session – Sekrit Theater

Summer morning photo session in East Austin artspace

When one of your best friends comes to town with her kids, even if the temperatures are humidly hot, you make time for a photo session.

So while this family was visiting Austin from Boston, we squeezed in a kids-only photo session between their schedule of eating tacos, seeing extended family and going swimming.

sekrit theater sister photo session in east austin

We met at the fantastic artspace in East Austin, the Sekrit Theater. I had sent them some sample photos taken at that spot before we met up, so they knew which backdrops were their favorite – and we could prioritize where to shoot first.

girls in flower swing at east austin art space for photo session with stephanie friedman photography

Tips for Summer Photo Sessions at Sekrit Theater:

  • Start early. Bookings are available 24 hours/day. We picked a 7am start time to get that pretty sunrise light and slightly cooler temperatures.
  • Wear something light and breezy. These girls picked flowy sundresses.
  • Bring a hair tie in case you want to put your hair up halfway through your photos.
  • I’ll bring fans and water to help you cool off during the session.

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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 session in Austin, Texas. Explore more family sessions on my blog.

  1. What prompted you to have this photo session? I am a huge admirer of Stephanie’s family photos. She has mastered her craft and captures joy and beauty in all her subjects. We live across the country but were in Texas for a few weeks when Stephanie generously offered to photograph my girls. Despite being past the ideal weather for a photo shoot, we managed to meet at dawn for the session.
  2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? I plan to share the digital photos with my family and have a few prints made to give as gifts to loved ones. I will also frequently revisit the photos to remind my girls of the special bond they share and the moments when they enjoy each other’s company.
  3. How did you choose your location for your session? Stephanie provided me with a wide range of location options, both free and with fees. I was looking for a location with diverse backgrounds that would appeal to my preteen and teen, as well as a private setting to avoid any embarrassment. The Sekrit Theater was the ideal location for my girls, as they felt comfortable and could choose their preferred backgrounds.
  4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? While late June or early July may not be the best time for a photo shoot due to heat and humidity, if you must schedule during this time, it’s best to do so early in the day. Stephanie was highly efficient in quickly moving the girls through the shoot, and she provided them with fans and water to keep them comfortable.
  5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? I highly recommend Stephanie Friedman Photography. Stephanie is not only professional and creative, but she is also exceptional at working with preteens and teens. Her thoughtfulness as a photographer is evident in her excellent shots and her ability to manage a family through a photo shoot. Five out of five stars!

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

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Austin Summer Rankings – Family Fun

Austin Summer Rankings – Family Fun

Want to add some friendly competition to your summer outings? Why not create a summer tournament to find your favorite of your favorites.

I’ve created some sample brackets on how to match up different summer activities in Austin.

My topics include water parks, frozen desserts, indoor play places, indoor sports and parks nearby with water. 

I’ve also created a blank document in case your family would like to save, print out and then use their own category for summer fun.

summer bracket examples for austin texas

 There’s only eight weekends left of summer until school starts again in Austin. Why not use this framework to explore some different spots around town and declare a winner? 

Have fun!

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Please contact me if you’d like to book a family photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more portrait sessions on my blog.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

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Viva Gullett Auction Winners – Family Photo Session

Viva Gullett Auction Winners – Family Photo Session

Summer morning family photo session at Bull Creek District Park

This was my ninth year donating a family photo session to the Viva Gullett Elementary School Auction. This bid winning family requested an outdoor nature setting that was “still green in June” for their backdrop. After sending them some scouting photos, we picked Bull Creek District Park.

brothers on tree branch during family photo session in austin park

Recent rains meant the creek was flowing and the kids could have fun splashing around. If you have kids who like to climb trees and fence posts and don’t mind getting wet – Bull Creek is a great location to use for your own family photos. 

two brothers splashing around during their family photo session in austin, texas at bull creek park

 

Tips for Family Photo Sessions at Bull Creek Park:

  • Bring a towel and water shoes (or go barefoot) and we can get some photos in the Creek itself – just be careful not to slip
  • There is a restroom next to the parking lot in case you’d like to change outfits during your session
  • This location works well for sunrise or sunset session times
  • Bull Creek Park is very popular for all types of photo sessions, so be prepared to see other photographer’s working there
  • Don’t leave any valuables in your car – I often see broken glass in the parking lot from break-ins

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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 session in Austin, Texas. Explore more family sessions on my blog.

  1. What prompted you to have this photo session? It’s been several years since we’ve had professional family pictures and it was definitely time!
  2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? We would like to put an updated family photo in our dining room.
  3. How did you choose your location for your session? We told Stephanie we wanted something in nature that preferably was still green and lush looking. She scoped out some areas and found the perfect fit for our family.
  4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? Enjoy the moment and don’t sweat the small stuff; Stephanie is going to get some great shots for you! Oh yeah, and if you are doing photos near water don’t forget to bring the towels down with you to the photoshoot. You never know when someone might slip and fall in the water 🙂
  5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Honestly, we haven’t done a family session in years because everyone always complains and dreads doing it but this time was different- Stephanie made it easy and fun!

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

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Austin Summer – Ideas List

Austin Summer – Ideas List

Looking for fun family-friendly ideas on how to beat the heat during our Austin summer?

Save a copy of each of my Indoor and Outdoor Activities checklists below and get ready for triple digits in style.

indoor austin summer fun ideas list

outdoor summer fun ideas list

All suggested locations linked HERE. 

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Please contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more portrait sessions on my blog.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

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Paper Sister – Band Branding Photo Session

Paper Sister – Band Branding Photo Session

Updated Photos in the Highland Area for Paper Sister – a post-punk Austin band

I last took Band photos for Paper Sister in early 2020. With half a new line-up, it was time for a refresh this year.

paper sister band photos

If you’re not familiar with their music, check out their Instagram (which lists their upcoming shows in Austin) or visit their SoundCloud links for a listen.

band photo session in austin, texas

We explored the Highland area around ACC for their portrait session. 

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

  1. What prompted you to have this photo session? Stephanie did band photos for me a few years ago and did such a stellar job. It was an easy decision to work with her again after that experience. 
  2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? I plan to use these pictures for social media, an electronic press kit, promotional materials, and album art.
  3. How did you choose your location for your session? I chose these locations because they looked really striking in photo shoots Stephanie had previously done with other clients.
  4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? You don’t need to come in with your own ideas and inspiration because Stephanie is a true pro, but if you do, you will be amazed and how much they really shine. 
  5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography?Like I said, Stephanie is a true pro. I’m so glad she made space for me to have my own vision, and I’m beyond wowed with what she was able to do. The photos she created look even better than the vision I had. She’s so intuitive and good at pivoting, and those are the exact qualities you want in a next-level photographer. She made the experience fun and easy, and I’d recommend her to anyone. 

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Mueller Southwest Greenway – Family + Senior session

Mueller Southwest Greenway – Family + Senior session

Class of 2024 High School Senior + Family Portrait Session in the Park

This Senior + Family Photo Session combination took place at the tail end of wildflower season at Mueller Southwest Greenway in mid-May.

high school senior boy photo session in east austin at the mueller southwest greenway park family

For this High School Senior, we got photos in his cap and gown as well as his future alma mater t-shirt.

high school senior boy photo session in east austin at the mueller southwest greenway park cap and graduation gown

high school senior boy photo session in east austin at the mueller southwest greenway park UTSA

If you’re also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at the Butterfly Gardens in Mueller Southwest Greenway, check out my essential tips below.

Tips for Senior Photo Sessions at the Mueller Southwest Greenway:

  • These sessions work best at golden hour (about 1-2 hours before sunset)
  • Wear closed-toed shoes or boots since the grass gets pretty high at peak wildflower season
  • Keep an eye out for bugs, reptiles and other creatures among the fields (we had to move one turtle safely out of the way to get my cart through the walking path to the pond)
  • Plan to meet at the Butterfly Garden’s Rocket Ship (an excellent landmark meeting spot)
  • There is no restroom nearby, so be prepared to change outfits in your car
  • Wildflower season lasts from March – May in a good year

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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 sessions like Henry’s on my blog.

  1. What prompted you to have this photo session?My mom wanted to have nice photos.
  2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? I plan to use them for a “Class of 2028” post for UTSA and also just photos that I can refer to in the future. 
  3. How did you choose your location for your session? I personally think Mueller is one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Austin and it is one I’ve become very familiar with (although that said i didn’t choose the location).
  4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? It‘s hard to make advice for other families because every family has a unique dynamic. That being said do not be afraid to show those parts of who you or your family are (even though I was).
  5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? There isn’t much I can say that other people haven’t said. She is a true professional in her field and highly proficient at what she does while also being extraordinarily thoughtful and kind.

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