Tips for a Senior Photo Session at McKinney Falls

by admin | Apr 15, 2026 | photography, seniors

McKinney Falls Senior Portrait Session | Austin Senior Photographer

Normally if a High School Senior requests a park with Spring wildflowers, I have a few places to suggest. But not this year.

After scouting four different parks, all dry with no flowers, I was starting to loose hope. But, I finally came across some blooms. The Wildflower Meadow at McKinney Falls State Park had a patch of vibrant yellow wildflowers.

high school senior girl in a field of yellow wildflowers at mckinney falls state park

So at McKinney Falls State Park, we explored the Upper Falls and Lower Falls areas for her Senior Portraits. McKinney Falls State Park is located in Southeast Austin. This 744 acre park (just 13 miles from Dowtown Austin) has limestone ledges and trails along Onion Creek.

map of McKinney Falls State Park

If you’d also like to have a Senior photo session at McKinney Falls State Park, here are my tips below:

PARKING: There are several parking areas depending on which area of the park you want to explore.
OPERATING HOURS: The park is open from 8am-10pm daily. Admission is $6/adult. I recommend booking a day pass in advance of your session.
LOCATIONS: This park is has many scenic locations. Check out this trail map. I like to start at Upper Falls then drive over to Lower Falls.
WARDROBE: We’ll be doing some walking from one part of the state park to another, so wear (or bring) comfortable shoes. You may even want water shoes and bring a towel if you decide to dip your feet in the creek.
SCHEDULE: This park is busy during weekends with hikers and swimmers. I usually have to photoshop out other visitors to the park everytime I have a photo session there.
RESTROOMS: There are several bathrooms located across the park for outfit changes.
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, this park is definitely dog-friendly. They must be on a leash, and they can’t go in the water.
WHAT TO BRING: It’s optional, but some prop ideas are listed 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 Photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more photo sessions on my blog.

Client Feedback and Advice

What prompted you to have this photo session? When I was looking for a photographer for my senior pictures, I was drawn to Stephanie’s portfolio. Her photos were very natural, not overly edited like other photographer’s that I was seeing online. I liked her choice of scenery, props, and poses, too.
What do you plan to do with your digital photos? I plan to post some, make a graduation card to send to family and friends, print & frame a few.
How did you choose your location for your session? I was looking for an outdoor setting with natural beauty—flowers, open space, and soft lighting. I also wanted a setting that had a variety of backdrops, so I could get different looks without changing locations.
What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? Bring a comfortable pair of shoes for walking between spots. You don’t have to wear them in the photos, but you’ll be glad you have them. Don’t do something drastic before your photo shoot like get a bad sunburn, try a completely new haircut, or try a new cosmetic treatment.
Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie is amazing to work with. She instantly puts you at ease, keeps things moving, and you can tell she’s very experienced in how she brings out the best in each shot.

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.

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 Senior Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Butler Park – Senior + Family Portrait Session

May 17, 2026

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...

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Tips for a Senior Photo Session at Commons Ford Ranch

by admin | Apr 12, 2026 | photography, seniors

What to expect at your Commons Ford Ranch Photo Session | Austin Senior Photographer

This Vista Ridge High School Senior requested Commons Ford Ranch as her photo session location.

Commons Ford Ranch is located in West Austin off Cuernavaca Dr.

This lakefront park has a rustic barn (currently being renovated), wooden fences, large prairie fields as well as a small wooden dock on the waterfront.

It’s also known for wildflowers in the Spring. We had such a dry winter that this Senior brought a bouquet of colorful flowers since nothing much was in bloom yet. We just had lovely, tall dry grass at golden hour.

commons ford ranch senior girl photo session at golden hour

If you’d also like to have a Senior photo session at Commons Ford Ranch, here are my tips below:

PARKING: There is parking along the road you drive in on. I recommend starting near the barn and parking over there.
OPERATING HOURS: The park is open from 5am-10pm daily. Admission is free.
LOCATIONS: This park is 215 acres. Main features include the barn, the fields, the trails and the waterfront area. It’s about a 10 minute walk from the barn to the dock.
WARDROBE: We’ll be doing some walking from one part of the park to another, so wear (or bring) comfortable shoes. Since you’ll be standing in tall grass, I recommend boots for some of your outfits (lots of wildlife call this park their home).
SCHEDULE: This park is very busy during peak times (October/November for Family photos and March/April/May for Senior Photos). It’s also very popular with birders.
RESTROOMS: There are two port-o-potties by the barn. There is one other restroom near the waterfront. Plan to change outfits in your car.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS: If you’d like to go out for dinner after your photo session at Commons Ford, some nearby options include: Patrizi’s for Italian, County Line for BBQ or bistro & bakery goodies at Ronnie’s Real Food.
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, this park is definitely dog-friendly. Her dog got to wear a bow-tie and a college jersey 🙂
WHAT TO BRING: It’s optional, but some prop ideas are listed 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 Photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more photo sessions on my blog.

Client Feedback and Advice

What prompted you to have this photo session? We wanted to have senior photos done of Lilly in preparation of her high school graduation.
What do you plan to do with your digital photos? We will use them for announcements, her social media posts and print a few for frames for ourselves and family.
How did you choose your location for your session? It was a fantastic suggestion that you gave us. Lilly had a vision of what she wanted, but we weren’t sure where to go. Commons Ford Park gave her all of the backgrounds that she was looking for and we could not have been more pleased with the choice.
What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? Look for inspiration from others for the types of locations that you are interested in or pictures you like. Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in. Don’t forget comfortable shoes to walk to different parts of the area you are using.
Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie was great! Great communication from beginning to end. She answered all of our questions. She helped Lilly feel really comfortable and she was prepared for everything. I would definitely recommend her.

stephanie friedman headshot

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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Pease Park – High School Senior Photos

by admin | Apr 9, 2026 | photography, seniors

What to expect at your Pease Park Photo Session | Austin Senior Photographer

This Lake Travis High School Senior requested Pease Park as her photo session location.

Pease Park is located in Central Austin between along Lamar Blvd. from 15th St. to 31st St. Their main entrance is at Kingsbury Commons (1100 Kingsbury St.)

We started at the Live Oak Meadow and explored the park heading South. Some rain clouds followed us – but we were able to wait out the showers. I had an umbrella she could use when the rain picked up. The forecast had NOT called for rain that night. But April showers bring May flowers, so we made the best of it.

live oak meadow pease park senior photos

If you’d also like to have a Senior photo session at Pease Park, here are my tips below:

PARKING: There is a small parking lot at 1100 Kingsbury St with 18 spots. There is limited parking available on Parkway, south of Kingsbury, that is free during the week and pay-to-park on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Live Oak Meadow also has a small parking lot and street parking along Parkway, North of Kingsbury. More details HERE. I usually recommend parking near the Live Oak Meadow.
OPERATING HOURS: The park is open from 5am-10pm daily.
LOCATIONS: Main features include the Live Oak Meadow, the Tudor Cottage (with string lights across the courtyard), the metal Treehouse Observation Pod and Malin the Troll sculpture. Shoal Creek also runs through the park (water levels vary throughout the year).
WARDROBE: We’ll be doing some walking from one of the park to another, so wear (or bring) comfortable shoes.
SCHEDULE: Check their Events page before you book.
FOOD / RESTROOMS: There are currently three food trucks on site – Tex-Mex, Coffee and Snowcones. There is also a restroom near the Treehouse.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS: If you’d like to go out for dinner after your photo session at Pease Park, some nearby favorites include: Galaxy Cafe (very kid-friendly), Jeffrey’s (upscale date night), Cipollina (Italian bistro).
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, this park is definitely dog-friendly.
WHAT TO BRING: It’s optional, but some prop ideas are listed 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 + Family photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more photo sessions on my blog.

Client Feedback and Advice

What do you plan to do with your digital photos? I wanted to use senior photos for my Instagram page.
How did you choose your location for your session? I had been to Pease park before and thought it looked like a cool background for the photos.
What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? Be prepared for rain. Even though it did rain a little off and on during the shoot, we were able to take advantage of the times the rain stopped and got the shots. Be ready to go with poses and props, & having someone there to assist with that can really help when you’re up against the weather.

stephanie friedman headshot

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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Pfluger Park – Family Photo Session

by admin | Apr 4, 2026 | family, photography

Family Photos in Pflugerville, soccer shots and all four dogs | Austin Family Photographer

For this family photo session, the mom had a few requests. She wanted a nature spot with water. She also wanted to include her four dogs for part of the time.

So when discussing locations, we picked a spot where they could quickly drive home, get the dogs and then return to the park to finish out their session.

How cute are all of their dogs!

family photos with four dogs at pfluger park in texas by stephanie friedman photography

This meant we met up at Pfluger Park and took photos along Gilleland Creek. This public park, with over 30 acres of trails and fields, made a great background. And halfway through the photos, the parents left to get the “pack” and the kids got to show me their soccer skills.

If you’d also like to have a photo session at Pfluger Park in Pflugerville, here’s some information:

EVENTS CALENDAR: Check out their Events calendar in case of conflicts.
PARKING: There is a lot at the entrance to the park off of City Park Road.
OPERATING HOURS: The park is open from 5am-10pm.
LOCATIONS: My favorite scenic spots are along the creek. There’s also some fields that had a few wildflowers so far this season.
RESTROOMS: There is a public restroom you can use.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS: If you’d like to go out for dinner after your photo session, some nearby options include the Victory Tap sports bar, El Rincon Mexican Restaurant, and Venezuelan food at Fogonero.
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, as long as they are on leash.
WHAT TO BRING: It’s optional, but some prop ideas are listed HERE for Families. They brought a soccer ball for the kids to to use for part of their session. And made sure to have some dog treats as well for their pack 😉

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

Client Feedback and Advice

What prompted you to have this photo session? We have not had a family photo session for several years and needed to capture these moments.
What do you plan to do with your digital photos? Share and make prints for our home.
How did you choose your location for your session? It had water and was accessible for us to also have our dogs.
What advice would you give to others planning a similar Family photo session? Lots of patience when working with your furry family members.
Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie is extremely organized and responsive! She does great work!

stephanie friedman headshot

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 Family Photo Session?

Contact Me

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High School Senior Year Checklist – April

by admin | Apr 3, 2026 | photography, seniors

High School Senior Year To Do List | Austin, Texas

Happy End of School!

High School Seniors (and your Parents):

See below for your April To Do List to keep on top of your college applications and a reminder to keep an eye on your School Calendar for events and traditions. And don’t forget to make time for fun as well.

april to do list for austin high school seniors

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Please contact me if you’d like to book a High School Senior portrait session in Austin, Texas this year.

Ready to reach out to book your photo session?

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Tips for a Senior Photo Session at Waterloo Greenway Park

by admin | Mar 29, 2026 | photography, seniors

Senior Portrait Sessions at Waterloo Park | Austin Senior Photographer

If you’d like a mix of urban and nature for your Senior Portrait Session, check out Waterloo Greenway Park.

This 11-acre greenspace is located in Downtown Austin near the state capitol building. Scenic sections include the Moody Amphitheater, native gardens and over 1.5 miles of trails. The park will also be expanding in the future.

map of waterloo greenway park in austin

If you’d like to have your Senior Portrait Session at Waterloo Greenway, check out my advice and recommendations below.

high school senior boy posing at waterloo greenway park in downtown austin

If you’d also like to have a photo session at Waterloo Park, here’s some information:

EVENTS CALENDAR: Check out their Events calendar in case of conflicts.
PARKING: There are meters for street parking (free after 6pm). I recommend the Capitol Visitor’s Parking Garage (parking is free for the first two hours unless there’s a special event)
OPERATING HOURS: The park is open from 5am-10pm.
LOCATIONS: I like to take photos behind and on the Moody Amphitheater stage. There are also lots of lovely gardens to explore. For younger kids, there are a few pieces of climbing equipment and a slide to play on.
RESTROOMS: There is a public restroom you can use to change outfits in.
NEARBY RESTAURANTS: If you’d like to go out for dinner after your photo session, some nearby options include the classic Texas Chili Parlor, the upscale Roaring Fork and Stubb’s BBQ.
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, as long as they are on leash.
WHAT TO BRING: It’s optional, but some prop ideas are listed 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 photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more photo sessions on my blog.