High School Senior Year Checklist – March

by admin | Mar 3, 2026 | photography, seniors

High School Senior Year To Do List | Austin, Texas

Happy Spring!

High School Seniors (and your Parents):

See below for your March 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.

to do list march v2

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

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Tips for a Downtown Austin Senior Photo Session

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Seaholm District, Tau Ceti Mural and Downtown Rooftop Views | Austin Senior Photographer This Family chose the Seaholm District and the Tau Ceti area in Downtown Austin for their combination Senior + Family photo session. When they met me outside of Seaholm this...

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Fun Things to do in Austin – March 2026

by admin | Mar 1, 2026 | advice / tips, Austin

SXSW, Bluebonnets in Bloom and Volunteering at local parks | March Newsletter links

Happy March!

Ready for a fun mix of events, classes and places to visit in Austin, Texas in 2026?

Check out some links below for inspiration.

MARCH PLACES TO VISIT – Bluebonnet Edition

Bluebonnets are due to arrive at the end of March. Check out my latest blog post Where to Find Bluebonnets in Austin with my Top 10 spots.

SXSW Festival

If you’re in town for Spring Break, take advantage of the multitude of SXSW Events happening March 12th-March 18th.

And if you don’t have a badge, free events include:

Congress Avenue Block Party March 12th-March 18th for complimentary drinks, food and sponsor swag.

Flatstock Poster Show March 13th at the Austin Marriott Downtown to get some new art for your walls.

Community Concert at Lady Bird Lake on March 15th.

Or check out Do512 for their listing of more free events that festival week.

You can also check RSVP ATX for their list of free and unofficial SXSW events and shows.

MARCH EVENTS

Eat a free Cowboy Breakfast at the Long Center on March 6th to kick off the Rodeo.

Then visit the Austin Fair & Rodeo from March 13th-March 28th. Enjoy carnival rides, concerts, bull riding and more.

Wear white and throw color packets at the Khush Fest Austin Color Festival on March 14th at Republic Square.

Bike through Downtown Austin for their 5th annual Arts & Parks Tour on March 14th.

Dress up Renaissance-style and visit the Sherwood Forest Faire all month long.

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17th at one of the many pubs in town. Or go to Volente Beach for their 3-day festival weekend of green beer, duck races and beer olympics.

See bluebonnets at Bluem at Muleshoe Bend Park on March 21st.

Enjoy wildflowers and music at Tuesday Twilights on March 24th or 31st at the Wildflower Center.

Listen to brass bands at Honk! ATX March 27th-March 29th at various locations.

MARCH CLASSES

Make tea cup candles at Captain Quack’s Bakery on March 10th.

Learn about eco-dyes and printing at Buzz Mill Coffee on March 12th.

Sip & Solder a Pet Paw stained glass ornament at Austin Beerworks.

Learn how to swing dance Thursday nights in March at the Mansion on San Gabriel Street.

Throw on the wheel at the outdoor donation-based pottery class in a dome at Pot Daddy (various dates)

MARCH VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Here are some ways to help and give back in March.

Donate during Amplify Austin Days March 4th-5th.

Help clean up your local park during It’s My Park Day on March 7th.

Pick up and spread mushroom blocks to improve local soil (multiple dates in March)

Dig in with the Green Corn Project to plant local gardens on weekend mornings in March.

Sign up with Austin Wildlife Rescue in March to help with their daily operations in Elgin. “Must be comfortable handling bugs for feedings“

MARCH PHOTO SESSIONS

If you’d like to book Senior or Family Photos this Spring (perhaps in the wildflowers), reach out and let me know.

Check back in early April for the next monthly list of fun items to do around Austin.

Sign up to get my newsletter delivered to your inbox.

stephanie friedman headshot

Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (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 Photo Session?

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HOPE Outdoor Gallery – Senior Photo Session

by admin | Feb 28, 2026 | photography, seniors

What’s a Senior Photo Session like at HOPE Outdoor Gallery | Austin Family Photographer

If you want a colorful and unique Senior Portrait Session, check out the newly re-opened HOPE Outdoor Gallery.

Located near the Austin Airport, this open-air, multi-story event “paint park” has rotating murals and public walls you can contribute to.

map of the hope outdoor gallery in austin

If you’re a Senior that appreciates artistic expression, I recommend this space for your photo session. Get ready to leave your mark on Austin.

HOPE Outdoor Gallery wall with senior holding spray paint cans in front of it in Austin

So what’s it like to have you Senior Portrait Session at HOPE Outdoor Gallery?

I’ll make sure to take your photo in front of any murals that appeal to you.
We’ll explore all the different areas of the park, using the art for framing, composition and mood.
I’ll end your session letting you do some spray painting yourself on the outside walls.

If you’d also like to have a Senior photo session at HOPE Outdoor Gallery, here are some tips below:

PARKING: There is plenty of free parking in their lot
OPERATING HOURS: The gallery is open Wednesdays – Sundays from 10am- 6pm.
LOCATIONS: This venue has two levels on an eight-acre community art park.
WARDROBE: You’ll be in front of lots of bright, colorful walls. And we’ll make sure any wall you’re leaning against is dry so we don’t get paint on your clothes.
SCHEDULE: Check their Events page before you book. They are more crowded on weekends.
FOOD / RESTROOMS: There’s a coffee bar inside the event space as well as gender-neutral restrooms.
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, this park is definitely dog-friendly
NEARBY RESTAURANTS: If you want to go out to dinner after your photo session, a nearby option is: Live Oak Brewing.
WHAT TO BRING: Spray paint to use on the outside concrete walls. They have an art supply shop is on-site if you need to stock up as well while you’re there.

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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 Portrait 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 in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

Interested in Booking a High School Senior Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Where to Find Bluebonnets in Austin

by admin | Feb 27, 2026 | Austin, wildflower

Best Places for Bluebonnets in Austin | Spring Locations

Bluebonnet Season is a magical time in Central Texas lasting from late March to early April. If you want to take photos in the flowers – check out my recommended Spring-time patches below.

Reminder: the blooms change from year to year – so subscribe to the Wildflower Center updates or follow the Texas Wildflower Report for the latest news.

Where are my favorite bluebonnet fields in and around Austin?

Bluebonnets at Brushy Creek Lake Park

1) Brushy Creek Lake Park

Located in Cedar Park (about 20 minutes from Central Austin), this 90-acre park has nature trails, lake views and lots of Spring wildflowers.

3300 Brushy Creek Rd, Cedar Park, TX 78613

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, free to use, but expect crowds on Spring weekends.

Wildflower Center bluebonnets

2) Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Located in South Austin with over 900 native plant varieties. Several fields of bluebonnets are grown across their gardens and meadows.

4801 La Crosse Ave. ATX 78739

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, but professional photography has a location cost of $100 (M-F) or $250 (after hours / weekends)

If there’s a “sure thing” for bluebonnet season, it’s the Wildflower Center in southwest Austin.

McKinney Falls State Park bluebonnets

3) McKinney Falls State Park

Located in Southest Austin, the Upper Falls area has a nice patch of bluebonnets. Reservations are recommended.

5808 McKinney Falls Parkway, Austin, TX 78744

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, but you need to pay for a day pass at the park. $6/adults. 12 years old and younger are free.

balcones district park bluebonnet session

Bluebonnet Photo Session at Balcones District Park

4) Balcones District Park

Located in North Austin, there is a field near Duval Rd. as well as one near the playground on Amherst Drive.

12017 Amherst Dr, Austin, TX 78759

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park.

Commons Ford Ranch Spring wildflowers

5) Commons Ford Ranch

Located in Southwest Austin, this 215 acre park has multiple fields of wildflowers. You can also explore their boat dock and rustic barn.

614 N. Commons Ford Rd, Austin, TX 78733

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park.

Northwest District Park bluebonnet patch

6) Northwest District Park

Located in Central Austin, this 31 acre park has a field of blubonnets near the bridge that backs up to Shoal Creek. You can also sometimes find flowers near the parking lot by the pool.

7000 Ardath St. Austin, TX 78757

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park.

7) Circle C Ranch Park

Located in South Austin, this park is home to trails, soccer fields and a disc golf course. I recommend parking off the Slaughter Lane entrance.

6301 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin, TX 78739

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park.

8) St. Edward’s University

Located in South Austin, their best field is located on the corner of St. Edwards and University Loop Drive.

3001 S. Congress Ave. Austin, TX 78704

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park. You may have to pay to park on campus.

Bluebonnet Patch at Lady Bird Lake

9) Lady Bird Lake Trails

Located in South Austin, the trail around the water often has a mix of wilflowers including bluebonnets. I’ve found good patches by the Austin High School baseball fields.

AHS Baseball Fields

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park. You may have to pay to park nearby.

Old Settlers Park bluebonnet field

10) Old Settler’s Park

Located in Round Rock, this 670 acre park is home to multiple sports fields as well as the Dell Diamond and the Rock ‘N’ River water park.

3300 E. Palm Valley, Round Rock, TX 78665

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park.

Other Hill Country Bluebonnet Spots outside of Austin:

muleshoe bend rec area bluebonnet fields

Bluebonnet Field at Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

1) Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

Located 40 miles from Austin in Spicewood, this park is on Lake Travis. It’s known for huge fields of bluebonnets each Spring. They even have their own Bluebonnet Festival called Bluem in March.

2820 Mule Shoe Bend Drive, Co Rd 414, Spicewood, TX 78669

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, but there is a park entrance fee to pay ($5/adults, kids 12 and under are free).

2) Wildseed Farms

Located an hour and a half from Austin, this Fredericksburg farm has gardens to explore as well as a vinyard on site.

100 Legacy Drive, Fredericksburg, TX 78624

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, personal photography is allowed. Ask permission first for professional photo sessions. Their site also says they do charge an entrance fee during peak bloom times.

3) Pace Bend Park

Located in Spicewood, this 1,368 acre Park has over nine miles of Lake Travis shoreline. You can find some great bluebonnet patches as well as impressive limestone cliffs.

2805 Pace Bend Road, Spicewood, TX 78669

Photo Sessions allowed: Yes, it’s free to have photos at the park. You will need to pay an entrance fee. $5/adult, kids 12 and under are free. CASH only.

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Please contact me if you’d like to book your own Family or Senior Portrait session among the bluebonnets. 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 in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Tips for Photo Sessions at Pease Park

by admin | Feb 21, 2026 | photography, seniors

Tips for Portrait Sessions at Pease Park | Austin Senior and Family Photographer

Whether it’s for a Family or Senior Portrait Session, one photo location I recommend year-round is Pease Park.

Located in Central Austin between along Lamar Blvd. from 15th St. to 31st St., their main entrance is at Kingsbury Commons (1100 Kingsbury St.)

This 84-acre district park in the heart of Austin has a mix of greenery and hardscapes to explore. It was also Austin’s first public park (it was established in 1875).

high school girl in front of the metal treehouse pod at pease park in central austin

If you’d also like to have a Family or 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 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 + 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.

Interested in Booking a Senior or Family Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Hope Outdoor Gallery – Family Photo Session

by admin | Feb 10, 2026 | family, photography

Tips for Photo Sessions at HOPE Outdoor Gallery | Austin Family Photographer

Whether it’s for a Family or Senior Portrait Session, a new photo location in Austin is the re-opened HOPE Outdoor Gallery.

Located near the Austin Airport, this 6,000 ft. gallery and event venue includes outdoor mural walls that you can leave your own mark on.

If you’re a family that appreciates color, creativy and something unique, I recommend this space for your next photo session.

family photo session at the HOPE outdoor gallery spray paint

If you’d also like to have a Family or Senior photo session at HOPE Outdoor Gallery, here are my tips below:

PARKING: There is plenty of free parking in their lot
OPERATING HOURS: The gallery is open Wednesdays – Sundays from 10am- 6pm.
LOCATIONS: This venue has two levels on an eight-acre community art park.
WARDROBE: You’ll be in front of lots of bright, colorful walls. And if you have kids with spray paint in their hands, make sure you’re okay getting a little messy.
SCHEDULE: Check their Events page before you book.
FOOD / RESTROOMS: There’s a coffee bar inside the event space as well as restrooms.
DOG-FRIENDLY: Yes, this park is definitely dog-friendly (this family even brought their cat as well)
WHAT TO BRING: Spray paint to use on the outside concrete walls. They have an art supply shop is on-site if you need to stock up as well while you’re there.

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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 Advice and Feedback

What prompted you to have this photo session? My husband surprised me with it as a birthday gift since we haven’t had family photos since our youngest was born. I love photos of my kids and do not enjoy getting photos taken of myself, but I love having these moments in time captured.
What do you plan to do with your digital photos? We will share them with family, print some to hang and then hopefully have a Christmas card this year!
How did you choose your location for your session? I wanted someplace artsy and vibrant so I was thinking of St. Elmo’s area with the murals, but Stephanie suggested the HOPE Outdoor Gallery which I had never heard of and it was PERFECT. I absolutely loved the vibrant, beautiful artwork and the opportunity for us to try out spray painting ourselves. It kept my kids very engaged.
What advice would you give to others planning a similar Family photo session? I think I always want to be in a better headspace about my body and where I am at personally for photos. I always want pictures of my kids but I struggle getting excited to be a part of the photos because of my own issues around self image. I think I would encourage others to try to push any of that aside because these moments are precious, and we deserve to have ourselves pictured along with the rest of our family in this chapter of time.
Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie was amazing at working with us and our special variety of chaos. She was flexible and quick to adjust based on everyone’s energy levels and quickly changing moods. She had beautiful vision but also checked in with us to see if there was something that spoke to us whether it be a pose or a background we liked. She kept things moving quickly which was what our crew needed. Her communication was incredible – from the initial set up plan through to when we received the photos. Highly impressed with her professionalism and extensive knowledge about the area and different suggestions for the best locations for our family.

stephanie friedman headshot

Stephanie Friedman first picked up a camera in high school, went on to study photojournalism in college (Hook ‘Em), then worked as a photo researcher in educational publishing for over 20 years.

Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

Contact Me

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High School Senior Year To Do List | Austin, Texas

Happy Spring!

High School Seniors (and your Parents):

See below for your March 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.

Ready to reach out to book your photo session?

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SXSW, Bluebonnets in Bloom and Volunteering at local parks | March Newsletter links

Sign up to get my newsletter delivered to your inbox.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

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What’s a Senior Photo Session like at HOPE Outdoor Gallery | Austin Family Photographer

So what’s it like to have you Senior Portrait Session at HOPE Outdoor Gallery?

If you’d also like to have a Senior photo session at HOPE Outdoor Gallery, here are some tips below:

Interested in Booking a High School Senior Photo Session?

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Best Places for Bluebonnets in Austin | Spring Locations

Where are my favorite bluebonnet fields in and around Austin?

1) Brushy Creek Lake Park

2) Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

3) McKinney Falls State Park

4) Balcones District Park

5) Commons Ford Ranch

6) Northwest District Park

7) Circle C Ranch Park

8) St. Edward’s University

9) Lady Bird Lake Trails

10) Old Settler’s Park

Other Hill Country Bluebonnet Spots outside of Austin:

1) Muleshoe Bend Recreation Area

2) Wildseed Farms

3) Pace Bend Park

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

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Tips for Portrait Sessions at Pease Park | Austin Senior and Family Photographer

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

Interested in Booking a Senior or Family Photo Session?

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Tips for Photo Sessions at HOPE Outdoor Gallery | Austin Family Photographer

If you’d also like to have a Family or Senior photo session at HOPE Outdoor Gallery, here are my tips below:

Client Advice and Feedback

Interested in Booking a Family Photo Session?

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