by admin | Sep 19, 2019 | branding, Creative Business Stories, photography
Headshots and Branding
Does your website need updated headshots and branding imagery?
Are you not quite sure where to start?
Let me help. One of my favorite parts is talking through your Creative Business Story. What do you want to show? What’s your story to tell?
Location, Location, Location
This group was updating their website and needed a variety of new headshots. First, we discussed shooting indoors vs. outdoors (it was August in Texas after all). Then, once they decided they wanted to be outside, I sent them three different downtown skyline options
- The view from the Long Center
- The view from Palmer Event Center
- The view from the Pedestrian Bridge
(Butler Park is under construction or I would have sent that as an option as well).
They decided on the Austin downtown skyline view from the Pedestrian Bridge.
The night of the shoot, I came prepared with a portable fan, ice packs and cold water (since it was a “balmy” 98 degrees). We made sure to get a variety of close-ups as well as images that showed the skyline.
And at the end – when they suggested a team pyramid – I was happy to comply.
Please enjoy this sneak peek of their Creative Business Story branding package. To see all the photos, click HERE.
1. How do you know Stephanie Friedman Photography?
We had our family portraits done with Stephanie several years ago and she recently did a “Best Friends” photoshoot with my daughter. The pictures from both sessions were amazing. We have another family photo session scheduled for October with Stephanie.
2. What was your favorite part of your branding session?
There were two favorite parts for me…the location and how fun it was. First, Stephanie recommended the Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge over Lady Bird Lake and it was perfect. The skyline at sunset was amazing and the photos turned out great. Second, it was so fun! There were 4 of us and we got to ham it up for the camera and just be silly. We got the serious shots we needed but also got some hilarious shots. We also took some headshots in front of some trees and greenery and they turned out really nice.
3. What advice would you give to other people planning a branding session?
Do the session outside if possible. The lighting was great and it gives a different look than just taking your headsets in the studio. If was 100 degrees when we did our shoot. Stephanie had a handheld fan and blotting tissues that came in very handy! If you do it inside, pick a location that has some really interesting backdrops for your photos. It is always better to have more that just headshots in case you ever need them.
4. Anything else you’d like to add?
Just that I think you should book a branding session with Stephanie. You won’t regret it!
If your small business also needs updated images, please contact me below:
by admin | Aug 8, 2019 | advice / tips, photography
So you’ve booked your Fall session and figured out your location. What’s left to do? Figure out what the whole family is going to wear.
I have a membership with the online styling service, Style & Select, that you are welcome to use as one of my clients. Just contact me in the form at the bottom of this page for the access code.
How does it work?
Once you receive the access code from me, click on the link below to start styling:
You’ll fill out an online questionnaire.
And you’ll want to pick out some of your coordinating colors:
Then you’ll get a page of shopping results – which you’ll favorite. When picking your favorites – think about what you’ll feel confident in, what your family will feel comfortable in and what will go well with your location. Keep the weather in mind.
Sample options:
Out of your favorites, you can email yourself the final choices. You’ll then have the option to buy directly at each online store. I can also send you a list of the current coupon codes for some of the shops.
You can also visit their blog which has a quick styling tip sheet.
Happy Styling and Shopping!
by admin | Aug 7, 2019 | photo booth, photography
by admin | Aug 7, 2019 | Creative Business Stories, photography
Jamie in front of the mural she co-created outside the Kammok Store in East Austin
Local artist, Jamie B. McCormick a.k.a. JBM Studio contacted me last month for a branding photo session. She’s re-doing her website and needed some new content for her site and social media. I’m always happy to work on a Creative Business Story. We brainstormed where it would make sense to take the photos. I definitely thought we should highlight her mural (seen above) and show her painting where the subject of a lot of her work takes place – out in nature.
We started the morning at Bull Creek District Park.
While Jamie worked on a few new art pieces, I made sure to get a variety of shots.
Next we drove over to the east side to visit the Kammok store. Jamie worked with fellow Austin artist, Brittany Callender, on their mural piece “Sculpture Falls” that appears on the side of the shop.
Thank you, Jamie, for a fun branding session. I can’t wait to see your updated website!
How do you know Stephanie Friedman Photography?
Our children are friends and I’ve admired her school photo booths! I knew she was capable of a lot if she can make an entire class full of 4-5 year olds look happy and cute.
What was your favorite part of your branding photo session?
I am not incredibly comfortable in front of the camera, but Stephanie is so fun and relaxed, it was easier than I anticipated. We talked through a lot of ideas, and she came very prepared, so I knew the plan and I didn’t feel worried on the day of the shoot. Stephanie was also good about telling me what was working (and what wasn’t) and let me look at pictures as I went, so I had a good feel for what was happening and felt comfortable asking for feedback.
What advice would you give to other business owners planning a branding photo session?
Make choices that you make you feel more confident — where you go, what you wear, etc.
If you’d like your own personal branding session, more information can be found HERE or just contact me below.
by admin | Aug 6, 2019 | location information, photography
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
- Chapel Dulcinea – 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.
by admin | Jul 9, 2019 | family, photography
Now Booking Fall Family Photo Sessions
Click on the calendar below to book your Fall Family Photo Session this September, October or November 2019 in Austin, TX. A $50 deposit is required to hold your spot. The remainder of the fee (package information here) is due following your session.
Questions? Interested in another type of photo session? Contact me below first:
