Posing Sequence for Family Photo Sessions

Posing Sequence for Family Photo Sessions

Posing Tips for your Family Photo Session | Austin Family Photographer

When you hire me as your Austin Family Photographer, I’ll walk you through your photo session with posing instructions and prompts. Then you never have to wonder “What do I do with my hands?
family of five at mueller greenway park for photo session

 

Here is my general posing sequence I like to follow:

Family Posing Sequence

*First Location, Everyone Standing*
  1. Whole Family together
  2. Just parents
  3. All siblings together
  4. Each kid individually
Since I like to focus on connection and warmth in my family photo sessions, I’ll also instruct everyone to hug or hold onto the person next to them.
three siblings in flower garden for family photos in austin, texas by stephanie friedman photography
Then, I’ll move us to another location and repeat the sequence but with everyone sitting.
*Second Location, Everyone Sitting*
  1. Whole Family together
  2. Just parents
  3. All siblings together
  4. Each kid individually

After that sequence, in the second half of the session, I’ll add in some candids and more creative and/or silly poses. I’ll also do some other family combinations like Mom + the kids and Dad + the kids.

Each family is different and some are more responsive than others to less posed images.
siblings holding their sister up during a family photo session
Take a look at some of my gallery images below and check off how many different variations I got for this Family Photo Session at Mueller Southwest Greenway Park in East Austin.

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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

 

  1. What prompted you to have this photo session? We like to have family pictures taken annually to capture a moment in time with our three kids as they grow and change.
  2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos?We will create holiday cards to send to friends and family, as well as print some out for our family photo wall.
  3. How did you choose your location for your session? We like to mix things up year to year with both natural and urban settings. The Mueller Southwest Greenway is centrally located and had a great mix of native plants, water areas, and art sculptures sprinkled in. 
  4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Family photo session? I like to create a Pinterest board to pull together clothing ideas and see how they look together. In spite of my planning, we still had a couple items that did not arrive in time and had to pivot at the last minute. I think it worked out ok though!
  5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie is a pro! She is positive, encouraging, flexible, and funny. I am always amazed that she can get everyone to authentically smile – even sometimes together!

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 Family Photo Session?

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Tips for a Family Photo Session in the Seaholm District

Tips for a Family Photo Session in the Seaholm District

Top 5 Tips for Photo Sessions in the Seaholm District | Austin Family Photographer

This Austin Family met me in the Seaholm District for their Holiday photo session. We explored the blocks around the Austin Central Library, walked the Butterfly Bridge and each of the four kids got their individual time in front of my camera.
family photo session in downtown austin by stephanie friedman photography

 

If you’d also like to have a Family or Senior photo session in Downtown Austin at the Seaholm District, here are my tips below:

 

1.PARKING: Paid garage parking is available at the Central Library or Trader Joe’s nearby (you can also use the Library restrooms during their operating hours for outfit changes). And if you buy anything at Trader Joe’s, they’ll validate your parking. 
2. LOCATIONS: There’s a great variety of urban and nature backgrounds in a few block radius. Make sure you take advantage of all the different backdrops available. It’s a fun juxtiposition of greenery and metal.
3. TRAFFIC: This area is very popular, so expect other photo shoots to be happening at the same time and take your turn in front of popular spots. You will also have literal car traffic going across the Butterfly Bridge, so be careful when photographing there. Have a spotter for cars.
4. DINING: Make a plan to eat downtown after your session. There are lots of great restaurants within walking distance.
5. CLOTHING: Choose outfits that match the modern, urban vibe. And wear comfortable shoes – we’ll be walking several blocks.

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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

  1. What prompted you to have this photo session? We do an annual family photo session most years. These kids keep growing and changing every year.
  2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? We will do a holiday card for our friends and family and a calendar for Nana (she can’t get enough pics of her grandkids).
  3. How did you choose your location for your session? We have done several photo sessions in nature spaces; it was fun mix it up and be in town this time. I’m so glad we did – it was fun and reminded me how much I love Austin. 
  4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? Read all of Stephanie’s advice on her website and don’t leave clothes shopping to the last minute (like we do, every year…). Also give everybody lots of time to get ready before the session, if you can.
  5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Working with Stephanie was a great experience. She is so organized and knowledgeable. I knew we were in good hands, and was at ease for the shoot. It was fun and we will definitely be reaching out to her for senior pics in a few months.
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 Family Photo Session?

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Butler Park – Senior + Family Portrait Session

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Tips for a Family Photo Session on South Congress

Tips for a Family Photo Session on South Congress

Top 10 Tips for Photo Sessions on South Congress | Austin Family Photographer

This New Jersey Family of Longhorn fans reached out to me to capture some iconic Austin photos while they were in town for a UT football game. Immediately, South Congress came to mind.

i love you so much mural at Jo's Coffee Shop for family of three photo session

They put on some burnt orange gear, and we took a slow morning to explore the murals and storefronts along the street.

 

If you’d also like to have a Family or Senior photo session on South Congress, here are my tips below:

1. Avoid peak times – I recommend Monday-Wednesday evening sessions for smaller crowds and easier parking.
2. Plan to pay for parking at a nearby garage on in the neighborhood.
3. Meet at the “I love you so much” mural at Jo’s Coffee Shop.
4. Wear comforable shoes you don’t mind walking several blocks in.
5. Explore side streets as well – you’ll find some fun backdrops just off South Congress as well.
6. Buy something at Jo’s if you take a lot of photos there.
7. Book an evening session (because the string lights near Service Menswear and the colorful neon rainbow lights near Austin Motel are more noticeable then).
8. Be considerate of everyone else on the street, and try not to block traffic while taking your photos.
9. Murals will change over time – so if you have a favorite, book your session now to make sure to capture it.
10. Make the most of your time on South Congress. End your photo session with dinner (Guero’s or Home Slice are some of my favorites) or a sweet treat (ice cream at Amy’s or Jeni’s) along South Congress.

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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

 

  1. What prompted you to have this photo session? Someone wisely told me that I would never regret investing in capturing all the years with my son as he grows up. They were right. This time, we wanted to capture the experience of visiting a new city that has held my husband’s heart (without ever being here) for so many years .
  2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? We will make our annual joyful Christmas card so we can share what the Deiberts have been up to!
  3. How did you choose your location for your session? We loved your reccos and really loved the vibe with all the murals. I love a good quote and write Friday reflections for our 3k leaders at work called Fill Your Cup Friday, and they are almost always anchored by a quote. 
  4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Family photo session? Have fun. Be you. Look at galleries to see if the photographer you are choosing fits your vibe. 
  5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie was awesome. She was communicative. Made great reccos. And she got us!! 

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 Family Photo Session?

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High School Senior Year Checklist – December

High School Senior Year Checklist – December

High School Senior Year To Do List | Austin, Texas

Happy Holiday Season!

High School Seniors (and your Parents):

See below for your December 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.

 

december to do list for high school seniors in austin

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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 Family Photo Session at Mueller Southwest Greenway

    Tips for a Family Photo Session at Mueller Southwest Greenway

    Tips for a Photo Session at Mueller Southwest Greenway Park | Austin Family Photographer

    Last year I met up with this family in the Seaholm District in Downtown Austin for their yearly photo session.

    This year we met at Mueller Southwest Greenway in East Austin. I’ve had lots of Spring sessions at this park (it has wonderful wildflowers)  – but this is the first year I’ve had so many Fall sessions there.

    I definitely plan to suggest this spot year round to other Seniors and Families who want a nature spot with a variety of backgrounds.

    mueller southwest greenway family of three photo session

    Between the tall grass, the pond with the rock path, the flowering plants in the butterfly garden and running trails, this Park is a great location year round. See below for some of my Tips for a photo session there.

    Tips for Photo Sessions at Mueller Southwest Greenway:

    • Parking is easy to find along Tom Miller Street
    • There isn’t a public restroom nearby so FYI
    • The full Wildflower season lasts from March – May in a good year
    • Late Spring (mid-April) is peak season for wildflowers at this park (though bloom quantity will vary from year to year)
    • Fall brings fields of tall, golden grass to stand in
    • 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
    • Keep an eye out for bugs, reptiles and other creatures among the fields
    • Plan to meet at the Butterfly Garden’s Rocket Ship (an excellent landmark meeting spot)
    • You don’t have to do a lot of walking to get to different backgrounds in the park
    • There are lots of great restaurants in the Mueller area to eat dinner at after your photo session

    _______________________________________________________________________________________

    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 family sessions on my blog.

    stephanie friedman headshot photo

    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 Family Photo Session?

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    Why are Family Photos Important?

    Why are Family Photos Important?

    Big Milestones and Everyday Moments | Austin Family Photographer

    As they say, “the days are long, but the years are short” – so freeze time while you can with a photo.

    Whether this year holds tiny baby shoes, missing front teeth or teens starting to drive, let me help capture who you are now, so you can enjoy your photos for years to come.

    Here are my Top 5 Reasons why I think Professional Family Photos are so important.

    Why are Family photos so important? 

    1. They freeze a season of life before it changes.

    Life moves fast and kids grow quickly. Before you know it – this photo

    father and newborn daughter

    turns into this photo.

    father and daughter photo session in austin

    Help time stand still for another year.

    2. It’s a visual legacy for your children

    Every year on their birthday, I’ll show my kids photos from when they were younger. It’s a way to tell stories about their pasts and share these memories. So print and display your photos to make it easier to enjoy them for years to come.

    brother and sister

     

    3. They document the journey of your growing family

    From the newborn to the high school years, family photos help you look back on all the changes you might not notice day-to-day but do year-to-year.

    brother and sister with new pet dog

    4. They give parents a chance to BE in the photos as well

    If you’re a mom, it’s likely your camera roll on your phone is full of photos of your kids – with a lot less that you’re in.

    mom and kids at photo session

    Hire a professional photographer to make sure you’re included. 

    5. They remind of us the love and joy we share with each other

    Family photos capture more than just moments, they hold the stories, emotions and connections that define our lives. These photos are time capsules of milestones, traditions and everyday magic.

    family photo session in austin

    So get professional family photos taken and honor what family means to you.

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    Please check out some of my favorite images below from this Family’s photo session at Pease Park and contact me if you’d like to book your own 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 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 Family Photo Session?

    More From This Category

    Butler Park – Senior + Family Portrait Session

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    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...

    read more