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

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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 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?

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    Senior Photo Session Posing for Girls

    Senior Photo Session Posing for Girls

    Posing Tips for your Senior Photo Session | Austin Senior Photographer

    Maybe because I used to be a yoga teacher, I think about the sequence and flow of posing during photo sessions in a similar way.

    Just like a good yoga class has a warm-up, smooth transitions progressing to a peak pose and then a cool-down, I like to do something similar with my posing during Senior Photo Sessions.

    And both yoga and senior photos benefits when you use props 😉

    START WITH A WARM-UP

    I’ve found most High School Girls are comfortable in front of the camera and used to posing, but I still start with “easy” poses.

    This means simple walking poses to encourage natural movement or standing poses with easy hand placement. This is the warm-up of the session.

    high school senior photo session posing guide

    STAND, SIT, LAY DOWN

    As a Senior Photo session progresses, I like the flow of moving from standing to sitting to lying down. This sequence also gives more variety to your photo gallery.

    senior girl high school photo session at austin park sequence of poses

    USE PROPS

    One thing I recommend in all my pre-session communication is to plan to bring some props to your High School Senior photo session. 

    Props make posing easier. They help with the “what do I do with my hands” issue, and tell the larger story of their Senior Year. 

    I also always bring a pair of sunglasses with their graduation year and some streamer confetti to celebrate with. 

    class of 2026 senior photo session

    FOCUS ON DETAILS

    Posing isn’t always about faces. I like to also focus on details.

    high school senior girl photo session at Mueller Southwest Greenway in East Austin by Stephanie Friedman Photography

    INCORPORATE MOVEMENT

    Walking, twirling. flipping your hair or even swaying back and forth – movement helps with posing.

    high school senior girl photo session

    GET CREATIVE

    As the Senior is more comfortable and warmed-up, I like to get a little more creative with posing, framing and prompts.

    high school senior girl posing tips in austin, texas

    END WITH SOMETHING FUN

    As the Session comes to an end, I like to leave on a high note. That’s usually when I bring out the confetti streamers. Or I may ask the Senior to jump in the air.

    high school senior photo session posing tips in austin, texas by Stephanie Friedman Photography at mueller southwest greenway park and pond

    A good photography posing sequence makes the Senior feel relaxed and confident in front of the camera. It’s my job to coach you through flattering poses, natural movements and genuine expressions. You don’t have to know anything ahead of time.

    For this High School Senior, we met at Mueller Greenway in the Butterfly Garden for her Photo 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 Senior 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? I wanted to get senior photos.
    2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? I plan to post my photos on Instagram and also probably use one in the yearbook.
    3. How did you choose your location for your session? I chose the location for my session because I love nature, flowers, and being outside.
    4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? Some advice I would give is to bring a hairbrush because it can get windy.
    5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? It was really fun working with Stephanie and she always had great ideas for photos! 

    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 Senior Photo Session?

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    How to prepare for a Family Photo Session at the park

    How to prepare for a Family Photo Session at the park

    Prepare for your Family Photo Session at the Park | Austin Family Photographer

    I love being outside in nature, so I often recommend local parks as a great location for family photo sessions. Austin has so much natural beauty, from the creekside trails at Bull Creek to the golden grass (and Spring wildflowers) at Commons Ford Ranch.

    There’s lot of space to play, and I find families can be more relaxed at the park.

    Check out my tips below on everything you need to know to prepare for a stress-free and fun-filled family photo session at the park. We went to Mueller Greenway for their session.

    1. Coordinate your outfits, don’t match your surroundings

    • Avoid yellow or green clothes! You’ll likely be camouflaged into the background.
    • Wear clothes you can sit down on the ground in (I’ll have a blanket so you don’t get dirty)
    • Wear closed-toed shoes to protect your feet (and keep an eye out for ants or other creatures)
    • Earth tones (cream, rust, denim and light blue) photograph nicely against Austin’s landscapesfamily photo session at Mueller Greenway Park in Austin

    2. Pack some extra essentials

    • Snacks and water bottles are always welcome
    • I’ll bring a white blanket, but if you have a favorite blanket that coordinates well with your outfits – bring one as well
    • Bring props that you can use at the park (a ball, a guitar, etc.)

    family photo session at the park

    3. Leave time to play and explore

    • We’ll get a mixture of posed and candid shots during your family photo session. For the candid shots, it’s fun to let your family just enjoy the park during our time together as well.

    🌳 Best Austin Parks for Family Photos

    Looking for inspiration? Here are a few of my favorite local spots that offer beautiful light and scenery:

    _______________________________________________________________________________________

    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.

    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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    Pros and Cons of Weeknight Photo Sessions

    Pros and Cons of Weeknight Photo Sessions

    When to Book a Family Photo Session | Austin Family Photographer

    When booking a family photo session, one of the decisions you’ll need to make is if you want a weeknight or a weekend time slot. Here are some Pros and Cons for each:

    YES – BOOK A WEEKNIGHT TIME SLOT

    1. LOCATIONS ARE LESS CROWDED  – Considering the metro population of Austin is over two million people in 2025, you’ll find popular parks and urban spots have fewer people out on a weeknight. It’s even better earlier in the week on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

    2. LESS LIKELY TO HAVE AN EVENT CONFLICT – Check an Event calendar in Austin, and yes, you’ll find fun things going on every night of the week (more so in good weather in Spring and Fall) – but for major events – those are most likely to happen on weekends. You’ll have more possible conflicts at your location of choice if you pick a Saturday or Sunday time slot.

    3. CONSIDER AN AISD HOLIDAY – Not counting, Thanksgiving, Christmas or Spring Break – there are on average 13 extra school holidays you could use during the school year for your photo session date. You may still have work, but the kids will be out of school that day.

    4. MORE CHOICE OVERALL – For myself, I offer more weeknight photo sessions per year than weekend, so if your family has busy schedules, there are more possibilities of dates that match.

    treehouse at pease park family photo session

    NO – BOOK A WEEKEND TIME SLOT INSTEAD

    1. TIME – You have more time to get ready without the rush of an after-school photo session.

    2. CAN SCHEDULE HAIR AND MAKEUP BEFORE YOUR SESSION – If you’d like to get professional hair and makeup, you have more time (and won’t have to miss work or school to do so).

    3. TIME CHANGE – With the earlier sunset from November to March, weeknight sessions have an earlier start to beat sunset. That might be too early for your family’s work and school commitments.

    4. AVOID RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC – The best light aka “golden hour” – happens about an hour before sunset. Most of the year, that coincides with rush hour traffic.

    mother and son family photo session at pease park in austin, texas by stephanie friedman photography

    This family met me on a Tuesday night at Pease Park, and we had the Treehouse area mostly to ourselves.

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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 (on a weeknight or a weekend) in Austin, Texas. Explore more photo sessions on my blog.

    Client Feedback and Advice

     

    1. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? First and foremost, we will create our annual holiday cards with our photos.  It’s a family tradition!
    2. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Family photo session? Ask for the advice of your photographer regarding location spots and take them up on their offer to scope out the place ahead of time.  I appreciated you going after the rains to see how the park grounds looked.
    3. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Remind your photographer about any specific needs you/your kids have so they are aware of limitations and peculiarities (sensory processing, physical posturing, etc)

    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

    McKinney Falls – Shared Senior Photo Session

    McKinney Falls – Shared Senior Photo Session

    McKinney Falls Shared Sisters Senior Portrait Session | Austin Senior Photographer A perfect combination for a Shared Senior Photo Session is when one sister is graduating from High School and another is graduating from College. This Austin High Senior and Texas State...

    read more