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 landscapes

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.)

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:
- Bull Creek District Park – shallow water, limestone cliffs and nature trails
- Commons Ford Ranch – rustic barn, lakeside dock and huge fields
- Pease Park – fun Treehouse architecture, spanish moss in old oak trees and the Troll
- Waterloo Greenway Park – mix of architecture at the outdoor amphitheater and gardens full of Texas native plants
- Mueller Greenway – East Austin park that includes a butterfly garden and pond
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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.

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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