All the world’s a stage, rain break, and graduation cap and gown
Even though I always check the Events Page of the location before setting a date for a session, you still get surprises.
Like when I walked up to the Long Center Rotunda before a High School Senior photo session and saw an exercise class happening.
This Senior’s family was so sweet and flexible. So, when we learned the exercise class would be wrapping up 30 minutes into our session, we rolled with it.
I started taking photos around the edges first – making sure to get some shots of this Theater kid on the 3-D printed stage.
Then it started to rain. Which meant the exercise class ended early. And we could wait for breaks in the rain to get the classic “skyline reflected in the windows” image. (Note the raindrops on the ground)
Thankfully the rain didn’t last long, so we were able to finish out the Senior Pictures in all my favorite spots (including the rooftop of the parking garage).
If you’re also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at the Long Center, check out my essential tips below.
Tips for Senior Photo Sessions at the Long Center
EVENTS: Check the Long Center events page first to ensure there won’t be a conflict with your session date (though be ready to be flexible if a surprise event IS happening)
PARKING:Long Center Garage has ample parking (as well as lots of great backdrops)
TIME OF DAY: I prefer “just before sunset” golden hour sessions to get the best light on the Austin Skyline in the background
LOCATIONS: I usually start at the Long Center Rotunda (love all the architectural details and color palette), and then either move towards the parking garage rooftop for an urban vibe or go towards Butler Park for a nature setting
OUTFIT CHANGES: Be prepared to change outfits in your car in case the Long Center is closed to visitors during your session.
Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Senior session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior sessions like Naomi’s on my blog.
What prompted you to have this photo session? Our daughter saw your work featured on a friend’s IG page and loved her photos. We reached out because it was exactly the kind of photos she wanted (Leigh).
What do you plan to do with your digital photos? We will have prints made of a few of the ones we really love to display in our home and make the others into a photo book that will include other photos from Naomi’s childhood and high school years (Leigh). I plan to use the photos for my graduation invitations, my school’s yearbook, and to print them so we can hang some in our house (Naomi).
How did you choose your location for your session? Naomi was in the Nutcracker in elementary school and is involved with select ensemble now. Both performances took place at the Long Center so it has significance for her (Leigh). I choose the Long Center to have my session at because the Long Center is a significant place to me, as I’ve performed there mulitple times for different events throughout my life (Naomi).
What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? Take the time to think about locations that are important and wearing outfits that you won’t regret 10-20 years from now:). Also, it’s hard to control the weather. We knew we wanted the Long Center and were just wanted to make sure it wasn’t going to be 100 degrees in Austin yet (Leigh). My piece of advice to others is don’t be afraid to ask questions, strike poses, and voice your opinion, these photos are for you! (Naomi).
Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie made the entire process very easy and worked really well with Naomi. Your communication leading up to and after the shoot about what to expect was also super appreciated! (Leigh). Working with Stephanie was an absolute delight. She’s super friendly and open to all ideas. 10/10 experience!! (Naomi).
High School Senior Photo Session at Park off of Lady Bird Lake| Austin Senior Photography I first met this family for their holiday photos last Fall at Bull Creek Park. Since they have a graduating senior, we met up again this Spring for a mini Senior photo session at...
Austin skyline, visual arts studies and rooftop garage views
It’s not every Class of 2024 McCallum Senior I photograph – that I can also claim to have been at their baby shower – but Evie is in that small group.
Baby Shower Games: Guessing what Evie’s name was going to be (Pilar was my vote)
Or have a photo of them as a baby with their dad.
So it felt like a full circle moment to get to take pictures her Senior Year of High School as well.
We chose the Long Center as her location to get downtown views as well as an industrial vibe from the parking garage.
As part of my pre-planning Senior questionnaire, I asked about her High School interests. And then made sure to include her painting supplies to highlight her work in the Visual Arts.
If you’re also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at the Long Center, check out my essential tips below.
Tips for Senior Photo Sessions at the Long Center
EVENTS: Check the Long Center events page first to ensure there won’t be a conflict with your session date
PARKING:Long Center Garage has ample parking (as well as lots of great backdrops)
TIME OF DAY: I prefer “just before sunset” golden hour sessions to get the best light on the Austin Skyline in the background
LOCATIONS: I usually start at the Long Center Rotunda (love all the architectural details and color palette), and then either move towards the parking garage rooftop for an urban vibe or go towards Butler Park for a nature setting
OUTFIT CHANGES: Be prepared to change outfits in your car in case the Long Center is closed to visitors during your session.
Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Senior session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior sessions like Evie’s on my blog.
1. What do you plan to do with your Senior Photos? We plan to send them out as graduation annoucements, and we plan to send the Grandparents larger prints.
2. What advice would you give to other High School Seniors planning their photo session? Go to a location you are familiar with, just be yourself and be comfortable. Don’t bring too many changes of clothes.
3. Anything you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography?Stephanie has the ability to make anyone feel comfortable. She captured our daughter’s spirit and spark so well. What a gift to have the same talented photographer for our daughter’s baby photos and senior photos! She is a true professional and made the entire process seamless.
High School Senior Photo Session at Park off of Lady Bird Lake| Austin Senior Photography I first met this family for their holiday photos last Fall at Bull Creek Park. Since they have a graduating senior, we met up again this Spring for a mini Senior photo session at...
Realize their parking garage may be closed if there are not any events
You will usually see lots of other photos shoots happening at the same time (so far this season I’ve seen Prom photos, roller skating and dance videos also using this location).
Please enjoy some of my favorite pictures from their Spring family portrait session below. Full gallery (password protected) available HERE.
The Long Center is one of my favorite spots to shoot at for a Senior Session – there’s such a great variety of backgrounds and architectural details to play with. (Just double check they aren’t having any events that day!) And I really love it when the Senior doesn’t mind climbing up on walls (safely, of course) on the top floor of their parking garage as well.
1. How did you choose your location for your session? We went with somewhere we thought would have cool, urban backgrounds. We also considered South Congress, but it is too crowded.
2. What advice would you give to other Seniors planning a photo session? Wear what makes you feel comfortable and have fun with it (which is easy with Stephanie).
Please check out some of my favorite images from this McCallum Senior’s portrait session below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session.
High School Senior Photo Session at Park off of Lady Bird Lake| Austin Senior Photography I first met this family for their holiday photos last Fall at Bull Creek Park. Since they have a graduating senior, we met up again this Spring for a mini Senior photo session at...
I’ve been lucky to photograph this family since 2013. And even when they moved from Austin to Houston a few years ago, they still make the trip back for their yearly Holiday Portrait Session (usually to coincide with a UT football game).
We tend to alternate between urban and nature settings from year to year. But when our nature setting got all of its long, beautiful grass mowed a few weeks ago, it was time for Plan B.
So we met at the Long Center Downtown for golden hour. There was dancing, leaf throwing and dog snuggling.
I love seeing the Austin skyline reflected.
Playing with shadows.
Ben had several pose ideas of his own as well (something I always encourage with the kids I photograph).
And the picture below (and several like it) are why I found leaves in my hair and camera bag once I got home 😉
Thank you, W. Family! Happy Holidays!
1. How do you know Stephanie Friedman Photography?
I have known Stephanie forever! We worked together once upon a time 🙂 I loved how she could pick the best photos for what I was trying to illustrate!
2. What was your favorite part of your photo session?
Just seeing the locations and the different visions Stephanie comes up with for us to do. Plus Ben likes to contribute his “visions” too!
3. What advice would you give to other families planning a photo session?
Have fun! Enjoy the location and the moment.
—————————————-
Please enjoy this sneak peek of their family session. To see all the photos and purchase prints from the (password protected) gallery, click HERE.
If you’d like to book your own family session in Austin, contact me: