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

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 .
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!
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.
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.
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.