So you live in the Central part of Austin*, and you’re wondering, “Where should I go for my family photo session?”
Things I consider when scouting a location:
- How scenic is the landscape? (natural or urban)
- Can we find a variety of backgrounds?
- What’s the comfort level for families? (i.e. bathrooms available, free parking, safe for little kids to explore, easy to get to)
- Is it often crowded?
- In what season does the location looks best? (great for wildflowers or fall color)
- Where’s the best light in the morning vs. the evening?
Here are my Top 5 favorite spots I recommend to my families who live Central:
University of Texas at Austin: Main building: 110 Inner Campus Drive, Austin, TX 78705
Features: Visit the Architecture Library and the Architecture building, the Greenhouse (shown above), the Main Tower, the Fountain and the Stadium, Ellsworth Kelly’s Austin (shown at the top of the post) at the Blanton Museum
Parking: Pay lots (easiest off-season when school is out)
Bathroom: yes
Kid-friendly: yes
Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2018/05/10/ut-phd-graduation-portrait-session/
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Bull Creek Park: 6701 Lakewood Dr, Austin, TX 78731
Features: 48-acre city park, trails and stream (Bull Creek)
Parking: Small lot (gets full on weekends)
Bathroom: yes
Kid-friendly: yes
Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2017/04/17/creekside-exploring-spring-family-photo-session/
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Central Library/Butterfly Bridge: 701 W. Cesar Chavez St. Austin, TX 78701
Features: Scenic downtown views, interesting architecture
Parking: Pay lot at library and Trader Joe’s next door
Bathroom: yes (at library and nearby stores)
Kid-friendly: yes
Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2017/11/30/the-w-family-bridge-library-photo-session/
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Mueller Lake Park: 4550 Mueller Blvd, Austin, TX 78723
Features: pond, greenery, colorful walls around store-fronts, Thinkery exterior
Parking: pay garage and pay street parking
Bathroom: yes
Kid-friendly: yes
Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2018/05/03/the-h-family-spring-portrait-session/
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Central Market Pond: 4001 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78756
Features: pond, trees
Parking: lot
Bathroom: yes (at store)
Kid-friendly: yes
Sample photo session: http://www.stephaniefriedman.com/2016/11/29/the-l-family-holiday-portrait-session-2/
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