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.
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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 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).
Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?
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