Rustic Barn, Grass-filled Prairie and a Lakeside Dock | Austin Senior Photo Session
This Lake Travis High School Senior requested two things – wildflowers in a field and to bring her dog.
Sadly, this wasn’t a good year for wildflowers (though I drove all around looking for some), but we did get some cute photos with her pet golden retriever, Jingle.
And she brought her own flowers to hold. Two different bouquets, in fact.
For her photo session, we explored from the old barn to the lakeside docks at Commons Ford Ranch in Southwest Austin.
If you live in Austin and are also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at Commons Ford Ranch, check out my tips below.
Tips for High School Senior Photo Sessions at Commons Ford Ranch:
- It can get crowded with other photo sessions at peak times (weekend evenings in Spring and Fall) – so pick off times if possible.
- It’s about a 10 minute walk from the parking lot to the Lakefront area – make sure to wear or bring comfortable shoes for walking between locations
- The Lakefront area can be a popular party area – keep an eye out for stray beer cans in your frame and you might have to wait your turn on the dock. (We had some considerate swimmers move out of the way on the dock so we could get the angle and shots we wanted)
- Lots of wildlife call this park their home. If you are going to be in the tall grass, wear cowboy boots or pants as one of your three outfit options.
- Plan to change outfits in your car (the nearest restroom is a port-o-potty)
- Springtime wildflowers can be spectacular (though sadly not this year – our solution was for her to bring some flower bouquets to hold) – peak blooms are usually in March, April and May. Winter has some lovely golden dry grass as well.
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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 on my blog.












































- What prompted you to have this photo session? I wanted to capture the next chapter of my life by combining my upcoming college plans and childhood dog, along with grad photos.
- What do you plan to do with your digital photos? I plan to share my digital photos on social media and use them for graduation purposes and professional use for sororities and college events.
- How did you choose your location for your session? I found the place with an open field and a water area, I love nature so I wanted it to be in my senior photos.
- What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? Remeber all your outfits!!!!!!! Create a list as to not forget anything. Also get a few inspo pictures ready for the photographer!
- Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? She is so sweet!!! Very creative and knowledgeable. Works with all the outside circumstances to get you the best photos and for a great price!
Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?
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