Stephanie Friedman, Author at Stephanie Friedman

How to Display & Use your Senior Photos

by admin | Jan 22, 2025 | photography, seniors

Top 5 ways to use your Senior Photos

Your senior photos are more than just pictures—they’re a celebration of your educational journey and a way to preserve this important time in your life.

But once you’ve had your Senior Photo session and received your digital images, what’s next?

Instead of letting them just sit on your phone or computer, here are some creative and meaningful ways to showcase your senior portraits.

1. Graduation Cards: Announce & Celebrate

One of the most popular ways to use your senior photos is for custom graduation announcements and invitations. These cards are a great way to share your achievements with family and friends while giving them a keepsake of this special time in your life.

Choosing the Right Design

Select a template that matches your personality and style—modern, classic, rustic, or bold.
Opt for a single-image or collage-style card to showcase multiple looks from your session.
Incorporate school colors or your future college’s branding for a personalized touch.

What to Include

Your name and high school
Graduation date and ceremony details (if applicable)
A heartfelt message or quote
Party invitation details (if you’re hosting a celebration)

Where to Order

Many online retailers, such as Minted, Shutterfly, and SnapFish, offer beautiful custom templates for graduation cards.

2. Wall Art: Turn Memories into Home Decor

Displaying your senior photos in your home is a great way to cherish these moments every day. Some print options include:

Canvas Prints: A timeless option that adds warmth to any space.
Framed Prints: Available in various sizes and styles to match your décor.
Photo Collages: Create a gallery wall with multiple images from your session.

Your online gallery will let you shop directly for framed prints and other wall art options.

3. Photo Albums: Preserve Your Story

You can design your own personalized photo album through your online gallery. This treasured keepsake is a perfect way to document your senior year.

4. Photo Gifts: Share the Memories

Senior portraits also make great gifts for family members. Consider:

Custom mugs or phone cases with your favorite shots
Personalized photo calendars for grandparents
Photo keychains, puzzles or ornaments

There are loads of fun things you can make with your pictures.

5. Digital Displays: Showcase Your Photos Online

In today’s digital world, sharing your senior photos online is just as important as printing them. Consider:

Social Media Posts: Share highlights from your session on Instagram, SnapChat, or TikTok.
Digital Photo Frames: Upload a rotating slideshow of your senior portraits to a digital frame at home.
Custom Screensavers & Wallpapers: Use your photos as backgrounds on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Tips for what to do with your digital files

Your senior photos are meant to be enjoyed and shared! Whether you’re sending out graduation cards, decorating your home with prints, or gifting keepsakes to loved ones, make the most of your images and celebrate this milestone in style.
Investing in high quality prints and products ensures your images will last for years to come.

Looking for more ideas or ready to book your senior session? Contact me today to create stunning Senior Portraits you’ll love!

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

Contact Me

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How to Display & Use your Senior Photos

Jan 22, 2025

Top 5 ways to use your Senior Photos Your senior photos are more than just pictures—they’re a celebration of your educational journey and a way to preserve this important time in your life. But once you’ve had your Senior Photo session and received your digital...

Now Booking – 2025 Family Photo Sessions

by admin | Jan 18, 2025 | photography

Now Booking – Spring 2025 Family Photo Sessions in Austin, Texas

Now booking dates February – May 2025 for families in the Austin, Texas area.

If you want updated photos to print for your walls, to post on social media or to document this milestone time, my Calendar is now open.

—– The Family Session —-

This Session is for Austin families who want a creative and comfortable photo shoot that fits their busy schedule and fun-loving personalities. For $500 plus tax, you’ll receive:

One hour photo shoot on location in the Austin area
All edited digital hi-res images in an online gallery (minimum 50 images) two weeks after your session date
Weekend and Weeknight calendar options
Posing guidance throughout your session
What to Wear, What to Bring and What to Expect comminucation before your session date
If you’d like photos in the wildflowers, choose a session date at the end of March through mid-April

This session fee does not include products. You can purchase prints and albums separately from your gallery directly. There is no minimum purchase required.

Ready to book?

Contact Me

“What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce.” – Karl Lagerfeld

Hope to see you in front of my camera this Spring!

“If you don’t think photos are important, wait until they’re all you have left.” – Missy Mwac

Please contact me if you’d like to book a Family Photo Session in Austin, Texas. Explore more portrait sessions on my blog.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Class of 2025 – Spring Senior Photo Sessions

by admin | Jan 14, 2025 | photography, seniors

Now Booking – Class of 2025 High School Senior Photos in Austin, Texas

Now booking dates in January – May 2025 for Class of 2025 High School Seniors in Austin, Texas.

If you live in Austin, and want a Senior Photo Session this Spring, my Calendar is now open.

— The Senior Session —

This session is for High School Seniors in the Austin area who want a creative and comfortable photo shoot that fits their schedule and personality. For $475 plus tax, you’ll receive:

1 hour photo shoot on location in the Austin area
Up to 3 outfit changes
All edited digital hi-res images in an online gallery (minimum 50 images) two weeks after your session date
Weekend and Weeknight calendar options
Posing guidance throughout your session
What to Wear, What to Bring and What to Expect comminucation before your session date
Option to add-on a family mini-session at the end for an additional fee
If you’d like photos in the wildflowers, choose a session date at the end of March through mid-April

This session fee does not include products. You can purchase prints and albums separately from your gallery directly. There is no minimum purchase required.

Ready to book?

Contact Me

Still have questions?

Check out my Senior Photo Gallery HERE.
Check out my Senior Photo Session Guidelines and FAQ HERE.
Check out recent Senior session blog posts HERE.

“A camera is a save button for the mind’s eye” – Roger Kingston

Please contact me if you’d like to book a Senior Photo Session in Austin, Texas. Explore more portrait sessions on my blog.

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Dog-friendly photo session locations in Austin

by admin | Jan 13, 2025 | location information, photography

My Top 10 locations for a Photo Session with your pet dog in Austin, Texas

If your four-legged friend is a part of your family, let’s make sure to include them in your next family photo session.

Austin is known for being super dog-friendly, and there are plenty of beautiful outdoor locations that welcome both people and pups.

Here are some of my suggestions for the best dog-friendly spots that capture your special family moments.

1. Long Center & Butler Park

One of Austin’s most iconic outdoor spaces, Butler Park offers wide-open fields, a stunning view of the downtown skyline, and plenty of room for dogs to roam. The Long Center adds some architectural elements and fun patterns and reflections.

2. Seaholm District

Let your pup have their urban moment among the downtown architecture and sculpture. Or cross the Butterfly Bridge together.

3. St. Edwards Park

For a more serene and nature-filled setting, St. Edwards Park is an excellent choice. This park features spring wildflowers, scenic paths and access to water.

4. Red Bud Isle

A favorite among local dog owners, Red Bud Isle is an off-leash dog park that doubles as a scenic oasis. Surrounded by water, this location provides a unique island-like feel with shaded trails and a peaceful environment.

**Be warned this park has a very tiny parking lot that fills up quickly during peak times

5. Your House

Your pet will be most comfortable in their familiar surroundings. Consider using your house (indoors and outdoors) for your next family photo session location.

6. Central Market Pond

Right next to the Central Market grocery store on N. Lamar, this small park with towering oak trees and central pond is very dog-friendly.

7. Katherine Fleischer Park

This Wells Branch park has some old homesteads as well as nature trails to walk your pet around for photos.

8. University of Texas

If you’re a college senior graduating, why not include your beloved pet in your senior photo session. Burnt orange football toy is optional.

9. Northwest Park

Located in Central Austin, and full of wildflowers in the spring, this park is also very dog-friendly.

10. Bull Creek Park

Your dog will love exploring the water in Bull Creek. Just remember to bring a towel for any drying off during your family photo session.

Tips for Including Your Dog in Your Photo Session

Bring treats and toys to keep your dog engaged and looking at the camera.
Choose a harness or leash that complements your outfit for a polished look.
Schedule your session during cooler parts of the day to keep your pup comfortable during the hotter months.
Let them have some playtime before the session to burn off extra energy for more relaxed photos.

Including your dog in your family photo session can make for a fun, memorable experience that captures the love you all share. If you’re ready to book a dog-friendly session in Austin, reach out—I’d love to help you plan the perfect shoot!

Interested in Booking a Senior or Family Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Life Skills for High School Seniors: A Pre-College Syllabus

by admin | Jan 7, 2025 | seniors

Checklist for your High School Student before they leave home for college

Leaving high school and preparing for college is an exciting yet challenging transition.

Beyond academic preparation, developing essential life skills can help set your child up for success.

This blog post provides a bingo-style checklist to guide high school seniors in mastering key competencies before they head off to college.

Financial Literacy:

Goal: Prepare students to manage their personal finances responsibly

What to discuss:

Budgeting basics: Creating and sticking to a budget
Understanding credit: How credit cards work and managing debt
Basics of savings and investments
Navigating student loans
How to pay bills

Resources:

Khan Academy’s Personal Finance Course
“I Will Teach You to Be Rich” by Ramit Sethi
Monarch Money or YNAB (You Need a Budget) apps
Design Mom’s budget game for teens

Practice Activity:
Create a mock monthly budget based on an estimated college student’s expenses.

Cooking and Home:

Goal: Ensure students can prepare healthy meals and understand the basics of good nutrition.

What to discuss:

Meal planning and grocery shopping on a budget
Simple recipes: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks
Reading nutrition labels
Food safety basics
How to do laundry
Basic Car maintainence

Resources:

“Good and Cheap: Eat Well on $4/Day” by Leanne Brown (free PDF available)
Easy Recipes for College Students
MyPlate.gov
Reddit/how to do laundry
Car maintenance checklist

Practice Activity: Cook three meals using a weekly budget of $50 or less and build a cleaning kit for their dorm room.

Time and Organization:

Goal: Teach students how to prioritize tasks and manage their schedules effectively.

What to discuss:

Using digital tools like Google Calendar and Trello
Effective study habits
Avoiding procrastination
Balancing academics, social life, and self-care

Resources:

“The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey
Todoist for task management
YouTube videos on the Pomodoro Technique

Practice Activity:

Plan a hypothetical week balancing classes, work, and personal time.

Health and Wellness:

Goal: Promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

What to discuss:

Basic first aid and when to seek medical help
Exercise routines for small spaces
Mental health resources: Coping with stress and homesickness

Resources:

Headspace for meditation
American Red Cross First Aid app
“The College Student’s Guide to Mental Health“

Practice Activity:

Plan a hypothetical week balancing classes, work, and personal time. Also research health and wellness options on campus.

Social Skills:

Goal: Help High School students build and maintain healthy relationships.

What to discuss:

Navigating roommate relationships
Conflict resolution strategies
Networking basics and making friends

Resources:

“How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
TED Talk: The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown
Planned Parenthood

Practice Activity:

Role-play a challenging roommate conversation scenario.

By mastering these life skills, high school seniors can step into college life with confidence and resilience.

Are there any additional skills you’d add to this syllabus? Adjust and adapt for your specific senior’s future plans!

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Top 5 ways to use your Senior Photos

But once you’ve had your Senior Photo session and received your digital images, what’s next?

1. Graduation Cards: Announce & Celebrate

Choosing the Right Design

What to Include

Where to Order

2. Wall Art: Turn Memories into Home Decor

3. Photo Albums: Preserve Your Story

4. Photo Gifts: Share the Memories

5. Digital Displays: Showcase Your Photos Online

Tips for what to do with your digital files

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

More From This Category

Now Booking – Spring 2025 Family Photo Sessions in Austin, Texas

—– The Family Session —-

Ready to book?

“What I like about photographs is that they capture a moment that’s gone forever, impossible to reproduce.” – Karl Lagerfeld

Hope to see you in front of my camera this Spring!

“If you don’t think photos are important, wait until they’re all you have left.” – Missy Mwac

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

More From This Category

Now Booking – Class of 2025 High School Senior Photos in Austin, Texas

— The Senior Session —

Ready to book?

“A camera is a save button for the mind’s eye” – Roger Kingston

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

More From This Category

My Top 10 locations for a Photo Session with your pet dog in Austin, Texas

1. Long Center & Butler Park

2. Seaholm District

3. St. Edwards Park

4. Red Bud Isle

5. Your House

6. Central Market Pond

7. Katherine Fleischer Park

8. University of Texas

9. Northwest Park

10. Bull Creek Park

Tips for Including Your Dog in Your Photo Session

Interested in Booking a Senior or Family Photo Session?

More From This Category

Checklist for your High School Student before they leave home for college

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Financial Literacy:

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Cooking and Home:

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Time and Organization:

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Health and Wellness:

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Social Skills:

Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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