Stephanie Friedman, Author at Stephanie Friedman

Justin Lane Murals – Family Photo Session

by admin | Dec 8, 2023 | family, photography

Colorful murals, exploring the garden and climbing trees

The last time I photographed this family, we were in the Mueller District near the Thinkery.

This year, for their annual family photo session, we went to The Gift ATX. It’s a mural filled garden and gathering space owned by the Episcopalian Church next door. The vibrant colors and flowering garden provided a colorful backdrop for this family in Austin, Texas.

Tips for Photo Sessions at The Gift ATX

ASK PERMISSION FIRST: You’ll need to request location permission from the head Priest (and a Church donation is always welcome, but not required)
EXPLORE EVERY ANGLE: Make sure to check out out all sides of the building – there are dozens of murals across every surface
CROSS THE STREET FOR EXTRA CHARM: Also head across the street to get the “Spread Love the Austin Way” mural on the side of Lala’s Little Nugget Bar for your photos (though be prepared to photoshop out lots of trash and cigarette butts in front of that mural)

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Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session.

1. What prompted you to have this photo session? This is the gift I give myself every year!

2. How did you choose your location for your session? Convenience was key with busy weekend, so Stephanie suggested a really cool location nearby.

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? Just have fun with it! Even if your kid’s hair is a little unruly, don’t take it too seriously!

4. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? Stephanie is creative, fun, flexible & professional – I can’t recommend her highly enough!

Interested in a photo session?

Contact Me

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Where to take Senior Photos on the University of Texas Campus?

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Hello, Fellow Longhorn: Congratulations on graduating from UT! Here are my Top 10 most popular spots on campus for Senior Photo Sessions. They don't call it Forty Acres for nothing. Since the University of Texas campus is so large, it's good to be strategic when...

Holiday Crafting for Families in Austin

by admin | Dec 6, 2023 | crafts, holiday

Where to get crafty with your kids this holiday season in Austin, Texas

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by hand making gifts and decorations for your friends, family and home?

1. Gingerbread Houses: This classic holiday activity of decorating gingerbread houses can happen at the Thinkery or Laguna Gloria this month.

2. Santa Cookie Plate: Personalize and decorate a cookie plate for Santa at Cordovan Art School

3. Handmade Gifts: Sign up for one of the Austin Tinkering School crafting classes for kids, teens and Adults. You can make presents like handmade soap, customized candles, shibori-dyed tea towels, hand-stamped gift wrap, wooden salt shakers and a succulent plant box.

4. Handmade ornaments: They have a variety of classes available, but the handmade Loteria ornaments workshop at Austin Creative Reuse looks very fun. Make sure to check their monthly event calendar for other fun crafting opportunities.

5. Snow globe terrarium: Plant Party is offering a Frosty’s Snow Globe: Kids Holiday workshop every Saturday and Sunday morning in December for $10.

6. Stained Glass: You can make a stained glass snowflake, a fused glass ornament or holiday sculptural beads at Blue Moon Glassworks this December.

7. Library Crafts: Check out the Austin Public Library events page to make Winter Cheer Mason Jar Gifts (adults only), Winter Snow Globes (ages 5 and up) or Perler Beads: Holiday Gifting Edition (all ages) this month

Whether you’re making Texas-sized ornaments or baked goods for your neighbors, these handmade festive ideas will bring some fun (and mess) in your holiday schedule.

Happy Crafting!

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

Contact Me

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Pease Park – Birthday Photo Session

by admin | Dec 2, 2023 | birthday, photography

Turning 10, blue art trees and exploring Shoal Creek

To celebrate and document her son turning 10, this mom scheduled a birthday photo session.

We went to Pease Park over Thanksgiving Break for his portrait session. This birthday boy had fun exploring the park from the trees to the flowers to the water in the Creek.

Tips for Photo Sessions in Pease Park

I divide Pease Park into two main photographic areas – the Live Oak Meadow and Kingsbury Commons.
The Live Oak Meadow has, you guessed it, lots of oak trees, some with beautiful hanging Spanish Moss, as well as easy access to play in Shoal Creek – a spot known as the swales.
Kingsbury Commons has the two-story metal and rope Treehouse as well as a nature play area and the Tudor Cottage.
Between those two spots is a small forest of trees painted blue.
I find parking to be easier by the Live Oak Meadow – and I tell my clients it’s about a 7-10 minute walk between the two spots, but we should start in whichever spot they’re more drawn to.
I also make sure to check the Pease Park events page before finalizing a session date.
And if we’re going to go in the Creek, I always save that for last in case anyone gets too wet exploring.

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Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session.

1. What prompted you to have this photo session? Finn turned ten years old and I wanted to document the milestone. Plus, we hadn’t taken any portraits since covid. If people walked into my house, they would think I have a six year old. Time for some updated photos!

2. How did you choose your location for your session? As a person who’s lived in Austin for 25 years, I have always loved Pease Park. It’s now one of Finn’s favorite parks as well. Lots to see and explore, plus summer camps and birthday parties are often held here.

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? Relax and have fun. If kiddos are involved – I do lots of talking about the day, what we’re doing, where we’re going, how long it will last – just to set all the expectations in advance.

Also, if you want to plan a haircut, do it 2 to 3 weeks before the session so that it can grow in a bit and look natural. And, no matter when it is – feed them. Just feed them 30 min before. Also a post-session treat doesn’t hurt.

4. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? I love Stephanie’s positive attitude and easy-going vibe. She makes something that can be stressful, super easy to navigate.

Interested in a photo session?

Contact Me

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Live Oak Meadow – Pease Park – Family Session

by admin | Dec 1, 2023 | family, photography

Climbing trees, catching shrimp in the creek and hug attacks

The last time I photographed this family was in Waterloo Greenway Park for a holiday photo session.

This year, we went to the Live Oak Meadow in Pease Park and had fun exploring. Most families I work with like to switch between urban and nature settings each year.

Trees were climbed, the hug attack game was played and one pregnant shrimp was found in the water.

Tips for Photo Sessions in Pease Park

I divide Pease Park into two main photographic areas – the Live Oak Meadow and Kingsbury Commons.
The Live Oak Meadow has, you guessed it, lots of oak trees, some with beautiful hanging Spanish Moss, as well as easy access to play in Shoal Creek – a spot known as the swales.
Kingsbury Commons has the two-story metal and rope Treehouse as well as a nature play area and the Tudor Cottage.
Between those two spots is a small forest of trees painted blue.
I find parking to be easier by the Live Oak Meadow – and I tell my clients it’s about a 7-10 minute walk between the two spots, but we should start in whichever spot they’re more drawn to.
I also make sure to check the Pease Park events page before finalizing a session date.
And if we’re going to go in the Creek, I always save that for last in case anyone gets too wet exploring.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session.

Interested in a photo session?

Contact Me

← Previous Post Next Post →

University of Texas – Blanton Museum Courtyard – Family Session

by admin | Nov 29, 2023 | family, photography

Art on campus, bright colors and exploring the Capitol Mall grounds

The last time I photographed this family, we went to Waterloo Greenway Park for a fall photo session.

This year, we went to the University of Texas, Blanton Museum Courtyard area. I love the vibrant colors – especially the greens and yellows we used as backdrops.

Tips for Photo Sessions around the Blanton Museum

Make sure to check the Blanton Museum events calendar before you book and the University of Texas home football game schedule
Garage parking is available at the Brazos Garage on MLK next door
The Museum is closed on Mondays – so the area is the least crowded then (or go when the University of Texas students are on a school break)
Let your clients know how colorful the backdrops are if they want to go vibrant with their outfits
If you want to take any photos inside the Museum, permission is required

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own photo session.

1. What prompted you to have this photo session? Each fall, we schedule family photo session with Stephanie for our holiday cards. Our son went to preschool with Stephanie’s sons and she’s been taking our pictures since he was 3.

2. How did you choose your location for your session? Stephanie always has great suggestions – we try to alternate outdoorsy and more urban locations. Stephanie suggested the Blanton and it was perfect!

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? Go with the flow. Our now 13-year old who was always happy to smile for the pictures and was incredibly easy at photo sessions. This year, he was definitely 13 and only giving us occasional half-smiles, but Stephanie was wonderful about it. I am sure I will look back at this year’s photos and remember the struggle that was age 13.

4. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography?We LOVE taking our annual pictures with Stephanie! She’s the best.

Interested in a photo session?

Contact Me

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Colorful murals, exploring the garden and climbing trees

Tips for Photo Sessions at The Gift ATX

Interested in a photo session?

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Where to get crafty with your kids this holiday season in Austin, Texas

The holiday season is upon us, and what better way to celebrate than by hand making gifts and decorations for your friends, family and home?

Whether you’re making Texas-sized ornaments or baked goods for your neighbors, these handmade festive ideas will bring some fun (and mess) in your holiday schedule.

Interested in Booking a Photo Session?

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Turning 10, blue art trees and exploring Shoal Creek

Tips for Photo Sessions in Pease Park

Interested in a photo session?

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Climbing trees, catching shrimp in the creek and hug attacks

Tips for Photo Sessions in Pease Park

Interested in a photo session?

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Art on campus, bright colors and exploring the Capitol Mall grounds

Tips for Photo Sessions around the Blanton Museum

Interested in a photo session?

More From This Category

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