Commons Ford Ranch – Senior Photo Session

Commons Ford Ranch – Senior Photo Session

Rustic barn, dry grass and a riverside dock – Class of 2024 Senior Photos

For this Anderson High School Senior, she choose Commons Ford Ranch for her location.

We started at the barn at the back of the property, explored the dry grass fields, went to the dock and ended with some dance moves on the trail. I was so amazed at her leap in jeans!

leaping senior photo session

Since it was January, there were only two other photo sessions we saw (it can be dozens in peak seasons like Spring and Fall).

So we had lots of uncrowded backdrops and some epic skies.

class of 2024 anderson high school senior photo session

Tips for Senoir 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 (this Senior was such a good sport about hiking around in her heels (!))
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Springtime wildflowers can be spectacular – peak blooms are usually in April and May. Winter has some lovely golden dry grass as well.
  • Enjoy the beautiful and peaceful scenery just 25 minutes away from downtown Austin.

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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 photo session in Austin, Texas.

  1. What prompted you to have this photo session? We wanted to do a senior photo shoot with someone who could be spontaneous, yet capture Erika’s personality. We also were looking for someone with reasonable pricing who offered lots of digital images, not just a few. An hour of photographing should give you tons of photos to choose from and enjoy!
  2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? We plan to plaster her dorm room with posters … just kidding! Erika plans to post the photos on social media. We will use the photos to create her graduation announcement, plus we will print photos to hang on our wall and for grandparents and cousins to have. Who knows—maybe just look at them online and smile!
  3. How did you choose your location for your session? Erika wanted to be outside for her photos, and Commons Ford Ranch was really pretty and had a variety of different locations/backgrounds that worked well with her outfit changes.
  4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? Definitely bring your personality and don’t be afraid to show it. Have some fun outfits that represent you. Watch for opportunities to be spontaneous, and definitely share those ideas with Stephanie as you’re out and about!
  5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? From Erika: Stephanie was super nice and came really prepared with both extra items and ideas for locations. She also immediately made me feel comfortable and gave me plenty of poses, while still incorporating my ideas. From Gina: Ditto on immediately feeling comfortable! Stephanie is energetic and very creative, has great ideas for locations, makes fabulous suggestions, and is an all-around fabulous person! We couldn’t have chosen a better photographer and we look forward to doing our family photos with Stephanie very soon!

Interested in a Senior Photo Session?

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Eight Points of View – Photo Session Tips

Eight Points of View – Photo Session Tips

eight category list

Near, Far, Above, Below, Details, Motion, Layering, Fun

How do you make sure your photo session has variety, tells the full story and flexes your creative muscles?

I have eight categories that I follow to guarantee variety in each of my family, senior and branding portrait sessions. If I’m photographing one person or a group of people, I make sure to:

  • Move myself around
  • Move them around
  • Pay attention to how I use my environment in these eight categories.

So – let’s start with the basic set-up. You’ll see this arrangement in maybe 75% of photos taken. The photographer and subject are both standing – about 5-6 feet apart. The photographer is using a 50mm-85mm lens and shooting straight on.

This point of view works just fine. But now, how can we add on from that basic set-up?

Remember these eight categories:

1) NEAR – As legendary photojournalist, Frank Capra said “If your pictures aren’t good enough, you aren’t close enough” – so that’s the first thing to make sure you do at your photo session – get close. These captivating close-ups will draw viewers in.

closeup of brother and sister during a family photo session

2) FAR – I also call this the establishing shot. It showcases the whole environment and the relationship of the people to their environment.

family photo session in live oak meadow in pease park, austin, texas

3) ABOVE – Elevate your perspective by shooting your subject from above, creating a birds’eye view that adds another dimension to your image gallery. 

girl in colorful light reflections

4) BELOW – While less commonly used, shooting from below can add a touch of power to your subjects, especially with children who may not be accustomed to seeing themselves from this perspective. Experiment and see what you like from this point of view. 

girl at blanton museum under the petal sculptures

5) DETAILS – I like to capture details to help tell the full story. Focusing on hands, hair, or other intricate elements brings depth and richness to your compositions.

family of four all holding hands

6) MOTION – Everyone is more comfortable and less stiff when they’re moving. You can take this a step further and incorporate motion blur as well. This category adds a dynamic energy to your images. 

two brothers jumping

7) LAYERING – if you divide your 2-D image into a foreground, middleground and background, you establish a 3-D like capture. Create depth by placing your subject between two distinct objects.

pease park portrait session in november in austin, texas

8) FUN – This category is where you get to play – are there reflections, props you can use, silly actions people can take? I usually end my photo sessions with something out of the ordinary when the clients are most relaxed and comfortable after our time together. Here is where your creativity can shine the most.

family photo session rooftop downtown austin texas

girl framed by red and white flowers

family jumping during their photo session downtown austin

So, whether you’re a seasoned photographer or just starting out, use these eight categories in your portrait sessions to guarantee variety, tell compelling stories, and unlock the full potential of your creative powers. Elevate your photography, one different point-of-view at a time!

Want information on booking a photo session?

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Now Booking – 2024 Family Photo Sessions

Now Booking – 2024 Family Photo Sessions

Interested in booking Family photos this Winter or Spring 2024?

 

If you live in Austin and want Family photos: my Winter/Spring calendar is now open!

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

When you’re ready to pick a date – instructions are below:

Fill out my Contact Form to book your Winter/Spring Senior Portrait Session this January – May 2024 in Austin, Texas.

contact form

An $150 retainer is required to hold your spot. The remainder of the fee ($391.25) is due at your session.

Curious about School Holidays this first part of the year, check out what’s on AISD’s calendar for days off this season:

aisd 2024 calendar

Wondering what the weather will be like each month:

months to book

Once you book your date, I’ll be in touch to discuss locations, outfits and all the other details.

(If you’re interested in a Fall photo session later this year instead, contact me below. Then I’ll add you to my list when those dates go live at the end of this summer)

 

Have questions? Or want to be added to my contact list when my Fall Calendar goes live later this year?

Please contact me so I can help. 

Ready to book a photo session?

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Now Booking – 2024 Senior Photo Sessions

Now Booking – 2024 Senior Photo Sessions

Ready to book your Class of 2024 Senior Photo Session?

 

If you live in Austin and want Senior photos: my Winter/Spring calendar is now open!

  • 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.

When you’re ready to pick a date – instructions are below:

Please fill out my contact form below to book your Winter/Spring Senior Portrait Session this January – May 2024 in Austin, Texas.

contact form

An $150 deposit is required to hold your spot. The remainder of the fee ($310) is due at your session.

Curious about School Holidays this first part of the year, check out what’s on AISD’s calendar for days off this season:

aisd 2024 calendar

Wondering what the weather will be like each month:

months to book

Once you book your date, I’ll be in touch to discuss locations, outfits and all the other details.

(If you’re Class of 2025 High School or College Senior and are interested in a Fall 2024 session instead, contact me below. Then I’ll add you to my list when those dates go live at the end of this summer)

 

Have questions? Or want to be added to my contact list when my Fall Calendar goes live later this year?

Please contact me so I can help. 

Ready to book a photo session?

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