Pease Park – Birthday Photo Session

Pease Park – Birthday Photo Session

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.

boy holding up 10 fingers for birthday photo session

 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.

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?

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Senior Photo Shoot Checklist

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Live Oak Meadow – Pease Park – Family Session

Live Oak Meadow – Pease Park – Family Session

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. 

blue art trees in pease park family photo session

 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?

More From This Category

Senior Photo Shoot Checklist

Senior Photo Shoot Checklist

How to Prepare for your Senior Photo SessionYou've taken the first step and booked your High School Senior Portrait Session. What else do you need to do to be prepared? Take a look at my checklist below: If you need location ideas - check this BLOG POST. If you want...

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University of Texas – Blanton Museum Courtyard – Family Session

University of Texas – Blanton Museum Courtyard – Family Session

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.

child standing under the Petals sculptures at the Blanton Museum

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?

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Austin Winter Holiday Checklist

Austin Winter Holiday Checklist

Looking for fun Kid-Friendly ideas this Winter Holiday Season in Austin, Texas?

winter holiday idea list

I’ve got a list for you!

Print out or screenshot my checklist of favorites above and have a great time this month and next.

There’s light displays, holiday performances, and hands-on activites to enjoy. Some of the activities are free, while some have an entrance fee. Some are in Austin, while others are a short drive out of town. Most appeal to a wide range of ages. All of them should put you in a festive holiday mood (ugly Christmas sweaters are always optional to wear). 

 

Happy Holidays – now go out and have some fun!

Interested in booking a photo session?

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How to Prepare for your Senior Photo SessionYou've taken the first step and booked your High School Senior Portrait Session. What else do you need to do to be prepared? Take a look at my checklist below: If you need location ideas - check this BLOG POST. If you want...

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Blanton Museum & Capitol Mall – Family Session

Blanton Museum & Capitol Mall – Family Session

Blanton Museum Courtyard, Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin” and the Capitol Mall

The last time I photographed this family was at their house and in Pease Park before they left for an international adventure.

This year, we went to the University of Texas campus and took photos around the Blanton Museum.

ellsworth kelly austin family photo session

 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? We needed family photos, and we love Stephanie’s style and approach. It is fun and creative, and the whole experience is made easy for the family. So well organized. 

2. How did you choose your location for your session? I was inspired by other families’ photoshoots and wanted to try something new. The location was close to our house, and Stephaine had good ideas on how to make it work with my wishes. 

3. What advice would you give to others planning a similar photo session? If you follow the photographer’s prompts, it won’t go wrong. The emails are meant to help the family stay organized and get the most out of the expereince. It relieves the family of having to overthink or stress about the experience. 

Interested in a photo session?

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Senior Photo Shoot Checklist

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How to Prepare for your Senior Photo SessionYou've taken the first step and booked your High School Senior Portrait Session. What else do you need to do to be prepared? Take a look at my checklist below: If you need location ideas - check this BLOG POST. If you want...

read more